Event has already happened.
We will leave Matthews Beach and ride south on the Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) then east toward Greenlake. Ride west to Fremont Avenue and north to Shoreline. Just south of the Aurora Village Costco we will ride east on 195th over I-5 to Perkins Road, then descending quickly to Lake Forest Park. Then a right turn on the BGT back to Matthews Beach to our starting point. See the map for the route. Helmets and a functioning bicycle are required. Note: depending upon road construction, weather and or wind conditions the route may be slightly changed in some locations; the ride leader will make that decision at the ride start and notify riders as needed.
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 as needed.
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.
Ride start: Please arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of the ride. Check in with the ride leader when arriving. We will have the safety briefing before leaving on the ride after the safety briefing. Water and restrooms are available at the start location.
Route: Come have fun & enjoy this bike ride. This route utilizes the Getting Ready to Ride (GR2R) series with the sixth ride route model. This variation starts from Matthews Beach parking lot, west via Ravenna Park area, over to Green Lake. We then cycle up the Interurban Trail to Shoreline, cross over I-5 and enjoy a speedy descent to Lake Forest Park. We then ride on the BGT south and return along Lake Washington to Matthews Beach. Note: There is water at the start and some opportunities for lavatory facilities & hand washing on the route.
Fenders: If the roads are wet, come equipped with fenders long enough to keep the rider behind you dry, or be the caboose.
Parking: Free parking at Matthews Beach parking lot. Arrive early to beat the sea gulls for a good parking spot.
Pace: The pace is moderate at 14 to 16 mph, NOTE: on the BGT or other trails, we will observe the posted speed limit.
Food: Bring food or snacks to eat on the ride, there will be no lunch break.
Mechanical: Be prepared to handle mechanical issues, if you have a problem e.g. flat tire. Bring a spare tube, tools, patch kit, pump and with skills to fix flats. Have a mobile phone and a plan for rescue in case your bike fails.
Cue sheets: No cue sheets will be provided. A Ride With GPS map file and cue sheet are available at the link, below. If you want a cue sheet, please print it and bring it along.
Weather cancellation: The listed phone number will not be answered on the day of the ride. If "Showers cancel" conditions exist on ride day, I will not go to the start. In that case, I'll post a ride-canceled message in the Comments block below, not later than two hours prior to start time. Ice, frost/snow or sub-freezing temperatures that would "ride cancel" or make driving to the start unwise will also ride cancel. If the weather looks iffy, check here before leaving for the ride.
What to Know Before You Go
- Advance registration required. Cancel if unable to attend, to open space for others.
- Must be present at safety briefing to participate.
- Helmets required.
- Riders under 18 years old require parental consent & approval from the Ride Leader.
Stay up to date!
Join our email list and get the latest from Cascade Bicycle Club right in your inbox.