Ride West Sound: The Vashon Vortex (Moderate)

We will gather at the Harper Church Park & Ride lot (free parking). Look for my white Sprinter van—your beacon for the ride. 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.

Craving a challenge? This 51-mile ride dishes out 3,470 feet of climbing, island-hopping, and ferry-timed pacing through the stunning South Puget Sound. Expect sustained climbs, breezy bridge crossings, and one epic day in the saddle.

We roll out from the Park & Ride, pedal to Gig Harbor, and face down the legendary Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Time permitting, we’ll ride a lush loop through Point Defiance Park before catching the 12:35 PM Tahlequah Ferry to Vashon’s southern tip—then tackle the island’s classic climbs as we head north. Bring your own lunch for our stop at Jensen Point Park —fueling up before we log a few more solid miles. Then it's a final stretch further north to the Vashon Terminal, one last ferry crossing, and a scenic return to the mainland. Ride the Vashon Vortex—a legendary South Sound loop with backroads, bridges, island views, and ferry-chasing fun that lingers long after the ride.

For those arriving via Fauntleroy Ferry to Southworth: Parking is available on-street near the Fauntleroy Terminal or at Lincoln Park’s North Lot. At the toll booth, the ferry fare is $9.00 for adults with a bicycle and $5.00 for seniors (age 65 & over) with a bicycle. To ensure on-time arrival, please take the 8:15 a.m. ferry at the latest. The crossing takes approximately 40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute bike ride to the meeting site. The free return leg via Vashon offers ferries to Fauntleroy departing at 3:10 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 4:50 p.m. The Vashon–Fauntleroy crossing takes about 20 minutes.

For those driving to the Park & Ride: The Vashon ferry departs for Southworth at 2:30 p.m., 4:05 p.m., and 4:40 p.m., and the ride is free. The crossing takes about 10 minutes.

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 take about five hours—or less, depending on ferry timing. Restrooms are available at our planned stops: the starting point, Cushman Trail - Grandview Trailhead (mile 17), Point Defiance Ferry Terminal (mile 29), Jensen Point Park (mile 37), and the Vashon Ferry Terminal (mile 49). No café stops on this one—it's strictly BYOL: Bring Your Own Lunch. If time permits, based on our final ferry schedule, we’ll stop at Vashon Island Baking Company (mile 45) for our choice of well-earned rewards.

Please note that this is a remote ride with limited amenities available. Bring ride-day essentials: plenty of water, snacks, flat kit, phone, ID, cash or 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!