Cherry Blossoms & Trolls (Steady)

Let's meet at Bothell Ski & Bike in Kenmore. Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Join us for this eclectic and scenic urban route. We'll warm up on the Burke Gilman Trail and pop into the UW Quad to take in the abundant cherry blossoms. From there we'll head to Gas Works Park for a lovely view of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union. Then, it's onto Ballard where we'll visit Thomas Dambo's troll, Frankie Feetsplinter, before heading to Golden Gardens. The GG views are lovely and will provide a final rest stop prior to climbing up from the water's edge and meandering our way through Seattle neighborhoods as we cruise to our snack stop at Blue Saucer Cafe in Maple Leaf. From there it's about 9 miles back to the start. Please note that while the elevation gain appears tame on the route, the route is a backloaded with most of the climbing coming in the last 15 or so miles. You will earn your treats climbing out of Golden Gardens!

Pace on the flats will be at the higher end of steady, possibly slower with a headwind or faster with a tailwind. Riders significantly off pace should be prepared to complete the ride on their own.

We will climb and descend at our own pace and regroup as necessary at the top and bottom of hills. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).

Restrooms may not be available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms at miles 14 and 20 (water may not always be available). We’ll also stop for coffee/snacks at Blue Saucer Cafe at mile 27.

Parking: Please park in the spots away from the bike shop on the gas station side.

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card; water and a small snack. 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!