Wally World: Ride for the Birds
KEEPING RIDERS SAFE
- Advance registration required for all participants. If you decide not to ride, please click Cancel My Registration below to open space for others. (How to cancel)
- Attendance at the pre-ride safety briefing is required to participate in the ride.
- If you have tested positive for COVID or have been exposed to someone with COVID, follow the quarantine and isolation guidelines. In general, if you have COVID or are displaying COVID symptoms, or if you are sick with the flu or a cold, you should not participate in group rides.
- Carry a face covering in case a business or public transit requires their use.
- Please, no spitting or “snot-rockets” while participating.
- A CPSC certified helmet is required to be worn to participate.
If you are new, please read our newcomer information.
Ride Description: Every year tens of thousands of snow geese, several thousand trumpeter swans and many other waterfowl and raptor (hawks, falcons, and eagles) species spend the winter on Fir Island. If we spot a flock of birds at a good viewing distance, we will stop to observe and photograph. It is suggested that you bring binoculars and possibly a camera with a zoom lens.
This is a steady paced ride (12 – 14 mph) crisscrossing Fir Island in hopes of encountering flocks of snow geese and other birds. The route is through farmland that is flat as a pancake. Fir Island is near Conway, WA (I5 exit 221). We have been given an ok to park in the church parking lot (except on Sundays) but we need to park behind the building. The route is essentially 3 loops which pass the start location at the beginning of each. As a result, we will have an opportunity at miles 16 and 23 to shed layers of clothing. The posted route is subject to change depending on where we find birds and how much time we spend watching them.
Neither water nor restrooms are available at the start. However, as you enter Conway both are available at the Union 76 and Chevron stations provided you purchase something. A honey bucket is publicly available in the Union 76 parking lot. An I5 rest stop is available just north of exit 206 coming and going. During the ride, restrooms are available at mile 14 when we stop at the Skagit State Wildlife Refuge and at mile 21 when we stop for refreshment at the “Field of Beans” Café (see hyperlink below). They have really good soup and sandwiches.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the ride to sign the liability waiver if you didn’t register online, and to hear the safety (SMART) briefing. Please register for this ride using the Register Tab. If you cannot make the ride, you do not need to unregister. Be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat a flat – we will stay with you while you fix a flat. If the roads are wet please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line.
Carpools: The ride is far enough north that some may want to carpool. Please feel free to use the comment section for initial contact communication if you would like a ride or offer to drive.
Ride Cancellation: Should conditions require ride cancellation, a notice will be posted on this site by 8:00. If canceled, the ride leader will not be at the start.
Comments
RIDE ADDENDUM
The Union 76 station as you enter Conway is now a Shell station. The honey bucket is gone but employees in the Shell station tell me we can use the restroom without a purchase. Field of Beans is part of a small rural business. Bicycle theft is not likely but you may feel more comfortable if you bring a cable lock. You may not be able to use one of the solid horse collar shaped locks although you might be able to use one to clip onto someone with a cable lock.
THE RIDE IS ON
A few lingering light showers but expected to be dry by ride start and turning to sunshine. Please don't forget fenders for wet roads.