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, August 22, 2013

Edmonds via Golden Gardens / Blue Ridge

This 40 mile ride heads west from Gas Works Park on the north side of the Ship Canal to Golden Gardens Park. Then it's north through Blue Ridge to Edmonds along Puget Sound. Edmonds is the perfect lunch stop; try the Edmonds Bakery for a great sandwich and nice assortment of bakery items. Take your lunch down to Marine Park or to a small ridge on Sunrise which offers a nice view of the ferry terminal with Puget Sound and the Olympic Mts in the background.

Return via 9th Ave N which climbs steadily above Edmonds downtown. Continue south on 100th Ave W and then on 8th Ave NW. Then head east on 195th /185th  (Note: after crossing Hwy 99 and the Interurban Trail on N 185th St there is a Starbucks in a small shopping center on your right should you need a caffeine fix) to Perkins Lane which offers a nice, fast descent to the Burke-Gilman Trail along Lake Washington.

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

Ferry leaving Terminal for Kingston