Get on Your Bike: Pottering around to Walter's in Ballard

Been off the bike for a while? Bought a bike and not yet confident riding? Time to take advantage of nicer weather to get riding for health, fitness or just fun! Here is your opportunity to develop riding skills, become more familiar with your bike and feel confident riding in a group.

Let's potter around (or explore if you like) westside neighborhoods of Seattle. We will ride through Seattle Center to catch Elliot Bay Trail. Then we head north to Ballard via the locks (we will dismount and walk) and climb a bit to our destination for ice cream. We will head back via greenway, Burke-Gilman Trail, and Westlake Bike Lane. Because of the nice weather (and I am not complaining), trails might be crowded. In that case, we will ride more slowly than the posted pace. Please bring your smile because there will be lots of photo ops along the way :-).

There is no parking or rest room at the start. However, MOHAI is nearby for restrooms parking is available on streets. Let's meet at SW corner of Lake Union Park by the pond.

This is a social ride with experienced ride leaders to grow your confidence with group riding. It is free and open to everyone. The route consists of trails and bike-friendly streets with easy climbs so you can practice shifting gears. Everyone will ride the hills at their own pace and we always regroup at the top and before any turns so you need not be concerned about being left behind.

"Leisurely Pace" is 10-12 mph on flat surface without any headwind. We will go slower on hills and with a headwind and faster going downhill. Average walking speed is around 3 mph, so we be 3-4 times faster!. If you aren't sure about your pace, please join us anyway, but study the route and bring a printed the cue sheet with you. We can help you read the cue sheet if you need to return to the start early. Carrying ORCA card is another good option.

You should dress appropriately for the weather, but you do not need spandex or other specialized bike gear. All you need is a working bike and a helmet. If you haven't ridden your bike for quite some time, please do a ABC Check (link below) or take it to your local bike shop a few days prior to the ride date.

Please arrive 20 minutes before the published start time to ready your bike, check in and participate in the safety and ride briefing. We will go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe.

Register - Please sign an e-waiver by clicking on the “Register Now” button at the top of this page (right below the ride title) and enter your information. If you cannot make the ride, you do not need to unregister.

Weather - Showers or more severe weather will cancel the ride.  Ride cancellation will be announced in the comments section at least two hours before start time and the ride leaders will not be at the start.

If you have questions, please contact the Ride Leader.