Ron's Bike Blog: March 2013

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, March 24, 2013

Explore Whidbey Island from Clinton to Fort Casey

This 77 mile loop starts at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park with a 20 minute ferry crossing to Clinton on Whidbey Island. Once off the ferry explore many of the back roads and corners on the east side of the island (including the towns of Langley, Freeland and Greenbank) to Fort Casey. Return via the island's west side (including South Whidbey State Park) to the Clinton ferry. There are many variations and short cuts to expand or limit the mileage so use this route as a general guideline.

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

Fort Casey Lighthouse

Monday, March 18, 2013

Explore the Flats of Seattle

OK - this 20 mile loop does have one hill up 8th Ave NW which is one of the easiest ways (avg grade is 2%) to access Green Lake from the Burke Gilman Trail (BGT). In any case, enjoy the relatively flat route from Golden Gardens Park through Ballard to Green Lake and on to Gas Works Park returning to Golden Gardens via the BGT and Ballard.

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

Seattle Skyline from Gas Works Park

Monday, March 11, 2013

Best Hills of Discovery Park & Magnolia

Fit this 8 mile loop into any workout for a challenging climbing segment through Discovery Park and the quite roads of Magnolia. Loop starts at Commodore Park on south side of Hiram Chittenden Locks and climbs up to the north parking lot and then descends to South Beach/Lighthouse for the climb back to the Discovery Park view point near the FAA radar site. Exit the park via the south exit to descend Perkins Lane for the climb up W Raye and another climb up to the Magnolia water tower.

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

South Beach Lighthouse

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