FRUMPS -- Au revoir Vashon (Early Start)

Au revoir Vashon?  Vashon, goodbye?  Other Free Group Rides on Vashon may be posted this fall and winter, but this ride represents one Ride Leader's final tour of Vashon Island until we reach the lengthening days and milder weather of spring.

Join us at the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock for a short crossing to Vashon Island.  After disembarking at Vashon, we'll ride on a 29.6 mile route at a steady pace (12-14 mph).

We will do the safety briefing after disembarking the ferry on Vashon Island.  All riders must participate in the safety briefing in order to participate in the ride.

This ride provides an opportunity for an introduction to the charms of Vashon Island, or for a revisit to see Vashon in the fall.  Though only a short ferry ride away, Vashon offers a respite from Seattle's urban buzz.  During the ride, we can expect to see deer peering from the undergrowth and herons patiently standing knee-deep near the shoreline.  There are unavoidable ups and downs on our route, but frequent regroups will enable everyone on the ride to enjoy the day.  

Our route is principally a loop.  We proceed down the rural west side of the island, then follow a long descent to Burton and to a loop on the Burton Peninsula.  From there, we backtrack briefly to the mid-island road (the Vashon Highway).  After a half mile or so on the Highway, we take rural residential streets along the east side of the island, climbing to Vashon Center and thence to the ferry dock.  The lunch stop will on the waterfront at the Jensen Point Park on the Burton Peninsula (mile 18).  Bring a sandwich or snack, or bring money to purchase food at the Burton General Store, which is located about a mile before we reach the lunch stop. 

WHERE TO MEET: Please arrive at the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock by 8:50.  (We've scheduled an early start in order to give us time on the island and have an expectation of making the 1:40 ferry back to Fauntleroy.)  Ferry system prefers that cyclists purchase tickets where walk-on passengers pay (at the office at the loading end of the dock, rather than at the shore-side booths where vehicles pay).  No ticket is needed for the return trip.  After purchasing your ticket, join the Ride Leader and other riders in the informal bike waiting area directly across the dock from the office.  We will be gathered there, preparing to board the 9:10 ferry sailing. 

We will climb and descend hills our own pace, and we will regroup frequently. 

Restrooms and water are available at the start, and on the ferry.  Restrooms and water are available at the lunch stop at Jensen Point Park (mile 18).   

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and Ride Leader will not be at the start location.

We hope you can join us!