Richmond Beach to Snohomish with Ice Cream

Join us for a scenic 57 mile ride from the top of the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park to Snohomish.The route has views of the Olympics, Cascades and the Sound.  We start in Richmond Beach and travel north to Paine Field before dropping down to the Snohomish River.  We'll ride along the river valley to Snohomish for a light lunch break (30 minutes +/-) at the Snohomish Bakery.  After the bakery we head to the Snohomish Ice Cream Factory for an affogato, then we continue to Woodinville and pick up the Burke Gilman trail with a climb up Perkins Way and a rapid descent in Shoreline on our way back to the Salt Water Park.

NOTE: After the ice cream stop we will have a VERY steep windy descent to Woodinville on 240th st and riders will be asked to stay behind the ride leader.

The Start:  Let's meet at the entrance to the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (190th St and 20th Ave.) Please be ready to ride at 10:00am. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  If you miss the briefing you will not be able to ride with the group.

Parking: There is parking along the West side of 20th and 21st Avenues. or in the parking lots down the hill from the starting point.

Pace: We will be riding at the fast end of the Steady pace (i.e.14 mph when flat with no head or tail winds). We will climb and descend hills at our own pace. We will regroup frequently. No one will be dropped from this ride.

Rest stops:  Restrooms are available at the start (but they are at the bottom of the hill in the park, so be sure to come early if you need them.) We will stop along the way for restrooms/water at mile 9 and at the Snohomish bakery at about mile 24. We’ll also stop for affogatos (or ice cream) in Maltby at mile 35. If necessary, there are additional restrooms at Blythe and Log Boom Park. 

The Basics:  These rides are not supported. Riders should be able to sustain the pace, carry nutrition/water, and have the know-how and equipment to fix a flat tire.  The group will not stop for repair of flats or mechanical issues. Everyone should carry a cell phone to call for assistance if needed.

Be considerate and have full fenders including mud flaps if roads are wet or a prediction of rain is in the forecast. If you don't have fenders, you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

New riders:  We are very happy to have you with us.  Please read the New Rider link (“read our newcomer information”), above, and keep in mind that a helmet is required for all Cascade rides. 

Registration:  This ride has  a limited capacity. If possible, please register for the ride a few days in advance. Please be sure to cancel your registration if you decide not to go on the ride.

Ride With GPS Link:  The route map and cue sheet are in the Links, below.  If you want a printed cue sheet, you need to bring it.

Weather: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and will send everyone who has registered an email advising of the cancellation. If this happens, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. 

We hope you can join us!