Gig Harbor Park(ing) Day Social Ride

What if space for cars could instead be space for people? This is the question behind the Park(ing) Day experiment, where for one day, a community tests out transforming parking spots into places where people can rest, interact and enjoy downtown streets outside of their cars. Gig Harbor will be hosting its very first Park(ing) Day on Saturday, September 16th and cyclists should come check it out. This social group ride will meet on the Tacoma side of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge at the Narrows Park and Ride/ War Memorial Park, travel over the bridge, ride all of Gig Harbor's Cushman Trail and a few Gig Harbor streets before heading to Gig Harbor's downtown waterfront for a short break to check out the Park(ing) Day festivities. We will then regroup and head back over the bridge to the starting point.

There are a few hills on this ride - the bridge, a "hump" on the trail and a bit of a climb from the waterfront -  we will do these at our own paces and regroup after. There is no washroom at the start, but several along the trail, miles 4,6 and 9. Downtown stop is mile 12.  

Please register for the ride by using the "Register Now" button at the top of the page. You can sign the waiver at the ride start, but it will save us time if you register on-line at least two hours before the ride start time. You can create an account and register on-line even if you are not a member of Cascade (see link below). If you change your mind or can not make it, you do not have to "unregister". This is a family friendly ride -  if you are coming as a family, please register every family member separately and make sure mnors are accompanied by adults.

Please arrive at the start 30 minutes early. This will give you a chance to prepare yourself and your bike, sign the waiver (or check off your name if you registered on-line) and we can do introductions, the S.M.A.R.T. safety briefing and leave on time.  

This would be a great ride if you are new to Cascade Free Group Rides! Please see newcomer information in link above. Please note: helmets are required by all riders on Cascade rides. Other strongly recommended items to bring with you: water, snacks, a spare tube, tire levers and anything else needed to change a flat tire, a charged cell phone, ID, some cash and a credit card. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below or send me an e-mail.

The ride with GPS link below has the route map that you can download and cue sheets that can be printed. Please print a cue sheet if you would like one.

Cancellation Policy: If needed, a weather cancellation will be posted in the Comments sections below two hours prior to the ride start time and the ride leader will not be at the start location. If the weather is questionable, please check here before leaving for the ride.