**CANCELLED** Wally World: Ride for the Raptors (Steady)

The Samish Flats are one of the best locations in the state for viewing migrating raptors. A dozen or more species are recorded most years including Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harrier, and five falcons (American Kestrel, Merlin, Gyrfalcon, Peregrine Falcon, and Prairie Falcon). Ten species of owls have been observed on the flats or in the adjacent forested foothills with Short-eared Owl being frequently observed.  Shorebirds, Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, snow geese, and 25 other species of waterfowl are commonly observed in the various ponds and waterways. 

This is a scenic, steady-paced ride (12-14 mph) paralleling Padilla Bay and crisscrossing the Samish Flats. The first and last 2 miles of this route are fine, packed gravel and are suitable for road bikes. The ride is mostly flat with only one significant hill; everyone may climb the hill at their own pace, and we will regroup at the top. This ride is as much about enjoying birds and nature as it is about riding a bicycle. 

Birds that have recently been reported in the area are listed in the additional links. If you view one of the lists on these links, you can click on the name of a bird and will be redirected to photographs of the species. If we spot birds at a good viewing distance, we will stop to observe and photograph.  It is suggested that you bring binoculars and possibly a camera with a zoom lens.

We will meet at the Padilla Bay trailhead where there is a Honey Bucket, but no water. There is parking, but if the lot is full you may need to park on the shoulder.  Carpooling is strongly encouraged. To get to the trailhead take the Broad Street exit off of I5 in Mt Vernon (exit 226) and follow the signs towards Anacortes. Turn right on Bayview Edison Road off of Highway 20.  The Padilla Bay trailhead is on your left less than a mile north of this intersection. We will stop for a picnic lunch at The Bread Farm in Edison (mile 14 - no indoor seating) where you can buy pastries and coffee. Bring water and any food you may want.

Please be ready to ride at 10:00. We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate. Be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat - we will stay with you while you fix a flat. If the roads are wet, please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line.

Typically rides of this distance take about 3 hours. Because we will be stopping to watch birds, the ride is likely to take at least 4 hours and possibly longer.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status block (including rain, freezing weather, ice or snow, or high winds) 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. I plan to make a weather-related ride cancellation decision at least three hours in advance of the start time. If the ride is canceled at least three 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!