Bike to Work Week…In the Fall?

By Louise McGrody | Published September 17, 2014

Yes, if you live or work in Tacoma!

DTOG - Fall Bike to Work Week

Photo Credit: Downtown On the Go

Pump up your tires, strap on your bike lights, and join Downtown On the Go for Fall Bike to Work Week and a series of events September 21-27 to keep you commuting into the fall. Be sure to track your commute trips to qualify for prizes.

With “Embrace the Hill” as the theme, DOTG is organizing Bike Trains that will explore a different uphill route out of downtown each evening. Bike Trains will gather at 11th and Pacific at 5:30 pm. Water and water bottles will be provided.

  • Monday: Embrace Stadium Way Hill
  • Tuesday: Embrace McKinley Hill
  • Wednesday: Embrace St. Helen’s/Baker Street Hill
  • Thursday: Embrace Jefferson/Delin Street Hill as part of our Ride with Council that starts at 6pm following the UWT ribbon-cutting for the Prairie Line Trail.
  • Friday: Embrace Your Own Hill (Choose your own adventure and we’ll meet at the top at People’s Park!)

The Thursday evening ride is held in conjunction with the Prairie Line Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony and will be a Ride With City Council.

Are you new to bike commuting and want some assistance with route planning? DOTG can match you up with a Bike Buddy.

Posted in Bike to Work, Commuting, Encouragement, Events, Tacoma | 2 Comments

Bike It: USBR 10

By Louise McGrody | Published September 16, 2014

Along the Skagit River

For the past two plus years, Washington Bikes has spearheaded the effort to create the US Bicycle Route System in our state. Partnered with WSDOT, we successfully received national designation earlier this year for our first interstate route—USBR 10—and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 14 in Anacortes to officially open the route.

WA Bikes board member John Pope of Anacortes, has tirelessly coordinated our USBRS mapping efforts as a volunteer. Yesterday he hopped in the saddle to pedal the 407-mile route that travels across the northern tier of our state. We are following John’s week-long adventure on our Facebook page. Here’s a summary of Day One:

John’s journey began at the ferry terminal in Anacortes. This is the western terminus of USBR 10 and it allows the bike traveler to continue westward to the San Juan Islands and Canada’s Vancouver Island.

Ferry terminal

He meandered alongside the Skagit River his first day, passing through communities like Sedro Woolley and Concrete along the way. He was joined by members of Skagit Bicycle Club for part of the day, then rode for awhile with a solo touring cyclist who was on his way to Winthrop.

After overcoming leg cramps at Rockport, John pedaled onward into the majestic North Cascades National Park. He called it a day at Newhalem Campground, one of three national park campgrounds along USBR 10 as it passes through North Cascades.

newhalem

John’s wife Michele is traveling with him on this adventure in their RV and providing vehicle and moral support, and providing us with the photos. She reported that scenery along USBR 10 has been stunning and they are looking forward to Day Two!

Day One stats: 87 miles traveled on mostly flat terrain.

Resources:

For additional information about USBR 10, including a map, visit our USBR 10 page.

Visit Adventure Cycling Association to learn more about the nationwide effort to develop the US Bicycle Route System.

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Posted in Adventure, Rides, Tourism, Travel, USBRS | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Inclusion

By Barb Chamberlain | Published September 15, 2014

Inclusion.

Such a simple word. “Hey, I feel like going for a bike ride. Want to include Anthony and Devi?” It’s simple when you’re talking about including people you know.

Opening session at Future Bike 2014, "Inside the Advocate's Studio". L-R: Adonia Lugo, PhD, Equity Initiative Manager for the League of American Bicyclists; Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director, Washington Bikes; Keith Holt, Executive Director, Milwaukee Bike Works, and Southeast Region Director, Wisconsin Bicycle Federation.

