Rainier, Shorelines & Greenways (Steady)

We’ll gather at the northeast corner of the Magnuson Park Public Parking Lot (see the location map above). Please arrive ready to ride at the posted start time. A required safety briefing begins shortly before departure, and all riders must attend to participate.

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Rainier, Shorelines & Greenways is a relaxed 20-mile loop through North Seattle, linking Lake Washington shoreline riding with quiet neighborhood routes, scenic park connections, viewpoints, and tucked-away stretches that make the city feel surprisingly adventurous. Weather permitting, we may catch views of Mt. Rainier along the way.

This ride is designed as a friendly Steady-paced outing and typically takes less than 3 hours, depending on pace, regrouping, and conditions. It is not entirely flat, so expect several short climbs and rolling sections—especially in the second half—along with paved streets, greenways, park paths, and short mixed-surface segments.

The mixed-surface sections add a little variety, but riders should be comfortable on park paths, gravel connectors, and brief non-paved segments. We’ll regroup frequently, observe posted path speed limits—typically 15 MPH and occasionally 10 MPH—and may dismount briefly where needed to help keep the group safe.

🌿 Did You Know?
 
Magnuson Park was once Sand Point Airfield, where four Douglas World Cruiser biplanes departed in 1924 with aviators from the U.S. Army Air Service—the predecessor of today’s U.S. Air Force—on the first successful flight around the world. For the backstory, see this great Smithsonian article: "The Story of the First Flight Around the World." 

Two biplanes completed the journey, flying west across the North Pacific, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America before returning to Seattle 175 days later. We’ll start near that aviation history, then trade old runways for shorelines, greenways, and Lake Washington views—no propellers, no ocean crossings, but yes, a bakery café stop!

🌿 Café & Restrooms
We’ll stop at Cafe Javasti for coffee, pastries, and a chance to regroup before the final miles. Restrooms are available at the start, Laurelhurst Playfield (6), Green Lake Park area (14), Cafe Javasti (17), and at the end.

🌿 Please bring
* Water and ride nutrition 
* Spare tube and flat repair tools 
* Phone and photo ID 
* Cash or credit card 
* Weather-appropriate layers 

📌 If roads are wet, full fenders are required—or riders may be asked to ride at the back of the group. 
📌 If weather conditions meet the Weather Status cancellation criteria, or if unforeseen hazardous riding conditions arise, the Ride Leader may cancel the ride. 
📌 If canceled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leaders will not be present at the start location. Please check ride status updates before departing.

Come for the shoreline miles, greenways, and—if we’re lucky—a Rainier view! 😅

Together. We. Ride. 
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