SPU to Paine Field and Edmonds, with GELATO

Join us at the West Ewing Mini-park (at the beginning of 3rd Ave. West, on the Seattle Pacific Univ. Campus, ) for a 57 mile ride through Fremont, along Greenlake, on some "bike only" roads through the neighborhoods, onto the interurban trail for a little bit, then across to the great Perkins Way downhill. Then we climb back up and head north towards Paine Field. From Paine we loop back and head down another nice downhill into Edmonds. There are beautiful views of the Sound as we get close to Edmonds. We will have a gelato/afegato stop in Edmonds before heading back along a different route. We will be riding at the the lower end of the moderate (14-16 mph) pace, and we'll limit our speed on the multi-use paths to the legal maximum (15 MPH).

Please note: During COVID-19 Phases 1.5 and 2, all Free Group Rides are limited to six total participants: the Ride Leader and five others. Registration for the ride (using the red “Register Now” button above) is REQUIRED to participate. If you decide not to ride, please unregister for this ride so that an additional spot will be made available to another.

Face coverings (for mouth and nose) are required when the group makes extended stops. Face coverings are recommended for the duration of the ride. Please bring personal hand sanitizer,  disinfecting wipes and tissues for use at rest stops.

The Route:  The route goes along the Ship Canal trail then crosses the canal into Fremont. We will take Stone Way up to Greenlake, where we head back to Fremont Ave., which is a restricted neighborhood road (for bikes, walkers and limited cars). Then we hook up with the Interurban trail for about 1 mile and work our way over to the wonderful Perkins Way downhill toward Log Boom Park. We turn off before Log Boom and make our way north toward Paine Field. From Paine Field we loop back and have a nice downhill into Edmonds where we get to enjoy the water views.

In Edmonds we will stop for an afegado (espresso and gelato) and be able to use the bathrooms there before we head back home.

We climb a little to get out of Edmonds. On the way back we will stay a little further West and try 8th Ave. to get into Fremont where we pick up the Burke for less than a mile. Then we cross the Fremont bridge to the Ship Canal trail and back to the start.

NOTE - We will be following COVID-19 social distancing practices, and I will ask all riders to stay at least 10-12' apart when riding and at least 6' apart when stopped. Since I am in the high risk category (due to age) I will ask all riders to stay behind me throughout the ride and will encourage you to wear your mask. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to stay together and regroup as necessary at the top and bottom of all hills. Since I am a slower climber, I will ask anyone who is faster to go ahead at the beginning of the hill and wait at the top.

Start Time:  Let's meet at the West Ewing park 10 minutes before the published start time (i.e 10:20 am) for our pre-ride safety briefing, with a departure at 10:30 am. We will go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe.  

Restrooms and water are NOT available at the start and the only planned stop comes at the half way point in Edmonds. NOTE, there is a rest area at mile 25 and if folks are tired, we can skip the Paine Field loop and cut off 8 miles of the route.

Registration:  You must pre-register by clicking the red "Register Now" button above (that also ensures that you will get emails of any ride cancellations). The ride will be limited to 5 rides plus the ride leader. Registering also saves time at the start and makes sure I can read your emergency number, just in case. If you have not already done so, you do have to create an account with the bike club, but you don't have to become a member or pay. Due to the 5 person limit to the ride, please unregister if you decide not to ride.

Fenders and tubes:  Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Please have full fenders. Even if it is not raining, when the roads are wet, rooster tails from bare tires are a safety issue for other riders.  Fenders with long mudflaps show that you care about others. Riders without friendly mudflaps may be asked to ride at the back of the group.

WEATHER:  If, between 8:00pm and 10:00 pm (depending when I can check it) the night before the ride, Weather Underground forecast predicts a greater than 30% chance of significant rain, the ride will be canceled. I will send everyone who has registered an email that night advising of the cancellation and post a ride-cancellation notice in the Comments section on this club page; and I will NOT be at the start. 

Also, if there are unexpected showers the morning of the ride, or if there are other unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, I will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below and email everyone who has registered at least two hours prior to the start and I will not be at the start location. 

We hope you can join me!