Get On Your Bike: Beach to Sunset Loop

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.

Celebrate the warm summer evenings on this leisurely ride with other friendly riders. We'll start on the Burke Gilman trail, cross the Fremont Bridge and stay near the cool water on the S. Ship Canal Trail. Continuing west through Fishermen's Terminal and following the waterway we'll cross over the Ballard Locks and continue to Golden Gardens. Saving the climb for the cooler evening hours, we'll take the easiest route to Sunset Hill Park and return via Crown Hill and east Ballard. Detailed route information is at the link below. ​ For those interested, we'll get together at a local restaurant after the ride.

This is a social ride with an experienced ride leader to grow your confidence with group riding. It is free and open to everyone. The route consists of trails and bike-friendly streets with minimal 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 don't worry 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. If you aren't sure about your pace, please join us anyway, but study the route and bring a printed copy of the cue sheet with you. We can help you read the cue sheet if you need to return to the start early. Carrying an ORCA card is another good option.

You should dress appropriately for the weather, but you don't 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. If you have them, a front and rear light are helpful since we'll be returning around dusk.

The ride will begin at 6:30 pm (at the east end of the Gas Works parking lot), so please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ready your bike and meet other riders. There is a restroom at the start and near the midpoint.

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. Or if undecided, you can show up a few minutes earlier and sign the waiver at Gas Works. If you cannot make the ride, you do not need to unregister.

Weather - Steady rain 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 leader(s) will not be at the start.

If you have questions, please contact the Ride Leader.

See you at Gas Works!