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Doing the Grind with Evo Car Share

We first profiled Evo Car Share when it launched in Vancouver and since then it remains in my top spot for best car share in the city.

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We first profiled Evo Car Share when it launched in Vancouver and since then it remains in my top spot for best car share in the city. The Prius Hybrid cars are fuel efficient and environmentally friendly and the spacious cars have enough room for your bags, up to four of your friends, even IKEA furniture! Evo is matching its growth in popularity by expanding its Home Zone -which now goes as far west as Blanca St, plus a satellite location at the peak of Grouse Mountain! They're also offering VIA readers an exclusive deal, including free sign up and 30 minutes worth of driving time.

We took one of their vehicles out for a spin to explore its newly expanded Home Zone on the mountain and conquer mother nature's stairmaster: The Grouse Grind. I try to balance out living in the city with spending time in nature. I usually rely on my bike or transit but like to keep commute time to a minimum to make the most of the day, so we were excited to take advantage of having a car and making it out to the Grouse Grind. I have a love/hate relationship with The Grind: I hate it on the way up and then love when I've finished it. I think a lot of Vancouverites can relate.

 Off we go from the Richards and Smithe Evo lot! Off we go from the Richards and Smithe Evo lot!

 The bluetooth feature is essential, especially when the new Drake comes out. The bluetooth feature is essential, especially when the new Drake comes out.

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Once we arrived, we checked the Evo App to see if there were designated parking spots for car shares. We had no trouble parking – while there are two designated car share parking spots, Evo has free overflow parking in any of the Grouse lots, allowing us to park wherever we wanted.

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We were set to do the 2.9 kilometre hike up the mountain. The nervous butterflies set in and I started chugging my water because I got paranoid I'd get dehydrated. But what if I drank too much? Should I have brought more snacks? If I sprained my ankle mid-hike, would that mean I'd get to ride in a helicopter? Before I let my mind go further, we were off.

 So stoked you guys. So stoked you guys.

Oh god, there are so many stairs. As I'm going up with my boyfriend he's giving me words of encouragement, but all I want is to get it over with.

I received advice at a personal training class the day before with the trainer advising me to start out slow. She said too many people start out fast since the first quarter is the least steep and then they burn out halfway through. With this in mind I focused on keeping a steady pace.

 A very accurate sign on the way up.A very accurate sign on the way up.

evo grouse-1-11evo grouse-1-12I missed the quarter mark sign and was relieved to spot the marker for the halfway point. This is where the hike becomes the steepest.

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My personal goals on the hike were to beat the crying toddlers and anyone in flip flops. Goal accomplished.

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You can expect to look as gross and sweaty as myself once you reach the top. But don't focus on yourself when you can be enjoying the stunning view.

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After an hour on the way up, the trip down took a mere few minutes on the gondola ride down. We were excited to get back to the car and treat ourselves.

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We deserved this.

If you're looking to have your own adventure in and out of the city, VIA is offering a readers an exclusive deal! Join Evo FREE and get 30 Minutes of FREE drive time.

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