In this series we stop people along the bike lanes in Vancouver and have chats with them about their thoughts on cycling, their bikes, and more. Have a look at the archive HERE.
Name?
Klee
What is the origins of your name?
Emily Carr used to be called Klee Wyck by the first nations when she was painting. Klee means "laughing one". It's also after another painter, Paul Klee. That's what you get for being named by hippie artist parents.
Where are you biking from?
I just came from Chapters, where I bought a book called "Craft Beer Revolution" about all the different breweries in BC.
Where do you work?
I opened the cafe Le Marché St. George 5 years ago with my sister and her partner Pascal.
Your spot is an amazing little gem, what sparked the idea to open that?
My sister and Pascal bought the building and technically it is supposed to be just a corner store. They thought we could do more of a restaurant but the city has some rules against turning it into one.
You guys have chickens too, right?
Yup, and bees.
Where do you live? Do you have to commute far to work?
No, I actually just live right beside the store, but I do like to bike often though.
Have you always lived in Vancouver?
I've lived here since I was ten. I'm from Salt Spring Island originally. My father still lives there, but I don't get out there nearly enough.
Do you have a worst biking story?
Not really, but I am always super conscious when I go along the tenth avenue bike lane near the hospital as it is the most ridiculous bike path in the city. It really doesn't make any sense that it goes through there. Whenever I have to pass by that section I make sure that I am not in a rush because I feel like if something were to happen it would happen there. People are thinking about other things and are coming and going from the hospital.
Is there any events that you are enjoying this summer in Vancouver?
I actually just got back from picking mushrooms, so I haven't had the chance to decompress just yet.
I guess it's less labor intensive then planting trees in the summer?
I have tree planted before as well, and it was interesting to see the similarities and differences between the two. It was actually pretty hard on the body but in different ways. You are crouching down and usually walking 5 km out of the craziest terrain. A 3km walk can take you three hours, and hopefully you have a lot of mushrooms on your back by that point.
What is your favorite part of the summer?
Bike gangs with friends. Just little gangs like 5 people where we bike around the city, maybe head to a friends place or for dinner. It really makes it feel like summer, especially when the sun is starting to go down and its still hot out.
