TREATS: Ride for the Daffodils (Steady)

**Special Friday edition of TREATS**

One of the spring's highlights in the Skagit Valley is the bloom of daffodils which signal the start of spring. Daffodils are approaching full bloom now and RoosenGarde predicts fields full of flowers through the end of March. This is also part of a brief period each spring when both snow geese and flowers are present. I can't guarantee seeing a field full of snow geese, but we have seen them in the past. The ride is extremely flat with only 129 feet of elevation change in 27 miles. The ride takes somewhat longer than most rides of this distance because we stop to enjoy the view any time we come upon a field of flowers or flock of snow geese. We will also make minor addendums to the route should we see either daffodils or geese not too far out of our way.

Let's meet at Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon. To get there, take exit 226 from Interstate 5 and follow the signs to Anacortes. After you cross the Skagit River, take the first left into the park. The restrooms are closed until April 1. Be there, ready to go at 10:00. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Restrooms are not available at the start. Restrooms and water are available just as you enter Mount Vernon assuming you use exit 226. Stay in the right lane on Broad Street and turn into the bus/Amtrak parking lot just after you cross over the tracks.  We will stop along the way for restrooms and water in La Conner at mile 14. In addition, I expect portable toilets will be available at RoosenGaarde (mile 5). We will stop for a picnic lunch beside the Swinomish Channel in La Conner at mile 15.

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; water and a picnic lunch. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is cancelled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!