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.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Magnolia - Discovery Park Loop

This 27 mile  ride starts at Gas Works Park and heads west on the Burke-Gilman Trail then over the Fremont Bridge. Continue west on Nickerson (or alternately on S Ship Canal Trail) to Fisherman's Terminal. Detour to Cafe Appassionato at 4001 21st Ave W for a quick snack or great cup of coffee. Pass Commodore Park then ascend 40th Ave to Discovery Park. Ride through the park to Magnolia Blvd with views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mts. Cut off Thorndyke onto Plymouth St to further explore Magnolia and its eastern ridge. The ride then takes you through the flats to Smith Cove Park and then onto Centennial, Myrtle Edwards and the Sculpture Parks along Elliott Bay. Stop at Uptown Espresso at Alaskan Way & Broad St at end of Elliott Bay Bike Trail for cookie and coffee. Return to Gas Works Park via Elliott Bay Bike Trail, S Ship Canal Trail, the Fremont Bridge and the Burke-Gilman Trail.

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

Downtown Seattle from Magnolia Park

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Location: Gas Works Park, 2101 North Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
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