Introduction

When I moved to Seattle from the east coast about 25 years ago, I started to explore the city and the surrounding area by bike; first, commuting to work and then adding fitness rides to my commuting trips. What I found were challenging routes that gave me a great workout but also some beautiful scenery, great parks, spectacular views plus interesting restaurants, cafes, bistros and bakeries along the way to stop for a snack or a cold drink. I think that by traveling by bike, at my own pace on quite streets and trails, through neighborhoods and parks, I have seen the Seattle area in a way I would not have experienced otherwise. I want to share with you the rides that have given me such a unique insight into our city and surrounding area. Whether you are new to town or a native, I hope you’ll find something to enjoy in these rides that have become my favorites.

This blog describes several loop bicycle rides in and around the Seattle metropolitan area with rides for every level of cyclist. Many of the loop rides can be combined or can be done as a shorter “out and back ride”. Each loop described on this blog includes a convenient start/end point that offers ample parking for those transporting their bicycle. Any loop can be done in either direction.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Gas Works Park-Volunteer Park

12 Mile Loop Ride to Volunteer Park

Ride Starts at Gas Works Park and crosses University Bridge to Interlaken Park via 11th Ave and its steep 15% grade to Bagley Viewpoint (Note: continue on Boyer to E Lynn then right on Delmar Dr for alternate route to avoid the 11th Ave climb). Ascend through Interlaken Park to N Capitol Hill and Volunteer Park. Descend back down to S Lake Union hugging the shore line to return to Gas Works Park via the Fremont Bridge.

For more details on this ride visit RIDEWithGPS for a map, ride stats, full directions and elevation profile:

Go to Ride Details

Black Sun Sculpture - Volunteer Park

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Snohomish River Valley

40 mile rural ride around Snohomish River Valley

Start at Riverside Park in Everett and head southeast on Lowell Snohomish River Road which runs parallel to Snohomish River. Visit the historic area of town on 1st Street; try a couple of the many food stops such as Snohomish Bakery & Cafe (on left, offering great bake goods as well as sandwiches and pizza) or the Snohomish Pie Co (sandwiches, soup and GREAT pie).

Leave Snohomish on Old Snohomish Monroe Road. Continue through Monroe on W Main Street to S Lewis St and onto Tualco Road. Cross the Snoqualmie River and head north on High Bridge Road. Turn onto Welch Road to ascend to the high horse country around Lost Lake and Echo Lake. Descend back to Snohomish River Valley via Elliot, Connelly and Broadway.

Return to Riverside Park on the west side of the Snohomish River Valley on Lowell Larimer Road which has a slight elevation and offers some nice views of the valley and the Cascade Mountains (on a nice day).

For more details on this ride visit RIDEWithGPS for a map, ride stats, full directions and elevation profile:
Snohomish River Valley Ride Information

View of Snohomish River from Riverside Park, Everett