Scenic South Sound 01: State Capitol, Boston Harbor, Woodard Bay, and Chehalis Western Trail

Start Point: "Winged Victory" Monument on State Capitol Grounds in Olympia

If you've always wanted to take a tour of the State Capitol, but have been busy doing bike rides, and never got around to it... Well, here's your chance to do both on the same outing!  We'll start out with a riding tour of the State Capitol grounds, segue into a scenic ride along the Olympia area waterfront, out to Boston Harbor, and return via the Woodard Bay, Woodland, and Chehalis Western trails.  We will have a regroup  at Boston Harbor Marina store/cafe, with opportunity for a bowl of hot soup or chowder. After the ride, take a FREE guided tour of the State Capitol building; tours start at 2pm and 3pm. See http://www.visitolympia.com/attractions/capitol-tour and http://des.wa.gov/services/facilities-leasing/capitol-campus/tours  Additional scenic options along the route include Priest Point Park and Tolmie State Park.  The ride may also pass through or regroup at one or both depending on weather and scenery.  While you're in Olympia, be sure to wander through the Olympia Farmers Market and check out the Percival Landing waterfront boardwalk.

This is a "Moderate" pace of 14-16 mph on the flats, with an emphasis on enjoying the scenery, so slower at times. There are a few moderate hills, and we will regroup after hills.  Riders who want a little extra workout can ride the Fishtrap Loop option and catch up to the group at the next regroup. The roads are about 10% city streets, 40% dedicated bike path, 25% smooth rural roads with dedicated bike lane, and 25% bike-friendly rural roads in good condition.

Bring what you need to fix your own minor mechanicals, flats, etc.  Arrive 15 minutes prior to ride start time to to prepare your bike and be present for the safety briefing.

Safety/Courtesy: In the likely case of wet roads, fenders are required as a courtesy to other riders.  Also, a good part of the ride is on the Chehalis Western Trail, a multi-use path shared with other nonmotorized users, similar to the Burke-Gilman trail, so similar protocols for safely sharing the trail will apply.

Weather: Heavy, steady downpour cancels

Parking/Bathrooms: The state capitol normally has plenty of nearby available parking on weekends. Bathrooms are available near the start, and several along the route.

Ride check-in will be near the "Insurance Building", the closest building to the Winged Victory statue.