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Biking in Washington - What Are the Options?

© Jerri Brooker

Times have changed since I used to ride my bike over the paved roads of the local cemetery and on the abandoned airstrip at the local airport, hours spent just being a kid and enjoying life on wheels. Today there are too many people, too little places to ride. It's still a lot of fun, though, and more than a competitive sport for many.

[g0439489-bicycle]The outdoors and sports go together for many Washingtonians. Bicycling, especially. It's big in this state. So this week I'm taking you around Washington State to find the best places to bike. Get that helmet on and join me, won't you? Tour the open road, feel the wind gently brushing your skin as your spirits lift you into feeling free as a bird. Okay, if you're a beginner it may take a while, but you'll get it soon. Promise.

Five Special Bike Rides in Western Washington

There are excellent biking trails throughout our state, north to south in western Washington, so lets visit some of them. Click on the links for more information as you read the following descriptions.

(1) For starters try the Snohomish Valley 29.4-mile Bike Ride. This is a wonderful country route with unspoiled scenery. On Sundays Cathcart's Horseshoe Grange holds a family-style dinner - lots of bikers join in. The ride starts at Monroe Riverside Park.

(2) Want that island biking experience? You won't have a better time than on Lopez Island. The Lopez Island Bike Ride is a smaller, less-densely populated island in the San Juans. Very scenic 29.2 miles. You'll not be alone, as this is a popular spot. But there's not a lot on the island as far as restaurants. Come prepared. The Lopez Island Bike Ride starts at the Upright Head ferry landing - you initially take the ferry from Anacortes.

(3) Another island ride is on Bainbridge Island Bike Ride along saltwater beaches and harbors. Take the ferry from Seattle to Winslow; the 36-mile Bainbridge Island Bike Ride starts there. Pass by some state parks as you view Seattle across Puget Sound. Lots of hills on this one.

(4) South Lake Washington is a fun place to cruise in Seattle. Get with the program on this easy 26-mile South Lake Washington Bike Ride starting at Gene Coulan Park in Renton. Take the family, feed the ducks, have a picnic. On Sundays some roads are closed to make it an easy family ride.

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