Kitsap: A 38-Mile Loop Ride (Moderate)

Thanks to the generous permission of the Faith Episcopal Church in Poulsbo, we will gather in their front parking lot, where my white Sprinter will be waiting for you.  Be there, ready to go at the time listed above.  Attention cyclists arriving from the 35-minute Seattle to Bainbridge ferry ride: kindly be aware that the last departure time to ensure punctuality is 7:55 a.m.  We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

This scenic 38-mile waterfront route takes you south of Poulsbo, following the shores of Keyport and Brownsville Marina, offering stunning views of Puget Sound, the largest estuary by water volume in the contiguous United States.  The journey progresses with a challenging ascent featuring a strenuous mile-long incline boasting an impressive 7% average grade.  This is succeeded by a gentle descent into Bremerton's serene yet lively Manette district, where an exceptionally gratifying pastry experience awaits!  We then continue northward along the Dyes Inlet waterfront, traversing through Tracyton and Silverdale before making our way back to the original parking lot.

In Manette, we will visit Saboteur Bakery, an artisan establishment renowned for its European pastries.  It is advisable to note that their celebrated pastries have frequently been sold out.  No need to fret; a famous, delightful fourth-generation scratch bakery, Larry & Kristi's Bakery, is just 500 feet ahead.  Moreover, packing a light lunch accompanied by a delightful pastry can be advantageous for maintaining your energy levels.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, regroup frequently, and limit our speeds on multi-use paths to the legal maximum (10 or 15 mph), ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for all.  

The ride will last about four hours, if not shorter.  Restrooms are available at the beginning of the route in a nearby Town & Country Market.  As needed, restrooms and water breaks are available at mileposts 10 in Brownsville Marina, 19 in Lion's Park, 26 in Silverdale Waterfront Park, and 30 in Clear Creek Grocery/Gas Station.  Additionally, coffee may be purchased at these mileposts mentioned earlier.

Just in case, bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat.  Other things to bring are a 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 canceled at least two hours before the start, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.  Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!