Sound Views Abound

Join us for a 23.5 mile urban ride at a Brisk pace (approximately 16-18 mph on flat roads with no wind). This route is a scenic loop that begins at lower Woodland Park and heads up to Carkeek Park for the first round of Puget Sound and Olympic mountain range photo opportunities.  From there, we climb back out of Carkeek Park and ride the hills through the Blue Ridge neighborhood and down through Golden Gardens and Shilshole for more incredible west-facing views.  Next, we ride over to (and walk across!) the Ballard Locks before climbing up to Discovery Park.  After circling Magnolia and taking in the sights of Elliott Bay, we hop on the South Ship Canal Trail and return to the start via Fremont (with a cruise by the troll under the bridge).  

We will meet at the public parking lot in lower Woodland Park by the sports fields at 8:50 am for a safety briefing and a prompt departure at 9:00 am.  

Notes:

• Restrooms are located at the start but may not be open due to COVID.  We will not be making any planned restroom stops along the way.
• We will regroup at the top of challenging climbs.  If a rider falls behind pace or makes the group wait for extended periods of time after climbing hills, they may be asked to continue the ride on their own so please come prepared with a cue sheet and/or GPS device.
• Riders should know how to change a flat and have the equipment to do so.  We will not be stopping for mechanical failures so having a cue sheet and cell phone are strongly recommended.
• Front and rear lights are recommended for general safety, even in daylight hours.
• We will reduce speed to posted limits on multi-use paths, usually 15 mph.
• If the roads are wet, please be courteous to your fellow riders and use fenders (with a long mud/buddy flap) or prepare to ride in the back of the group behind those who have fenders equipped.

If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, the Ride Leader will post a cancellation notice in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.