Opening session at Future Bike 2014, “Inside the Advocate’s Studio”. L-R: Adonia Lugo, PhD, Equity Initiative Manager for the League of American Bicyclists; Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director, Washington Bikes; Keith Holt, Executive Director, Milwaukee Bike Works, and Southeast Region Director, Wisconsin Bicycle Federation. — Photo by Lindsay Dill

Yet inclusion is complex. What does it mean to include a much wider range of List One in the ever-growing circle of people who want to make our towns better places to ride a bicycle?

List One

  • Reasons for riding
  • Ways of riding
  • Perspectives
  • Life experiences
  • Capabilities
  • Ideas
  • Approaches

Note what this is not. The list above is not this list:

List Two

  • Age
  • Gender identification
  • Sexual orientation
  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Culture
  • Language
  • Class
  • Disability
  • Size
  • Veteran status
  • Religious belief
  • Partnered/marital status
  • Immigration/resident/citizen status

When you hear equity—diversity—inclusion—you most likely think immediately of List Two. These are (some of the) labels we apply to human characteristics, chosen or inherent or a result of life circumstance, that continue to serve as the basis for various forms of discrimination. (I don’t think either list is exhaustive. What would you add?)

After spending a full week in September 2014 at three different conferences in which issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion were embedded, I would argue that we need to lay List One alongside List Two when we think about why and how to welcome more voices into our work as advocates and activists.

[Tweet “List One/List Two: Another way to think about equity/inclusion/diversity.”]

I’m not calling for doing away with List Two. It matters. When people in any of those List Two categories don’t see others like ourselves, we notice. (And we are ALL represented on List Two, as we are on List One.)

If we have been left out we may work to get more of “us” there, or we may retreat to safer places where we don’t feel so outnumbered. Either way, it’s usually pretty clear when you look, at least for those characteristics that are visible.

List Two, while incomplete, can serve as a shorthand reference for reminding us to think about how List One will broaden our work. When we look around the room and it looks a lot like “us” (whoever that is), we need to remember that we are also missing out on List One.

In a panel at Pro Walk/Bike/Place, which immediately preceded Future Bike, Elly Blue drew a distinction between advocates — those who speak on behalf of others — and activists — those who work to draw out and include those others. She noted that we need both in the community of people who care about better places and better bicycling.

I don’t see my work as an either/or. I cannot do a really good job of speaking for unless I speak with, work with, listen to. At the same time, my privilege places me in a position to “speak for” when I’m in a room that isn’t fully inclusive. My mother raised me to believe that’s my obligation as someone who has been very lucky.

How do we know when something from List One is missing? How do we hear or see what isn’t there? How do we broaden the circle?

[Tweet “Challenge to bike leaders: Find/include those who aren’t often seen/heard.”]

At the end of Future Bike Dr. Adonia Lugo, Equity Initiative Manager for the League of American Bicyclists and a former research associate of Washington Bikes, told us, “You should leave with more questions than answers.” These are some of my questions. I look forward to answers we create together.

 [Tweet “Don’t just check the boxes from List 2. Include people to broaden understanding.”]

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Posted in Accessibility, Advocacy, Attitudes, Bike Culture, Encouragement, Equity, Issues & Advocacy, News, Women | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Looking for Lincoln (at Lincoln Rock State Park)

By Deb Miller | Published September 15, 2014
Viewpoint at Lincoln Rock State Park

Viewpoint at Lincoln Rock State Park

I grew up riding my bike on the streets in my small hometown, the joy of lazy Sunday afternoon explorations began early in my life. As our NCW days begin offering the gentle warmth of the harvest season, the desire to go out and explore on a Sunday afternoon on the saddle of my bike (Purple Majic) is a temptation I can’t resist. Today I decided to ride out to a local state park and finally answer a nagging question, one that has been looming in the back of my mind since I moved to the area in 2006; why is the state park north of my current hometown named Lincoln Rock State Park?

