A Taste of Pain - Vashon Island Hills

This ride is for those considering participation in the annual Passport to Pain (P2P) ride on Vashon, or who would like to try a slightly less challenging route as an introduction to riding on Vashon Island.  The full P2P "Idiot" route on Sep. 16th will be 80 miles with over 9000' of climbing, while this ride lets you test your climbing stamina and preparedness with somewhat less risk of complete exhaustion, ruptured tendons, broken spokes and chain links, etc.  In addition to being shorter, this ride differs from the P2P route by starting at the north end of Vashon instead of at Burton Acres park.  

Climbs on Vashon often exceed 20% grade for short distances, so be sure to bring a bicycle with suitably low gearing.  Although this ride is designed to omit the steepest climbs (over 30% grade), the route is still strenuous.  You have been warned . . .

Ride Start and Time:  We will meet at the Vashon North End Park & Ride lot.  Please be ready to ride by 9:00 am when we will have a required safety briefing, rolling out immediately after.  If you miss the briefing, you will not be able to ride with the group, sorry!  Riders starting in West Seattle may take the 8:15am Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon.  Parking for that ferry is on-street in the vicinity of the terminal, or at the nearby Lincoln Park.  Passenger Fare is $7.25 including a bicycle, or $4.10 if you qualify for the Senior fare.  

End Time:  For your planning purposes, expected return to the Vashon ferry terminal is around 3-3:30 pm, to make the 3:45pm ferry back to Fauntleroy.  Note that the next ferry will not be until 4:50pm.  

Pace:  Pace is Moderate, 14-16 mph on flat, smooth surfaces without wind.  Riders should be able to maintain the Pace speed on flats for the full ride duration. Climbing and descending is at rider's own pace with regrouping at the top of most hills.  Leader will climb at a level of effort which should be achievable for the average rider at this pace.  However, riders significantly off the group pace should be prepared to complete the ride solo, and may wish to consider selecting a slower pace for their next ride.  It is recommended that riders have the route with them in their memory cells, on a portable device with charged battery, or on a printed copy of the cue sheet.

Rest and Food Stops:  Restrooms are available near the start at the Vashon north ferry terminal, and at miles 15.2 (Lisabeula park), 25.8 (Tahlequah ferry terminal), 33.8 (Burton Acres Park), 46.5 (Dockton park) and 55.4 (Vashon town).  Coffee stop is at mile 32.5 (Burton coffee stand) and pastries should also be available there.  Please bring additional energy bars or food if you wish to have a quick snack at the intermediate rest stops.  

Fenders:  For the safety and comfort of your fellow riders as well as yourself, long fenders with extended flaps that reach within 4 inches of the road are appreciated if roads are damp or rain is possible. If you are spraying fellow riders and they are not enjoying it, you may be asked to ride at the back of the group.

Mechanical Issues:  Riders should bring tools and have knowledge to repair flats or minor mechanical problems.  Be prepared to complete the ride on your own, should your bike require a time-consuming repair. The group will stop briefly to ensure you are okay, but will not wait for repairs to be completed if they take more than a few minutes.  Please have a backup plan - person to call, or transportation fare - if you are unable to ride to the finish.

Cancelation:  Ride will be canceled for inclement weather as listed above, or other hazardous road or riding conditions such as snow, ice, threat of lightning or mudslides, steady strong winds, unhealthy air quality, wildfires, unavoidable flooding, riots, acts of war or earthquake damage, or elevated risk of wildlife attack (especially squirrel herds).  Should conditions call for a cancelation day of ride, a cancelation notice will be posted in the comment section below at least 2 hours before the ride start.  If conditions are questionable, please check this page before leaving for the start.  Leader will not be at the start if the ride is canceled 2 or more hours prior to the starting time. 

Route: Ride With GPS route link is below. Please print a cue sheet if you want one, as printed cues are not likely to be available at the ride start due to ride leader's senior memory.  You will also find a route link for the full 80-mile P2P route that starts at Burton Acres park, just in case you're considering being a complete Idiot.  

If you have any questions, you may post them in the Comments section below, or contact the ride leader.  Looking forward to riding with you!