Had MUMPS Lately?

Guest Blogger: David Chatham

Are you a reasonably strong rider with free time on Mondays?  If so, you should do yourself a favor and check out the MUMPS rides, which meet weekly at 10 a.m. at Tracy Owen Station (Logboom Park) in Kenmore.

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During the summer months, the rides almost always head north, traveling the scenic backroads of Snohomish County.  In the winter months, the rides switch to either the half or the full Lake Washington loop, depending on the weather.  The pace is brisk although accommodations are made for moderate-paced riders by having more frequent regrouping stops.  In summer months, there may be 30-40 people who show up for the ride.  There is a lunch stop along the way to re-energize and to allow the riders to get to know each other better.

The MUMPS rides have been going on for more than a half dozen years.  According to Craig Mohn, organizer of the MUMPS rides, the name of the ride derives possibly from another ride, FRUMPS, which is an acronym for Friday Unmarried Maiden Peddlers.  According to legend, many of those initial riders were women who worked in dental offices.  Folks joke that MUMPS stands for Monday Un(der)employed Merry Peddlers although most of the riders are working but have flexible schedules that  allow them to ride on a weekday.

Having done many MUMPS rides myself, I can personally attest that the rides are highly enjoyable with lots of interesting and fun people to meet and lots of beautiful scenery for the eye.  Once you do a MUMPS ride, most likely you will be raving about it too.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents.