Sightseeing (by Bike) - Ballard, Magnolia, West Seattle, South Lake Union (Steady)

Let's do some sightseeing by bike!  Meet at the east side of the Gas Works parking lot, ready to go by 10 AM. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Route:  We will take the Burke Gilman trail to visit Frankie Feetsplinters at  the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.  Then we'll cross through the Ballard Locks (a bit of walking will be necessary as we are required to dismount within the the Ballard Locks and Gardens).  Next comes our first big climb to and within Discovery Park after which we get to wander through a lovely Magnolia neighborhood treated with spectacular views of downtown Seattle (and hopefully Mount Rainier) as we race down Magnolia Boulevard.

After checking out Seattle's fabulous new waterfront bike trail, we will cross the lower West Seattle bridge and pop into Jack Block Park for another of my favorite Seattle View Points. Restrooms and water are also available at this park.

We'll stop for 20 minutes at Alki Coffee/Ben & Jerry's along the Alki waterfront at mile 23 for coffee or ice cream, and then we'll be off to pay Bruun Idun a visit in Lincoln Park.  

Our penultimate stop (20-30 minutes) will be at MOHAI at mile 37 where we can grab some coffee or a bite to eat while watching the float planes landing and taking off and the sailboats drifting across South Lake Union. Finally, upon our return to Gas Works Park, we'll meander up Kite Hill for yet another beautiful view of the city and South Lake Union.

Terrain: Our biggest climbs will be in Discovery Park and on the return from Lincoln Park. There is also a very short but steep climb out of Lincoln Park and coming up from the Seattle waterfront back into downtown Seattle.

Pace:  Steady (12-14 mph) on the flats, but this ride leader will be SLOW on the climbs, so you may be waiting for me at the top of each climb. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, but we will regroup frequently, usually after a long climb. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum.

Fenders: If the roads are wet, please come equipped with fenders long enough to keep the person riding behind you dry or be prepared to ride at the rear of the group.

Restrooms: Porta-potties or restrooms are available at the start, at Centennial Park (mile 12), at Jack Block Park (mile 20), at Lincoln Park (mile 26), and at MOHAI (mile 37)

Coffee & Food:  Our major rest/food stops will be at Alki Coffee and Ben & Jerry's at mile 23 and at MOHAI at mile 37.

Mechanical:  Be prepared to handle mechanical issues if you have a problem e.g. flat tire.  Bring a spare tube, tools, patch kit, pump and skills to fix flats and have a mobile phone and a plan for rescue in case your bike fails. Other things to bring:  ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card; water and a small snack. 

Cue sheets:  No cue sheets will be provided. A Ride With GPS map file is available at the Route Map link.  

Weather cancellation: If weather conditions meet the weather cancelation 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 location.

We hope you can join us!