After church on this beautiful fall day I rode up my hill to Eastmont Avenue and rode the new Eastmont extension (riding in the only buffered bike lanes in our valley) to NW Cascade Avenue and I headed north. NW Cascade Avenue is the local bicyclist’s alternative to riding on the shoulder of Hwy 2/97, it is a quiet winding road through some of our local orchards. Eventually I had to get onto Hwy 2/97 for the short distance up to Lincoln Rock State Park. Besides wanting to answer my long unanswered question I also wanted to check out the new segment of trail extension that will eventually connect to the Apple Capital Loop Trail. The long controversial loop trail extension to Lincoln Rock State Park has a recently completed 1 mile section (with 4 miles yet to go before it is connected to the Apple Capital Loop Trail on the Wenatchee end) that I had not yet officially ridden. There are so many things to explore and they are so close to my home, yet I’d never ventured all the way into this park to explore.

As I rode toward the park I began to wonder if I should have brought my Discover Pass for access into the state park. In my mind I vaguely recall hearing that bicycles are not required to have a Discover Pass, yet the conversation in my head on the ride there led me to wonder if I would need to strike up a bargain with the park ranger in order to enter the park and answer my imminent question. To my pleasant surprise (and added to my growing list of reasons to travel via my bicycle more) I learned that a bicycle (and its rider) have access to the parks without having to possess a Discover Pass!! I then asked the ranger to enlighten me as to where I might find a rock that provides the reason for the naming of this park. He eagerly explained to me where I needed to go to view the natural rock formation (“unlike the manmade attraction in South Dakota”, he added) that is the source of the name of this beautiful park.

I wound my way through the expansively green park in the direction the ranger gave me. Many memories of family vacations, camping in state parks on the Oregon Coast and riding my bike to explore them, all began flooding my mind. As I rode I observed children riding their bikes on the paths and I quickly had a flash of memories of doing the same with my brothers when I was young, this brought joy to my afternoon.

I found the viewpoint for the namesake rock exactly where the ranger told me it would be, it was next to the concession stand by the parking lot that is down by the boat launch. The pinhole viewers provided me the answer to my question. As I glanced across the river, first simply looking in the general direction and then looking through the primitive viewfinder, I could see EXACTLY the reason the park has its name, the profile of Abraham Lincoln is there in the rock cropping across the river in all its glory! I took pictures as best I could through the pinholes, I read the history of the naming of the rock, and I simply took time to breathe in the moment and the experience of answering a long unanswered question.

I decided to celebrate my discovery with a milkshake from the small concession stand at the viewpoint. As I stood there waiting for the kind woman to make the shake, the owner of the business (the business is privately owned and separate from the park) came in and we struck up a conversation. He told me about his desire to install bike racks at the business and then post signage where the Apple Capital Loop Trail entrance to the park that will let bicyclists know the racks are available at this bicycle friendly business (my label for his vision) located inside the park. I praised him for his vision as my quick observation led me to believe that bicycling isn’t a regular transportation choice for him, yet he sees the healthy, active connection his idea promotes. He expressed his concerns that park funding would prevent the park ranger from installing bike racks, but as a business owner saw the value of offering what he could.

As his business filled with other bicycle riding campers our conversation came to an end and my milkshake disappeared through my straw to become my fuel for riding home, I continued on with my afternoon exploration of the park and the loop trail connection. I rode the short mile to the lookout near the dam,   all the while dreaming of a day when I will be able to ride my bike, with my camping gear, on the loop trail, to this friendly and welcoming oasis a short distance from my home; a future staycation just waiting to be become reality.

Today I found Lincoln Rock, who knows what discoveries the next exploration will bring. What I do know is the joy and freedom I find when on my bicycle as well as the discoveries and connections that come from letting go and letting life unfold one question at a time.

