Full & Half Metric Century: Bainbridge-Bremerton Ferry Terminals Loop (Moderate)

Join us on the spine-tingling buildup for the Spring riding season! We will ride past the ferry terminals and delectable bakeries. A Full Century climb exceeds 4600' while a Half Century surpasses 2400', and you won't pack on any pounds!

We'll meet in front of the Bike Barn Rentals, next to Bainbridge Ferry Terminal (see the location map above). 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.

There are TWO metric cycling options:

Half-Metric Century (HMC) is a 31-mile one-way ride to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal. The expected duration is three hours or less. Board the 1-hour ferry to Seattle 15 minutes before the 1:30 p.m. departure time.

Full-Metric Century (FMC) is a 62-mile loop from our meeting spot to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal and return. The complete journey is anticipated to last between five and six hours. The return Bainbridge ferry to Seattle schedule is 3:00, 3:55, and 4:40 p.m.

For those arriving from Seattle: The final ferry departure time to ensure punctuality is 8:55 a.m.

For those driving in Bainbridge, there are two parking options: 

1) The Bainbridge Ferry Parking Paystation lot, situated behind the Bike Barn Rental building, charges an All-Day parking fee of $11.00.

2) Free parking at the Bethany Lutheran Park & Ride Lot (map here). Please plan accordingly, as you'll need to cycle for at least 15 minutes to reach us in time for the meeting.  For FMC cyclists returning, we will stop at this parking lot for your parked vehicles on the way to the terminal.

We begin our journey by passing through Poulsbo, Tracyton, and Bremerton, ultimately reaching the end of the Half-Metric Century ride near the ferry terminal. On the return loop, we pass the Port of Brownsville, Poulsbo, to the end of the Full-Metric Century ride near the Bainbridge Terminal. 

Lunch Break: For HMC, you can eat, drink, and be merry with gourmet grub on the no-charge departing Walla Walla ferry; for FMC, we will stop at the Cup Espressos & Cafe (mile 30.2). 

Depending on the ferry schedule, we may stop at Saboteur Bakery on the way to Bremerton Terminal and visit Sluys Poulsbo Bakery on our return to Bainbridge to purchase a baked good.

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

Restrooms are available at the beginning of the route in Bainbridge Ferry Terminal. We will stop for restrooms and water breaks at the following consecutive mileposts: Liberty Bay Waterfront Park (14.3), Lions Park (27.8), Port of Brownsville (38.5), and Nelson Park (47.0). Additionally, coffee and snacks may be purchased at the Port of Brownsville.

For this type of ride, bringing whatever you want to snack on is a good idea. Carry an extra tube and the necessary tools to repair a flat tire. Ensure you have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you might be asked to ride at the back of the group.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status 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, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!