Va, Va, Va Vashon II

A teen on horseback, a random deer peering from the undergrowth, a half-dozen cars – this is the traffic we experienced on the inaugural Va Va Va Vashon ride several weeks ago, at the start of summer.  Our ride follows a route laid out by the Seattle Bicycle Touring Club, proceeding down the west side of the island to the hamlet of Burton, taking a lollypop tour of the Burton Peninsula (we take a short lunch break there) then eventually heading north via the mid-island road through Vashon Center and thence to the ferry dock.  Bring a sandwich or snack, or purchase a sandwich at the Burton General Store – we will stop for a light lunch on the beach near Quartermaster Harbor.  A coffee stop at the Vashon Coffee Roasterie, where the climbing will be behind us, is also planned. 

We will depart on the 9:30 ferry to Vashon from Fauntleroy.  Parking is available in nearby Lincoln Park, but the ride leader will be at the ferry dock, not in the parking lot.  It is recommended that you park at the north parking lot (the one farther from the ferry dock), as the parking at the south lot is time-limited.   Or put your bike on a Rapid Ride C bus, which stops right at the ferry dock.  Plan to arrive at the ferry dock a half hour early, as we will do introductions and the safety briefing before sailing.  Bring what you need to address your own mechanical issues.  Restrooms are available on the ferry, at the lunch stop on the Burton Peninsula, and at the coffee shop in Vashon Center.

This is a hilly ride, and we will regroup as necessary at the tops of hills.  The pace is “steady,” which means riders should be comfortable with riding 12-14 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.