Explore Vashon

Have you been wondering about riding Vashon Island?  If so, wonder no more.  This ride provides you with a chance to enjoy Vashon, an officially-designated rural community that is just a short ferry ride away from Seattle's urban intensity.  The ride follows a time-tested route laid out by the Seattle Bicycle Touring Club, proceeding down the west side of the island to the hamlet of Burton, scooting out to Jensen Point, then cruising along the waterfront of Quartermaster Harbor and the east side of the island before climbing again to Vashon Center. 

This is a hilly ride.  We will climb and descend the hills at our own pace.  The pace is "steady" (12-14 mph), but "pace" refers to one's comfort level in riding on a flat road without a headwind.  In practice, average speed during this ride will be less than 12 mph.

The ride will depart on the 9:25 a.m. sailing to Vashon from Fauntleroy.  Park in the north parking lot for Lincoln Park (parking in the south parking lot is limited to four hours), or put your bike on the King County Metro Rapid Ride C bus, which stops right at the ferry dock.  Allow enough time to walk or ride from the parking lot, purchase your ticket for the ferry, and be ready to board for the 9:25 sailing.  Upon disembarking at Vashon, we will regroup by the passenger waiting building, do (or re-do) introductions, and review the S.M.A.R.T. safety guidelines while waiting for vehicle traffic to completely disembark.  We will then have the road to ourselves as we begin the first major climb, to the "top" of the island.  We will regroup at the top of this climb (by the fire station), as well as at the top of every other major climb. 

Bring money for the ferry fare and, if you wish, to purchase a sandwich or other eats at the Burton store (mile 14), and coffee.  Or bring a sandwich with you. The lunch stop will be on the beach at Jensen Point (mile 15) (water and rest rooms are available here).  A coffee stop at Vashon Island Baking Company in Vashon Center, where the climbing will be behind us, is also planned. 

Restrooms are available at both ends of the ferry trip and aboard the ferry.  A porta-potty is available at the Vashon landfill (mile 8), at the Jensen Point park, and at the coffee stop. 

You are encouraged to pre-register by clicking the red "Register Now" button above. There is no need to unregister if you decide not to ride.

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, as well as a cell phone, just in case.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.

We hope you can join us!