Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This ride has a limited number of spots to ensure we don't disturb the crows. Please only attend if you are registered, and cancel your ticket if your plans change so that others can attend.

Each night during the winter season, nearly 20,000 crows come to roost at Still Creek!

In February or early March each year, Still Moon Arts organizes a twilight bicycle ride along the Central Valley Greenway to quietly follow the crows on the last leg of their journey.

At this time of year, the murder of crows is the largest it will be, as they gather in preparation for the mating season.

We will arrive with the crows at their roost on the banks of Still Creek, and quietly witness them settling in for the night. After dark, we will share snacks, hot chocolate/tea, and conversation about our avian neighbours and the environment.

Bring your bike, your warm riding gear, your best crow costume, and meet other riders as we experience this spectacle together!

Summary of Logistics:

• Date: Saturday, March 7, 2024
• Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
• Location: Central Valley Greenway Bike Route. Meet at GARDEN DRIVE (one block west of Nanaimo)
• Meeting Point (on Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/UHzKn6HWrAXALLy56
• Final destination: The Keg Parking lot (4510 Still Creek Ave, Burnaby, BC V5C 0B5)

Schedule:

• 5:30 PM: Gathering ourselves, cool crow facts, stories or songs to lift our spirits, and optional photos with bird costumes.
• 5:45 PM: Ride begins along the Central Valley Greenway Bike Route. We will be riding slowly for approximately 30-45 minutes.
• 6:30 PM: Arrive at the Keg Parking lot for snacks and more crow information.
  
  Ride home with us back along Central Valley Greenway, or head up to Brentwood Town Centre and take the Skytrain. Bikes are allowed on the Skytrain after rush hour.

Details & Accessibility:

• All riders and abilities are welcome; we will have designated Ride Leaders for different paces of travel such as a kids/slow pace and an adult moderate pace, as well as sweep bringing up the rear of the ride.
• There will be snacks, herbal tea, and hot chocolate available by donation at the Crow Roost (The Keg Parking lot), which is the final destination for the ride. (Hot chocolate contains milk ingredients)
• Crow costumes, fancy black attire, and earth tones are encouraged!
• Please dress warmly, and bring gloves and rain gear in case of showers.
• Please wear comfortable layered biking attire
• Please wear a helmet, and equip yourself with a headlight and rear light for your bicycle. Safety first!
• Bring a reusable drinking mug for hot chocolate/tea
• Kids with their own bikes are welcome with adult supervision

The Route's Accessibility: The route is 3.7km one way, and is 95% on separated bike lanes with several road crossings that will be supported. The route is level terrain, which slopes very gently downwards towards the roost (homebound involves a gentle uphill).
Final destination will be the Keg parking lot (near Willingdon Ave and Still Creek Ave).
The area is not well-lit. We encourage participants to bring headlamps if this is a concern.
The Skytrain is an option for your return journey, as Brentwood Station is an 8-minute ride or a 12-minute walk from the crow roost.

Weather:

• In case of extremely heavy rain or snow, the ride will be postponed
• Registered folks will be updated about the new date via email

About Still Moon Arts Society

Still Moon Arts Society mobilizes community and creates positive change through eco-arts and environmental stewardship programming, and produces the annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival. Still Moon is a registered charity whose mission is to inspire vibrant and connected communities by creating artistic experiences and nurturing a passion for nature.