"A likeness of the Great Emancipator" at Lincoln Rock State Park

“A likeness of the Great Emancipator” at Lincoln Rock State Park

Me and Purple Majic with Rocky Reach Dam in the background

Me and Purple Majic with Rocky Reach Dam in the background

Posted in Adventure, Wenatchee | Comments Off on Looking for Lincoln (at Lincoln Rock State Park)

Pullman Added to Washington State Bicycle and Pedestrian Count

By Guest Blogger | Published September 10, 2014

Volunteers Needed to Help With Pullman Count

This blog post was contributed by guest blogger Jaime Brush of Pullman.

Upon learning about the combined efforts of the WSDOT and Cascade Bicycle Club for the upcoming statewide bike count, I knew Pullman had to be included as one of the cities to participate in the bike counts. So, as a bicycle advocate, I started asking how Pullman can get on the list of cities performing the counts. With the help of Washington Bikes, I was quickly connected with WSDOT and Cascade Bicycle Club, which in turn led to the City of Pullman signing off on participating and me leading the volunteer efforts, here on the eastern side of the state.

This is an annual bicycle and pedestrian count taken at locations throughout Washington State in nearly 40 jurisdictions. Data collected from these counts will be used to monitor success in increasing bicycle and pedestrian travel as identified in the Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan while also providing critical data to support improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

This year’s count takes place on September 30, October 1, and October 2. Counts will occur twice each day: 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.

This important project helps the state collect valuable bicycle and pedestrian data that informs state policy! Since community participation is so vital to the success of this project, we encourage interested Pullman area residents to sign up for a shift as a volunteer counter.

Contact Jaime Brush if you have questions specific to volunteering for the Pullman Count.

Visit WSDOT to learn more about the Washington State Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project.

Posted in Advocacy, Commuting, Guest Blogger, News, Research, Transportation, Whitman County | 2 Comments

Tell the Washington State Transportation Commission that Washington Bikes and Walks

By Blake Trask | Published September 10, 2014

Comment now on the Washington State Transportation Plan to tell decision makers that Washington bikes and walks

What are state plans for? Every four years the Washington State Transportation Commission has the job of developing an update to channel the priorities of the legislature and executive branch, in conjunction with applicable state laws to chart a 20-year vision for Washington state’s transportation future.

WA Bikes member Allan Ohlsen.

WA Bikes member Allan Ohlsen.

The Transportation Commission’s latest planning effort, WTP 2035, is now out for public comment. Washington Bikes has been following the planning process for over a year by working with Transportation Commission staff and other partners to provide input that reflects the growing interests from visitors and residents who bicycle.

The Plan is a start, but needs your help and input to ensure the state emphasizes walking and biking safety, mobility, and investments for the future. Now it’s your chance to provide comments to help the plan better reflect your priorities as Washingtonians that support safer transportation options, healthier places and people, great places to travel on your bike (and to support businesses statewide), and more investments that get people where they want to go easily and affordably.

How to Comment

Written comment Let the Commissioners know by emailing them at Transc@wstc.wa.gov, or by commenting online. Comments are due by September 25, 2014.

Meetings There are a few remaining in-person opportunities to comment:

Bellevue Bellevue Regional Library, Room 1 1111 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA  98004 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Richland Ben Franklin Transit Center, Board Room 1000 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA  99352 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2014

Bremerton Norm Dicks Government Center 345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA  98337 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2014

Webinars:

  • Wednesday, September 17 | 1pm – 2pm
  • Thursday, September 25 | 11 am – noon

For either webinar, RSVP to admin@berkconsulting.com and GoToMeeting login information will be sent out the day before. The format will be a short (20 minute) presentation on WTP 2035 followed by Q&A

Wondering what to say? Washington Bikes has a few high level recommendations included below.

Washington Bikes Recommendations

WTP 2035 should include proposals more robust planning and data collection for non-motorized transportation. Washington Bikes recommends (1) updating the state bike/ped plan; and (2) creating a robust data collection framework for biking and walking to better understand and assess relative safety in Washington’s transportation system.

