Thursday, August 20, 2009

Vashon Island to Alki Bakery Ride

Today I joined the Tacoma Wheelmen cyclists for a bike ride. We met at the Point Defiance ferry where we caught the 8:25 AM ferry to Vashon Island. Straight off the ferry we had to climb a 8-9% grade one mile hill. Then we cycled past some scenic sites of the sound and country side of Vashon before stopping in the quaint downtown section of the island for lattes, mochas, and baked goods at Cafe Luna's. After our wonderful break we continued on to the northern tip of Vashon where we caught the Fauntleroy ferry to west Seattle. The route after we disembarked from the Fauntleroy ferry was gorgeous views of the sound all the way to Alki Beach where we stopped at the famous Alki Bakery for lunch. After lunch we did the route in reverse returning to Vashon Island and then to our starting point in Tacoma via the ferries again. What a wonderful day of cycling!

Cloudy 8:25 AM ferry crossing to Vashon Island from Point Defiance ferry dock.
The famous Vashon Island tree that swallowed the bicycle!


Coffee stop in downtown Vashon at Cafe Luna.


Approaching the northern tip of Vashon and the Fauntleroy ferry dock.

Leaving Vashon for west Seattle on the Sealth ferry.

Group photo op on the beach in west Seattle.



Beautiful lawn art.
Famous Alki Bakery! Yum!



My sandwich! It was so good! And fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade!

Posing with "Bert". The owner was outside and gave us permission and told us his name! :)
Returning from west Seattle to Vashon Island.

Approaching the southern tip of Vashon to catch the ferry back to Tacoma.
On my way back to Point Defiance.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Tacoma to Belfair and back.

Great ride today. I rode with the Tacoma Wheelmen Bike Club. We started the ride in Tacoma, cycled across the Narrows bridge, went through Gig Harbor, Purdy, and Port Orchard, before stopping in Belfair for lunch. After lunch we headed on back to Tacoma. Total miles 65. Weather beautiful!

Crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.


My Bike!

The Group in Gig Harbor.

Puget Sound near Purdy.




Mount Rainier.