Round Around Vashon

There’s no better way to savor one of the remaining days of summer than taking a spin on the roads of Vashon Island, an officially-designated rural community only a short ferry ride away from Seattle’s urban intensity.  Our ride follows a classic route laid out by the Seattle Bicycle Touring Club and Al Bently proceeding down the west side of the island to the hamlet of Burton, scooting out to Jensen Point, then cruising along the waterfront of Quartermaster Harbor and the east side of the island before climbing again to Vashon Center.  Bring a sandwich or snack for a light lunch stop on the water at Jensen Point County Park, or purchase a sandwich at the Burton store, which we pass about a mile before the lunch stop.  A coffee stop at Vashon Island Baking Company in Vashon Center, where the hills will be behind us, is also planned.  (Note:  As of August 15th, Cedarhurst Road, at mile 4, was closed to traffic, including bikes, due to construction.  The construction work is projected to be completed by September 1st.   If it isn’t, we will reroute around the blockage.)

We will depart on the 8:50  am ferry to Vashon from Fauntleroy.  Park in the north parking lot for Lincoln Park (parking in the south parking lot is limited to four hours), or put your bike on the King County Metro Rapid Ride C bus, which stops at the ferry dock.  Don’t look for the ride leader in the parking lot;  ride leader will be near the loading ramp at the end of the ferry dock.  Plan to arrive at the dock a half hour early, as we will do introductions and the safety briefing before sailing.  Bring money for the ferry fare, lunch and coffee, and what you need to address your own mechanical issues.  Restrooms and water are available on the ferry and at the park. 

This is a hilly ride, and we will regroup as necessary at the tops of hills.  The pace is “steady,” which means riders should be comfortable with riding 12-14 mph on a flat road without headwind. 

Steady rain cancels.  If a cancellation is necessary, ride leader will post a notice in the comments section two hours prior to the start.