Background: Washington state agencies focus resources and staffing to calculate vehicle crash rates by exposure (vehicle miles traveled), while injury and fatalities for bicyclists and pedestrians are compared to the population (deaths/injuries per 100,000 population). The lack of comparable denominator data is troubling for public health and safety, as it prevents a valid comparison of the risk of bicycling, walking, and driving. Data suggest a dire need to address this problem: estimates suggest the US has a cyclist injury rate twenty times that of Denmark and The Netherlands and seven times Germany’s. Similarly, WTP uses seven-year-old data from the outdated Washington State Bike/Ped Plan that fails to reflect the huge changes in best practices and increased demand (and cost for system build out) for biking and walking facilities that we now see in 2014.

Washington’s Transportation Plan needs to plan for all trips, not just commute trips. Washington Bike recommends expanding the concept of what trips matter and evaluating the potential to support and plan for non-commute trips in transportation planning.

Background: Researchers have tracked falling Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in recent years. While only 27% of VMT are commute-related, commutes are typically what is addressed in transportation surveys. Without knowing how (and why) people travel, it is difficult to appropriately fund an effective or efficient transportation system. Similarly, small trips of under 3 miles – ones that are ideal for walking and biking – comprise approximately 40% of trips but are often not commute trips.

Student transportation needs recognition in the WTP. Washington Bikes recommends including planning for student transportation and Safe Routes to School in WTP 2035.IMG_5118

Background: Pupil transportation of our state’s approximately one million children from kindergarten to 12th grade links to several state-level priorities. Student transportation issues factor in around highway safety (on the state highway system, almost 90 percent of all pedestrian and bicycle collisions occur within one mile of a school and 21 percent of those involve children ages 5 to 18), congestion (nationally, 10-14% of peak hour congestion is related to drop-offs and pick-ups of children), and the state’s general fund obligations for McCleary (annually state and local school districts spend almost $500 million annually on pupil transportation).

Biking and walking occurs statewide. Washington Bikes Recommends ensuring that biking and walking planning and resources are considered viable transportation solutions statewide and not just limited to large urban metropolitan areas.

 

Bicycle riders on the bike/pedestrian bridge that connects East Wenatchee to Wenatchee at Pybus Market.

Riders on the bike/pedestrian bridge that connects East Wenatchee to Wenatchee at Pybus Market.

Background: Think Seattle has the highest share of biking commuters in Washington state? Wrong. That designation goes to Ellensburg. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. Biking and walking occur outside of large urban metropolitan areas, but WTP 2035 implies this is not the case. 3- and 5-year ACS data illustrate this in Ellensburg (22.9% walked and biked), Port Angeles (8.8% walked and biked), Bellingham (11.8% walked and biked), Colville (12% walked and biked), Pullman (24% walked and biked) and Walla Walla (13.1% walked and biked). These numbers often exceed the large metro areas in Washington state. WTP 2035 needs to recognize this fact.

Safety for those that bike and walk needs to be prioritized in Washington state. Washington Bikes Recommends that state transportation planning and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Target Zero plan need to reprioritize bicycle and pedestrian safety to effectively implement Governor Inslee’s Results Washington goal of achieving zero pedestrian and bicycle deaths by 2030.

Background: The emerging issue around safety in Washington state continues to be addressing the shortfalls a transportation system that does not accommodate those that walk and bike, thus creating safety and mobility concerns. Nationally, since 2009, fatalities have been increasing for those that walk and bike. In 2012, over 16% of all traffic-related fatalities were people on bike and foot. More biking and walking can lead to conflicts with other modes, but it also creates “safety in numbers”, which leads to more awareness of those that bike and walk and, ultimately, increased safety.

Remember, let the Commissioners know via email, meeting, or webinar by September 25, 2014.

