FRUMPS -- Spring Ride from West Seattle to Kent

"Spring Ride from West Seattle to Kent” will take us along the banks of the Duwamish River to Fort Dent Park (a/k/a Starfire Sports Center) in Tukwila, where we transition to the bike path on the former Interubran trolley right-of-way to downtown Kent for lunch at Wild Wheat.  The route is scenic and woodsy at times.  By the time of this ride, the unfolding of spring foliage should be well underway.  We will look for herons in the river and osprey circling above.  Rabbits are often seen along the trail.

The ride will begin at Jack Block Park.  The ride follows the Alki and the Duwamish/Green River Trails to Fort Dent, then takes the Interurban Trail to Kent.  Much of the ride is on the bike paths, but at some points we will be riding on streets – in the South Park area, on West Marginal Place South, and during the last mile or so in Kent. 

We will leave Jack Block Park at 10:00 a.m.  Parking and restrooms are available at the Park.  From downtown Seattle, the park can also be reached via the King County Water Taxi or via the Rapid Ride “C” bus (use the first stop, Bradford Street, in West Seattle).  Plan to arrive 20 minutes early so we can have time to do introductions and the safety briefing and start on time.  Bring what you need to address your own mechanical issues. 

This is a social ride, and we will stay together.  The pace is “steady,” which means riders should be comfortable with riding 12-14 mph on a flat road without headwind.   Note that our average speed on the first half of the ride (from Jack Block to Tukwila and on the return over the same section) is likely to be lower.  The route from Jack Block to Fort Dent is punctuated by traffic control devices, and parts of the bike path, regrettably, are bumpy due to roots. 

Steady rain cancels.  If a cancellation is necessary, ride leader will post a notice in the comments section two hours prior to the start.