Donuts in the Morning, Ice cream in the Afternoon - Tacoma

Something wonderful has happened on Proctor street in Tacoma - Top Pot Doughnuts is open in the morning until 1pm and then in that same storefront, Bliss Small Batch Creamery opens in the afternoon.  This is across the street from Mason Middle School on the corner of Proctor and 28th where there's a large area with enough space to spread out and enjoy treats! That's where we'll start and end this scenic Sunday ride. 

We'll start our pre-ride introductions and pre-ride safety talk at 10:15am. Get there earlier if you want to get pre-ride coffee and/ or doughnuts. Ride starts at 10:30am. Our ride includes Point Defiance Park's 5 Mile Drive and a loop in Gig Harbor. We'll get back in time for the ice cream window to open. Route linked below - download it or print yourself a cue sheet if desired. 

[[{"fid":"30048","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"height":1080,"width":1080,"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

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.

Pace is moderate - expecting riders to be able to sustain a speed of 14 to 16 mile per hour on flat, windless terrain for about three hours. We will take hills at our own paces and regroup after hills /  before turns if we get spread out. Paces tend to vary with climbs and descents.  Faster riders are welcome to go ahead and the group will wait for slower riders, within reason.  Please send a message or post a comment if you are unsure if this is a good ride for you or if you have any other questions. If you are new to Cascade Free Group rides, please click on  "Read our newcomer information" at the top. 

We will stop for washroom breaks, as needed, at mile 7 (Fort Nisqually, Point Defiance Park) mile 19 (Skansie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor) and mile 27 (Grandview Trailhead, Cushman Trail). These washrooms have running water (the fountains outside may or may not work to fill bottles). We will not be stopping during the ride to purchase food, so please plan accordingly (bring a small snack if you think you might want one during the ride). 

Helmets are required for all participants on Cascade Free Group rides. Some other good things to have: a charged cell phone, ID, water and snacks, cash and/or credit card, supplies to fix a flat (spare tube, pump, tire levers)  front and back lights or reflectors.  Also, as mentioned above - you will need a face covering, hand sanitizer and tissues are also strongly recommended. Please have full fenders - if the roads are wet, you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above (steady rain cancels!) or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride at least two hours prior to the start (i.e. by 8:30am, day of ride) and will not be at the start location.