FRUMPS -- From West Seattle to Kent for Lunch

“West Seattle to Kent for Lunch” takes us along the serpentine banks of the Duwamish River to Fort Dent Park (a/k/a Starfire Sports Center) in Tukwila, where we transition to the straight-as-an-arrow bike path to Kent, where we will stop for lunch at Wild Wheat.  The route is scenic and woodsy at times -- there should still be fall foliage to appreciate -- and it’s flat. 

The ride will begin at Jack Block Park.  The ride follows the Alki and the Duwamish/Green River Trails to Fort Dent, then takes the Interurban Trail to Kent.  Much of the ride is on the bike paths, but at some points we will be riding on streets – in the South Park area, on West Marginal Place South, in the City of Kent, and during part of the return route through the Allentown neighborhood. 

We will leave Jack Block Park at 10:00 a.m.  Parking and restrooms are available at the Park.  From downtown Seattle, the park can also be reached via the King County Water Taxi or via the Rapid Ride “C” bus (use the first stop, Branford Street, in West Seattle, and ride north about one mile, on Avalon and then Harbor Avenue, to the park).  Plan to arrive 20 minutes early so we can have time to do introductions and the safety briefing and start on time.  Bring what you need to address flats or mechanical issues. 

This is a social ride, and we will stay together.  The pace is “steady,” which means riders should be comfortable with riding 12-14 mph on a flat road without headwind.   Our average speed, overall, is likely to be lower.  The route from Jack Block to Fort Dent Park is punctuated by traffic control devices, and parts of the bike path are bumpy due to roots.  As we return to the start, however, we will avoid some of the bumpy sections by crossing the Duwamish and riding on roads through Allentown, on the east side of the river.

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