Discover the Duwamish

Before the arrival of Euro-American settlers in 1853, the Duwamish people used the Duwamish River as “the way in” to the interior of the Puget Sound Country.  The Duwamish plied the river in canoes;  the settlers followed with barges and shallow-draft boats.  Today, the river’s valley cradles all manner of transportation -- conventional rail, highways (I-5 and S.R. 99), a county airport, light rail, the river and, yes, the Duwamish and Green River Trails.  This ride has a historical theme with brief stops at two points representative of the peoples that have made homes along the river.   

The ride will begin at Jack Block Park.  The ride follows the Alki and the Duwamish/Green River Trails to Fort Dent, then we will return to the start.  We may detour for coffee and a snack at a Starbucks in Tukwila.  Much of the trail is on a bike path, but there will be times when we will be riding on roads with vehicle traffic – in the South Park area and on West Marginal Place South. 

We will leave Jack Block Park at 9:30 a.m.  Parking and restrooms are available at the Park, and restrooms are available at the Star Fire sports center, halfway through the ride.  (Jack Block Park can also be reached via the King County Water Taxi to West Seattle, or via the Rapid Ride “C” bus;  in either case, a very short bike ride will bring you to the Park.)  Plan to arrive 20 minutes early so we will have time to do introductions and the safety briefing and start on time.  Bring what you need to address your own mechanical issues. 

This Is a social ride, and we will stay together.  The pace is “leisurely,” which means riders should be comfortable with riding 10-12 mph on a flat road without headwind. 

Steady rain cancels.  If a cancellation is necessary, ride leader will post a notice in the comments section two hours prior to the start.