Vashon - from Point Defiance/Tacoma (Moderate)

Vashon! We'll meet at the ferry dock near Point Defiance (Tacoma) at 9:45am to take the 10:05am ferry (ferry schedule at link) to Tahlequah (the south end of the Island). Crossing time is about 15 minutes. We'll plan to do the pre-ride safety briefing before getting on the ferry. All riders must register and sign the waiver on line in advance of the ride start time (create a free account if needed) and attend the safety briefing to participate.

Once on the island, we'll ride some hills and stop at Snapdragon Bakery at around mile 16. Then some more hills - including a hilly side trip to Maury Island to see the troll - and back to the ferry. 

There are washrooms on the ferry and also at our bakery stop. 

Ride with GPS route map in link - you can download it or print a cue sheet from it if you like.  From experience, I am certain that I will not be the fastest on hills  - we will be regrouping at the tops and bottoms of hills. 

The ferry ride for rider and bike costs $8.60, unless you are under 19 (free) or a senior (65 years old and up - $4.80) so be sure to have some way to pay for that (they accept credit cards and Orca cards).  Some funds for Snapdragon also recommended.  Other items to have: ID, a charged cell phone, spare tube, tire levers, pump or CO2 cartridge, other items to handle minor mechanical issues, water, snacks, fenders if it is at all wet on the roads, front and back lights. 

If you are already on the Island or are coming from the north end (ferry from Fauntleroy or Southworth) and want to meet us at the Tahlequah ferry dock at the south end of the island, please contact the ride leader (Marlene -  cell/text number above) at least one day in advance and I will know to look for you when we get off the ferry and we'll do the safety briefing with you on the island. 

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 will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.