Leisurely Ride from West Seattle to Mercer Island for Lunch

This ride will take us over bridges that cross the Duwamish River and Lake Washington, structures that help  to knit the Puget Sound area into a cohesive urban environment.  After crossing the Duwamish, we will go through Sodo.  On our way, we will observe the progress of construction of a new "bridge," i.e., the overpass that will take S. Lander Street over the railroad tracks.  When complete, this multi-million dollar improvement will eliminate the need for cyclists (and buses) to wait as the interminable freight train rumbles by.   As we leave Sodo and cross Lake Washington on the Lacey V. Murrow Floating Bridge (a/k/a I-90, eastbound), we will observe still more construction, now apparently nearing completion -- Sound Transit's multi-billion dollar project to extend light rail to the Eastside.  After a brief rest stop at the Aubrey Davis Park on the Mercer Island "lid," we will then follow Mercer Way around the island before stopping for lunch in Mercer Island's business district.  After lunch, we will return to West Seattle via the Homer C. Hadley Floating Bridge (a/k/a I-90, westbound).  After again riding through Sodo (passing the Lander Street construction site once more), we will ride back to the start. 

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, with regroups at the tops as needed.

The ride will start at Jack Block Park, where restrooms and water are available.  Parking is available at the park, but the park can also be reached via the Rapid Ride C line;  take the first stop in West Seattle, Branford Street, and ride downhill to Harbor Avenue and the park. 

The rest stop on the lid will be at about 10 miles.  After circling Mercer Island, we will stop for lunch at New Seasons (at mile 24) or other establishments at rider's discretion. 

This ride is set to be at a "leisurely" pace, which means that riders should be comfortable riding at 10 to 12 mph on a flat road with no headwind.

Please arrive by 9:45 so that we can have introductions and do the safety briefing and be ready to depart Jack Block Park at the advertised start time.

You are encouraged to pre-register by clicking the red "Register Now" button above.  There is no need to unregister if you are not able to make it or if you decide not to ride. 

In case of steady rain, the ride leader will not be at the start.  The ride leader will post a cancelation note in the Comments section below at least two hours before the start.