Tacoma - Point Defiance Loop (Moderate)

Let's meet at the east side of the War Memorial Park parking lot. Be there, ready to go at 6pm. 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 ride will be a fun loop heading east from War Memorial Park to Central Tacoma and working our way north to Point Defiance Park where we will ride the famous Five Mile Drive.  After touring Point Defiance, we'll work our way south back to our start point.  There will be several rolling hills with over 800 feet of climbing.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and we will frequently regroup.  We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).  The portion of Five Mile Drive that is closed to cars has a posted speed limit of 10 MPH which we will observe.  

Restrooms are not available at the start. There is a washroom available at Point Defiance at Mile 8, but given the shorter length of the ride, we are generally not expecting to stop unless needed.  

Because the ride may end just before or after sunset, a working white headlight and red rear tail light (steady mode preferred) are required to participate.

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!