Explore Seattle history and bike infrastructure on Tuesday's urban evening ride

Guest Blogger: David Chatham

If you're free this Tuesday evening, come check out this steady-paced ride starting at Gas Works Park.

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While riding, we'll explore some Seattle history and neat bicycling infrastructure such as a bike light (pictured right) and mixed-use trails other than the Burke-Gilman Trail.

While urban, this is a beautifully scenic route along the Interurban Trail and will have a stop at Bitter Lake and end in Broadview, before looping back to Seattle.

Here are some fun history about the views and stops along the route:

- The Interurban Line was originally created in Ballard in 1901 and was completed in 1910, connecting Seattle and Everett.  One of the stops along the route will be at Bitter Lake. Up until 1939, a trolley ran on this line.  A project to complete a paved route along this corridor from 110th street to 128th street was completed in 2006.

- There also used to be a saw mill at Bitter Lake. There were so many logs floating in the lake that tannic acid leaked into the water that the water became bitter. Horses wouldn't drink it, hence the name.

- Our destination, Broadview, was first settled in 1889, after the great Seattle fire, and was annexed by Seattle in 1954.

Ride leader Machiko Threlkeld likes doing a shorter rides that are hilly enough for experienced riders to still feel challenged, while beginners don't have to fear about getting dropped.

After the ride, the group will head to a nearby restaurant for refreshments for those interested.

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.