Richmond Beach to Mulkiteo (with Ice Cream/Gelato)

Join us for a ride from the TOP of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. We take the high road (9th Ave.) across Edmonds and then climb gently through Olympic View Drive to Perrinville. Then we have a nice climb up to Meadowdale where there are bathrooms if needed. From here it is on to Paine Field Community Park for a short restroom and refuel break and then downhill to Mulkiteo, where we can stop for ice cream. We come back a different way, riding about 500' uphill along the main ferry road for 5 miles. Then we pass through the Harbor Pointe neighborhood before rejoining our route back down to Perrinville and a fast downhill along Olympic View Drive. There we take a different route through Edmonds and finish with a nice gentle climb along Woodway Park road back to the Salt Water Park (where there are GREAT scones available at the "Little Store.") 

The Start:  Let's meet at the entrance to the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (190th St and 20th Ave - NOTE There is construction on 20th Avenue, into the park. Follow the detour signs to get to the entrance. I recommend parking on 21st Ave, so you don't have to ride your bike up from the parking lot as the lot is below a steep hill from the starting point) and please be ready to ride at 10:30am. 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.

Pace: We will be riding at the Steady pace (12-14 mph when flat with no head or tail winds). We will climb and descend hills at our own pace ( I am slow going up hills and fast going down). We will regroup frequently. 

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 at the at about mile 13, Paine Community Park for restrooms and water (There are earlier restroom stops if needed), and again in Mulkitieo where we can get coffee and or ice cream at about the half way point of the ride, mile 21. When we get to Edmonds at mile 36, we can stop for gelato, unless we already had ice cream.

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.  We will pause briefly to asses any mechanical problem, but will not delay the group for an extended time. 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 is in the Link, below.  If you want a printed cue sheet, you need to print it out from the RSVP link and bring it.

Weather - Evening Before Cancelation: This Ride Leader likes to sleep late in the morning, so, if on the evening before the ride Weather Underground predicts more than a 50% chance of more than .2" of rain or showers between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below and will send everyone who has registered an email advising of the cancelation. If this happens, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. 

Weather - Day of Cancelation: The Ride Leader will cancel the ride if weather conditions meet the weather cancelation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions (including smoke/ bad air quality) 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 cancelation. If this happens, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. 

We hope you can join us!