Fox Island Grind (Moderate)

We will gather at the Purdy Park & Ride lot (free parking), where my white Sprinter will await you. Be there, ready to go, at the time listed above. We will begin with a required safety briefing and roll out once that's complete. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Just 37 miles, but with 3,000 feet of climbing—yep, that’s 81 feet per mile. Not a sufferfest, but definitely solid grind territory. Quiet roads, punchy climbs, and Puget Sound views await, along with the occasional moment you ask yourself, “Why the heck did I sign up for this?” So please come prepared for sustained climbs, steady pacing, and enough humor to get you through the burn—legs and all.

We start and finish at the Purdy Park & Ride, rolling south and west past scenic Raft Island and the temporarily closed Kopachuck State Park. From there, it’s quiet rural roads toward Fox Island. Around mile 14, we’ll roll onto the island for a well-earned break—espresso at Cutters Point or a to-go lunch from the Fox Island Deli. Then it’s off to the fishing pier at about mile 19, a cyclist's favorite, where picnic tables meet one of the day’s most rewarding sights: a sweeping view of the Narrows Bridge stretching across the Sound and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier—made all the better knowing you pedaled there to see it. After lunch, we head back through Artondale and Gig Harbor, then climb the Cushman Trail for a smooth finish back to the cars.

Feel free to grab to-go lunch at the Fox Island Deli stop (the menu’s worth a look) or bring your own edible inventions for a laid-back picnic at the fishing pier.

Fox Island Tidbits 
> A secret pub hides behind the island’s only grocery store.
> Clay babies (or fairy stones) dot the beaches—local treasures formed by nature.
> Circumnavigating the island by sea kayak (11 nautical miles) is a South Sound classic.
> Beyond that? For restaurants and nightlife, you'll need to paddle—or drive—off the island.  

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.

The ride will last approximately four hours, although it may be shorter. All our stops include restrooms—at the start of the route, Fox Island Deli (mile 14), Fox Island Fishing Pier (mile 18), and the Cushman Trail - Grandview Trailhead (mile 30).

This is a remote route, so please come prepared. Bring plenty of water, snacks, a spare tube, and tools to fix a flat. Also carry a phone, ID, cash or credit card, and an ORCA card. Full fenders are required if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the back.

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 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!