Sakura Seattle - Fishermen's Terminal (Leisurely)

Let’s go check out some of Seattle’s beautiful cherry and plum trees when they’re in full bloom (fingers crossed!). We’ll swing by lots of spots with awesome photo opportunities, like Drumheller Fountain (where you might catch a stunning view of Mount Rainier), the UW Quad with its cherry trees in bloom, and the Japanese Garden in the Arboretum. Just so you know, I’m planning this trip for Thursday, April 2nd, because admission to the Japanese Garden is free on the first Thursday of the month.

Let's meet at the Fishermen's Memorial at Fishermen's Terminal. Please come early enough to be ready to ride by 1:30 pm. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

We will have a little bit of climbing throughout the ride. The biggest climbs are at the beginning in Magnolia.  The climbs through Ballard, Fremont/Wallingford, the University of Washington and the Japanese Garden in the Arboretum are much less challenging (especially for a slow climber such as myself). We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and we will regroup frequently at the top of climbs and whenever there is a particularly beautiful collection of cherry or plum blossoms.  We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).

Restrooms are available at the start and at the Japanese Garden (mile 17).  While outside food and drinks (other than a water bottle) are not allowed inside the Japanese Garden, we can stop for dinner at Chinooks at the end of the ride.

Bring a lock because we'll be spending 20 minutes at the Japanese Garden where bikes are not allowed. A spare tube and tools to fix a flat are always a good idea, as well as a 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 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 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.