We met up with avid bikers, Myke Preuss and Ryan McGrew from Palms -a creative studio specializing in culture-driven brands and human-centered digital products.
They are Gastown locals and they love biking to work.
Myke Preuss -Executive Director and Partner at Palms
Myke: I love biking to work mainly becuse it’s fast and I hate wasting time. I live pretty close and it’s a 10 minute walk or a 3 minute bike ride. On the days that I do happen to go to the gym at lunch, I love having my bike, as the ride up to the YMCA is a lot more pleasant and cost effective than trying to drive there.
I’ve got an nice aluminium, single speed track bike that I use for the street. I love it because it’s’ a little bit ridiculous but it’s perfectly suited to the terrain that I ride. I live in Gastown and I work in Gastown so I don’t have a lot of hills to contend with but in the event that I’m going for a ride around Stanley Park, it really makes for a good workout.
Favourite spots in Gastown:
I’m a martini man and I love the martinis at The Pourhouse and L’abattoir along with their great food. I’ve become a creature of habit; I really like new experiences but the thing I like more than that, is not being let down – so it’s a bit of a paradox.When I find what I like, I stick to it. And for coffee, it’s definitely Timbertrain – our office is right above it and I go there frequently.
Ryan McGrew – Content Director and Partner at Palms
Ryan: I find it’s a really great way to start the day rather than being on a crowded train or stuck in a car in traffic. I really like getting some fresh air in the morning and it’s a nice time to clear my head and to think about the day. Often, some great ideas come from those early morning bike rides. It’s an excellent way to get some exercise on the way to work and on the way home as well.
This bike is actually my wife’s bike; it’s named ‘Free Spirit’, a beautiful forest green bike discovered on Craigslist. She found this old file basket and afixed it to the back which I find perfect to carry my laptop and lunch to work.
My bike is a lighter blue and is being fixed right now. I also found it on Craigslist and it was used as a prop on film sets. Both bikes are really special as they have that vintage British quality to them and have stood the test of time.
Favourite spots in Gastown:
There are certainly a lot of amazing spots to get coffee in Gastown – being so close to Timbertrain – that’s my favourite spot. I love Tacofino for lunchtime and even just strolling around the cobblestone streets here – Gastown is a different experinence within Vancouver that I really appreciate; complete with a perfect blend of modern and heritage.
