Seattle Pacific University to Edmonds

Please join me at the West Ewing Mini-park (at the beginning of 3rd Ave. West, on the Seattle Pacific Univ. Campus, ) for a 30 mile ride up to Edmonds on some bike only roads through the neighborhoods, with a great downhill on the Innis Arden Way and then a climb for some beautiful views of the Sound as we get close to Edmonds. If open, we will have a donut and a bathroom stop in Edmonds before heading back along a different route. Note, In this early part of the biking season, I ride at the slower end of the moderate pace. Also we'll limit our speed on the multi-use paths to the legal maximum (15 MPH).

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.

The Route:  The route goes along the Ship Canal trail then crosses the canal into Fremont. We will take Stone Way up to Greenlake, where we head back to Fremont Ave. which is a restricted neighborhood road (for bikes, walkers and limited cars), then we hook up with the Interurban trail for about 1 mile and then enjoy a steep downhill on Innis Arden Way, finally climbing back up where we get to enjoy the water views as we head into Edmonds. 

In Edmonds we will be able to use the bathrooms at the Ferry Terminal and, if open, get a quick coffee and donut at Top Pot (or Starbucks, if necessary).

Of course we have to climb out of Edmonds to return. On the way back we will stay a little further West and come into Fremont where we pick up the Burke and then cross the Fremont bridge to get to the Ship Canal trail and back to the start. (Note, there will probably be a slight route adjustment for the Edmonds part of the return, but I will advise of that by email the night before.)

This will be a regular Wednesday ride, possibly alternating with the flat West Seattle route that I have been leading throughout the winter.

NOTE - Since I am in the high risk category (due to age) I will ask all riders to stay behind me throughout the ride (except on climbs) and ask you to wear your mask throughout the ride. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to stay together and regroup as necessary at the top and bottom of all hills. Since I am a slower climber, I will ask anyone who is faster to go ahead at the beginning of the hill and wait at the top.

Start Time:  Let's meet at the West Ewing park 10 minutes before the published start time (i.e 10:20 am) for our pre-ride safety briefing, with a departure at 10:30 am. We will go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe.  

Restrooms and water are NOT available at the start and the only planned stop comes at the half way point in Edmonds.

Registration:  You must pre-register by clicking the red "Register Now" button above (that also ensures that you will get emails of any ride cancellations). The ride will be limited to 5 rides plus the ride leader. Due to the 5 person limit to the ride, please remember to unregister if you decide not to ride.

Fenders and tubes:  Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Please have full fenders. Even if it is not raining, when the roads are wet, rooster tails from bare tires are a safety issue for other riders.  Fenders with long mudflaps show that you care about others. Riders without friendly mudflaps may be asked to ride at the back of the group.

WEATHER:  If, between 8:00pm and 10:00 pm (depending when I can check it) the night before the ride, Weather Underground forecast predicts a greater than 30% chance of significant rain, the ride will be canceled. I will send everyone who has registered an email that night advising of the cancellation and post a ride-cancellation notice in the Comments section on this club page; and I will NOT be at the start. 

Also, if there are unexpected showers the morning of the ride, or if there are other unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, I will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below and email everyone who has registered at least two hours prior to the start and I will not be at the start location. 

We hope you can join me!