Get Up and Go - Seattle Pacific University to West Seattle

The route goes along the Ship Canal trail then crosses under 15th street. We pass by the Fisherman's Terminal (a great place to get some really fresh fish for dinner on the way back) then along the Elliott Bay Trail where we will get our first views of the Sound and, if we are lucky, Mt. Rainer. We continue past the Washington Ferry Terminal and along Marginal Way, where we head west and go past the West Seattle Fishing Bridge (where you can stop to try and catch your own if you want - we will not wait for you) and on to our " big" climb over the old West Seattle Bridge. From there we head further west to Alki Beach and on to the Alki Lighthouse and the western most point of the route where we get a view of Vashon Island. At this point we head back to Alki Beach for a possible stop at Starbucks and the rest area at the beach. Then we simply retrace our route home. Note, In the winter I ride at the slower end of the moderate pace.  

Please note: During COVID-19 restrictions, all Free Group Rides are limited in the number of allowed participants. Registration for the ride (using the red “Register Now” button above) is REQUIRED to participate. If you decide not to ride, please unregister for this ride so that an additional spot will be made available to another.

Face coverings (for mouth and nose) are required when the group makes extended stops. Face coverings are recommended for the duration of the ride. Please bring personal hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and tissues for use at rest stops.

We will observe current social distancing guidelines when off the bike, and strive to maintain at least 10-12ft separation between riders when on the bike.

Rest Stops:  Our only scheduled rest stop is at the Alki Rest Area (about mile 15.)

NOTE -  Since I am in the high risk category (due to age) I want all riders to stay behind me throughout the ride (except when climbing) and will ask you to wear your mask  during the entire ride. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to stay together and regroup as necessary at the top and bottom of all hills. Since I am a slower climber, anyone who is faster should go ahead at the beginning of the hill and wait at the top.

Start Time:  Let's meet at the West Ewing park 10 minutes before the published start time (i.e 10:20 am) for our pre-ride safety briefing, with a departure at 10:30 am. We will go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe. 

Fenders and tubes:  Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Please have full fenders. Even if it is not raining, when the roads are wet, rooster tails from bare tires are a safety issue for other riders.  Fenders with long mudflaps show that you care about others. Riders without friendly mudflaps may be asked to ride at the back of the group.

WEATHER:  If, between 8:00pm and 10:00 pm (depending when I can check it) the night before the ride, Weather Underground forecast predicts a greater than 30% chance of significant rain or temperature below 42 degrees, the ride will be canceled. I will send everyone who has registered an email that night advising of the cancellation and post a ride-cancellation notice in the Comments section on this club page; and I will NOT be at the start.

Also, if it is raining on the morning of the ride, or if there are other unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, I will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below and email everyone who has registered at least two hours prior to the start and I will not be at the start location. 

I hope you can join me!