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Posted in Advocacy, Alert, Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, Kids, Legislature, Rural, Safe Routes to School, Safety, Tourism, Trails, Transportation, Travel, WSDOT | 4 Comments

USBR 10: Inaugural Bike Tour

By Louise McGrody | Published September 10, 2014
Photo courtesy of Adventure Cycling Association.

Photo courtesy of Adventure Cycling Association.

Washington Bikes board member and USBRS route coordinator John Pope is biking US Bicycle Route 10! He departs from his hometown of Anacortes—the western terminus of the newly designated national bike route—on September 15 and is scheduled to arrive in Newport at the Idaho border on September 22.

John will be vehicle supported by his wife Michele, and he has invited members of Skagit Bicycle Club, Colvelo and Washington Bikes to join him for all or part of the week-long tour. Here’s his itinerary:

Day 1:  Monday 9/15 (the day following the Anacortes Ribbon Cutting for USBR10).  Start from Anacortes Ferry Dock at 9AM, long day crossing Skagit County flats to Newhalem CG (87mi, not much elevation).  Lunch break at Rockport SP or Howard Miller County Park. Read the post about John’s Day One Ride.
Day 2:  Tuesday 9/16.  Leave Newhalem, water break at Colonial Creek CG, lunch at Rainy Pass roadside/Washington Pass Overlook, camp at Early Winters CG (57mi day, ~5000’+). Read the post about Day Two.
Day 3:  Wednesday 9/17.  From Mazama, coffee break at Winthrop, lunch/sag point at Twisp grocery store, camp at Lyons City Park, Okanogan (62 mile day, ~4000’+). Read the post about Day Three.
Day 4:  Thursday 9/18.  From Okanogan ride to Riverside, then Tonasket (lunch/sag).  Climb Wauconda summit, stay in Republic, possibly at Millers RV (71 miles, ~3500’+).
Day 5:  Friday 9/19.  Ride up Sherman Pass (up 3300′, then down 4300′), lunch at the Columbia River, stay at Fairgrounds in Colville (53 mile day, ~4000’+).
Day 6:  Saturday 9/20.  Participate in Blazing Saddles bike ride and chili cook off, and USBR 10 event (0 to 100 mile day, rides of every description included in the event).  Stay in Colville.
Day 7:  Sunday 9/21.  Colville to Ione (lunch).  Camp at Panhandle USFS (63mi, ~2000’+).
Day 8:  Monday 9/22.  Coffee at Usk, lunch at Newport (30miles, moderate hills).  Spokane (47 mi from Newport) has Amtrak, or continue your tour on through Idaho!

Tune in to our Facebook page to follow John on his USBR 10 adventure.

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Posted in Adventure, News, Rides, Travel, USBRS | 1 Comment

USBR 10 Ribbon-Cutting Celebration This Sunday

By Louise McGrody | Published September 9, 2014

USBR 10 signIt’s official! US Bicycle Route 10 has been approved as Washington state’s first route in the nationwide US Bicycle Route System and we’re holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Sunday, September 14 at 1 pm in Anacortes.

Ribbon-cutting for USBR 10 will feature State Secretary of Transportation Lynn Peterson, Anacortes Mayor Laurie Gere, WA Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain, Representative Kris Lytton and additional elected officials who have helped to approve and support this historic route that crosses the northern tier of Washington state via the SR 20 corridor. A similar dedication will occur on September 20 at the Rotary Club of Colville’s 2nd Annual Blazing Saddles Bike Ride fundraiser in Colville.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held during Anacortes Open Streets. The open streets event–the first of its kind in Anacortes–will spread out over a twenty block loop and will include a Retro Bike Ride, a Concours d’Elegance bike show, Volkswalk, BMX and Mountain biking demonstrations, Special Olympics riders, bike repair station, live music, healthy lifestyle demos, information displays, a bike parts swap meet and more.

USBR 10 is a 407-mile bike route following the SR 20 corridor from Anacortes to Newport at the Idaho border. It climbs and coasts six mountain passes in between. The USBR 10 interstate route will eventually connect all the northern tier states, linking Washington state to Maine and running from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.

