Vashon and Maury Islands

Let's meet at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal for a 32-mile hilly tour of Vashon and Maury Island at a Moderate (14-16mph) pace. Be in the bicycle loading area at the end of the ferry dock before 9:00am to board the 9:10 ferry. We'll have the required safety briefing once we land on Vashon and roll out after the cars have unloaded to avoid traffic on the hill up from the ferry dock.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Please note, if you are driving to the ride -- please park in the upper parking lot at Lincoln Park (8001 Fauntleroy Way SW, marked on RwGPS map) and bike down. Parking is not available at the ferry terminal itself and the lower Lincoln Park lot closest to the ferry dock is frequently full and has a 4hr limit that is aggressively enforced. Depending on the ferry schedule and rider speed, we could be longer than 4hrs and the upper lot does not have a time limit. 

The ride starts with probably our toughest climb of the day right from the ferry dock so gear down and get spinning. We'll then cruise on down Vashon Highway to Cemetery Road and then drop down to the beach before crossing the causeway onto Maury Island. We'll head on past the golf course and begin our second climb of the day up to the Maury Island Nature Reserve Scenic Viewpoint. After pausing for water and photos, we'll descend rolling hills to the Pt. Robinson lighthouse, our second vista of the day that also usually has port-a-potties. Note, there is a short, optional to walk or ride ~100yd gravel path from the end of the road to the lighthouse and/or visit to the neighboring Troll. After Pt. Robinson, we'll finish ride along the rolling curves on the north side of Maury Island and head over to Burton for optional coffee and food stop at Burton coffee stand (no restrooms). We'll continue to Jensen beach park restrooms (if needed) before heading back up Vashon Highway towards the ferry. We'll aim for either the 12:40 or 1:40 ferry return depending on route, pace, number of stops, and group interest. Note there's an 100minute gap in the schedule after 1:40, so we don't want to miss that one.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and we will regroup occasionally at the top of the hills. Please note the three extended climbs on the route. There are also several steep descents on this route which may still be wet or leaf covered. You should be comfortable with extended climbing as well as descending under control and stopping aggressively in wet conditions in order to be comfortable on this ride. We may also change the route while on Vashon based on riding conditions in order to avoid rough or dangerous conditions.

Restrooms are available at the start of the ride both at Fauntleroy and Vashon ferry terminals as well as on the ferry itself. We will stop along the way for restrooms at miles at Pt Robinson (14.1) with additional options to stop at restrooms at Jenson Beach (22.2), Vashon coffee roasters (26.3), or Vashon library (28.0) if needed. We’ll also stop for coffee/snacks at Burton coffee stand at mile 20.6 or Vashon coffee roasters (26.3) depending on interest and pace (in order to make it back to the ferry).

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card for ferry ticket; ORCA card; water and a small snack. Ferry fare for adult with bicycle is $7.50 roundtrip, $4.25 for seniors. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions such as hard frost or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is cancelled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.