North Tacoma: Ruston Way & Point Defiance Park

Biking Out Of Tacoma!  Hoping to do a spring/summer weekend series starting from Tacoma's War Memorial Park/ Narrows Park and Ride - trying out some of my favorite solo routes with the small groups we are allowed to have this year. This one is a fairly short scenic loop around North Tacoma, featuring Ruston Way, Point Defiance Park's 5 mile drive and the new Wilson Way bridge that connects them.   (Route linked below - you can download it or print a cue sheet if you would like one).

We'll be meeting at 9:45am and leaving for the ride at 10:00 am after introductions and a brief safety talk. 

Please note: During COVID-19 restrictions, all Free Group Rides are limited in the number of allowed participants. Registration for the ride (using the red “Register Now” button above) is REQUIRED to participate. If you decide not to ride, please unregister for this ride so that an additional spot will be made available to another.

Face coverings (for mouth and nose) are required when the group makes extended stops. Face coverings are recommended for the duration of the ride. Please bring personal hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and tissues for use at rest stops. 

We will observe current social distancing guidelines when off the bike, and strive to maintain at least 10-12ft separation between riders when on the bike.

We will regroup after hills and before turns if we get spaced out. We'll stop for washrooms at Kandle Park (mile 2) and at Fort Nisqually (mile 14) as needed. 

Helmets are required. Other things to bring: ID, cash and/or credit card, a charged cell phone, supplies to fix a flat or other minor mechanical, water and snacks. Lights on your bike are recommended but not required if you have reflectors. Out of consideration for others, please have full fenders if roads are wet - you may be asked to ride at the back if you do not have fenders. And as mentioned above, in these times, you will need a face covering and should also pack hand sanitizer and kleenex. 

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.  Please check before leaving for the ride.