Nationally, Adventure Cycling Association is managing the endeavor to create over 50,000 miles of interstate bike routes. Washington Bikes, in partnership with Washington State DOT, is coordinating the USBRS effort in our state.

Posted in Events, News, Skagit County, Tourism, Travel, USBRS, WSDOT | 2 Comments

Bike and Hike the Stillaguamish this Weekend!

By Blake Trask | Published September 8, 2014

(and join us Saturday morning at the Fortson Mill Trailhead to celebrate the partnerships, progress and potential of the Whitehorse Trail)

With next weekend’s temperatures forecast for the upper 70s and low 80s, the Pacific Northwest’s September Summer continues. And we have ideas for your weekend trip – visit Snohomish County’s Stillaguamish Valley for a Bike and Hike adventure. We’re excited to partner with our friends at Washington Trails Association and Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition for their suggestions on where to hike in this fabulous gateway valley to the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Additionally, be sure to join us 10:30 am Saturday morning at the Whitehorse Trail’s Fortson Mill Trailhead for a special event to join community leaders in celebrating the progress, partnerships, and potential of the Whitehorse Trail following the SR 530 landslide.

Darrington Gravel Grinding

Get up to Darrington and Gravel Grind

Nestled between impressive Cascade peaks at the northern tip of the Stillaguamish Valley, the town of Darrington is a hotbed of gravel adventure riding opportunities. Over 100 years of mining and logging industry have left a large network of gravel roads snaking their way through the forests around town.

The routes listed range from 5-23 miles. Because they all loop back to town, they can easily be combined for longer days in the saddle. Check out the Washington Bikes rundown on gravel grinding the Stilly.

Gravel Grinding - Bridge to Nowhere

Bridge to Nowhere. Photo by George Winters.

When you’ve had your fill of gravel adventure consider swinging by Mountain Loop Books and Coffee to refuel. The owner Tony bike toured across Ireland and loves to chat with his customers. Or quench your thirst at the newly opened Whiskey Ridge microbrewery located in the old City Hall building.

Gateway to the Stilly: Centennial Trail from Arlington to Nakashima Barn

With 12 trailheads across its 30-mile span, the Centennial Trail can be broken into a nearly endless number of rides for beginners to experts alike. One of the most scenic is the short stretch from downtown Arlington to the northern terminus of the trail at the old Nakashima Farm site. And at just 15.5 miles roundtrip on a flat, car-free multi-use path, the ride is truly accessible for anyone, families with children included.
Whitehorse Trail

Whitehorse Trail spur off of the Centennial Trail. Photo by Debora Nelson

Immediately north of Arlington, the Centennial Trail intersects with the Whitehorse Trail, a 27-mile rail corridor owned by Snohomish County Parks. The western segment that abuts the Centennial Trail is best suited for hikers, horses, and really fat mountain bike tires (note: seven miles of the Whitehorse Trail’s eastern section is very bikeable in Darrington). In response to the SR 530 tragedy in Oso, Washington Bikes is working with partners including Snohomish County Parks and leaders in Arlington and Darrington to coordinate and acquire funding to develop the entire 27-mile corridor to spur bike travel and tourism and connect the Stillaguamish Valley to a growing trail network across the Puget Sound.

The Centennial Trail ends 7.8 miles from Arlington at the site of the historical Nakashima Farm. The Nakashima Family bought the dairy farm in 1937 having worked on it for nearly 30 years prior. It was the first and, to-date, only dairy farm in Snohomish County owned by Asian Americans.

From there it’s just a matter of turning around and heading back the way you came to Arlington. Where you can enjoy the fantastic downtown with shops and restaurants, as well as Legion Park, which has a great Farmer’s Market from 10am to 3pm on Saturday.

