Wally World: Ride for the Birds

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 click the red "Cancel My Registration" button above 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.

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Every year tens of thousands of snow geese, several thousand trumpeter swans and many other waterfowl and raptor (hawks, falcons, and eagles) species spend the winter on Fir Island.  This ride is as much about birding as it is riding a bicycle. If we spot a flock of birds at a good viewing distance, we will stop to observe and photograph.  It is suggested that you bring binoculars and possibly a camera with a zoom lens. 

This is a steady paced ride (12 – 14 mph) crisscrossing Fir Island in hopes of encountering flocks of snow geese and other birds.  The route is through farmland that is flat as a pancake.  Fir Island is near Conway, WA (I5 exit 221).  We have been given an ok to park in the church parking lot (except on Sundays) but we need to park on the west side of the building beside the basketball hoop. The route is essentially 2 loops which pass the start location at the beginning of each.  As a result, we will have an opportunity at miles 16 to shed layers of clothing and break for lunch.  The posted route is subject to change depending on where we find birds and how much time we spend watching them.

Neither water nor restrooms are available at the start.  However, as you enter Conway both are available at the Shell station although they would like for you to purchase something. An I5 rest stop is available just north of exit 206 coming and going. During the ride, a Honey Bucket is available at mile 3 when we stop at the Hayton Reserve to watch birds and a vault toilet is available at mile 14 when we stop at the Skagit State Wildlife refuge.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the ride to sign the liability waiver if you didn’t register online, and to hear the safety (SMART) briefing. Please register for this ride using the Register Tab.  If you cannot make the ride, please unregister so that someone else may participate.  Be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat a flat – we will stay with you while you fix a flat.  If the roads are wet please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line.

Ride Cancellation: Should conditions require ride cancellation, a notice will be posted on this site by 8:00. If cancelled, the ride leader will not be at the start.