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, September 26, 2013

Golf Club at Newcastle

This 46 mile trip starts at Seward Park, crosses the I-90 Bridge to Mercer Island, Then continues via Factoria for a 8 mile moderate climb up to the Newcastle Golf Club which offers some spectacular views and is on west side of Cougar Mountain Regional Park. Return via Coal Creek Parkway and SE 89th Pl to Lake Washington Blvd SE and a clockwise loop around the south end of Mercer Island and the I-90 Bridge.

There are several viewpoints and good rest stops along the way to include:
(a) Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island
(b) Newcastle Beach Park on the shore of Lake Washington
(c) Lid Park on Mercer Island

The Factoria Mall offers a variety of restaurants and take out options such as Square Lotus, Tokyo Japanese or Applebees which are all located on your right after crossing Factoria Blvd SE. at 11.2 miles. There is also a Starbucks and McDonalds on Coal Creek Parkway just north of where you intersect Coal Creek Parkway and Newcastle Golf Club Road (Mile 21.5) after decending from the Newcastle Golf Club.

For details on this route such as map, ride stats, full directions and elevation profile:visit RideWithGPS

View from Newcastle Golf Club