A Multi Day Adventure: USBR 10 or Mountain Loop Highway

Great mountain views, even when cloudy! Photo courtesy of Josh Cohen

Great mountain views, even when cloudy! Photo courtesy of Josh Cohen

Looking for an overnight ride this weekend? Start in Arlington and bike up the Stilly on SR 530 (remember to stay aware and not stop through the SR 530 landslide, especially as it will be one-way through September 20) and continue along through Darrington (stop by and enjoy the town!) SR 530 north to SR 20 (aka Washington’s first US Bicycle Route) and then loop back to Arlington. Bike Overnights provides a nice writeup of a recent adventure along this route.

Another option is to head south from Darrington along the Mountain Loop Highway and then around to Granite Falls. Spectacular scenery abounds. Rough Stuff Cycling Northwest took this loop the opposite way and provides great photos and some descriptions on their trip.

Join us Saturday, September 13 to Celebrate the Partnerships, Progress and Potential of the Whitehorse Trail!

Completing the 27-mile Whitehorse Trail will connect Arlington and Darrington through the stunning Stillaguamish Valley and will tie into the Snohomish County Centennial Trail system. Activity to complete the Whitehorse Trail has gained traction in response to the SR 530 slide near Oso. As the residents of the Stillaguamish Valley seek to recover from the tragedy, completing the Whitehorse Trail serves as one economic redevelopment strategy to attract bike travel and tourism to the area.

Join us at the Fortson Mill Trailhead at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 13 to celebrate the partnerships, progress, and potential of the Whitehorse Trail for helping to redevelop the Stillaguamish Valley’s economy. We’ll be joined by elected officials and staff, as well as leaders from Darrington and Arlington to recognize the great work already accomplished and the task ahead.

Bike and Hike this Weekend to Support the Stilly Valley

September’s a great time to get up to the Stillaguamish to support the communities hit hardest by the SR 530 landslide. At Washington Bikes, we’re proud to support Arlington, Darrington and the communities across the Stillaguamish Valley impacted by this natural disaster. Luckily with all of the great opportunities up and down the Stilly, it’s easy to enjoy the natural scenery and great attractions on your bike. Enjoy!

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Posted in Adventure, Arlington, Darrington, Events, Family biking, Federal, Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, Legislature, Oso, People, Politics, Rides, Snohomish County, Tourism, Trails, Transportation, WSDOT | 3 Comments

Auction Donations Needed!

By Louise McGrody | Published September 7, 2014

Annual Auction & Gala Supports Our Work to Grow Bicycling Statewide

It’s been a big year for bicycling in Washington state and we have some key things to celebrate at our 22nd annual auction and gala on November 8: retaining our status for the 7th year in a row as the most bicycle friendly state in the nation; official designation of US Bicycle Route 10, Washington’s first route in the national bike network; and the release of Cycling Sojourner Washington, the first multi-day bicycle tour guide book for the Evergreen State in over a decade.

Olympic Disco Trail PA

Would you like a weekend getaway in Port Angeles? We have a vacation home available in this year’s auction!

Whatever your reason and wherever you ride, you can help support Washington Bikes’ vital work on policy and legislation, creating safe routes to work, school and beyond, promoting bike travel and tourism, and making biking accessible to everyone with a donation to our annual auction.

This year’s theme is Create Adventure–highlighting our bike travel and tourism efforts. Donations that play on this theme–like weekend getaways, biking or outdoor adventures, and unique experiences of all kinds–are needed. Other helpful items include themed gift baskets, handcrafted items, restaurant gift certificates, massage/spa packages, tickets to cultural and sporting events, and more.

Use our online donation form to submit your donation today. Not sure what to donate? Cash is always helpful!  Contact Louise McGrody if you have any questions.

Thank you. Your donation helps grow bicycling all across Washington.

And please plan to join us on November 8 at the auction! Come ready to meet friends, have fun, and bid. Visit our Auction Page for more information.

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