Bicycle Seattle

[dmgry]

I am headed up to Seattle with the family later in August. I am staying at the Waterfront Marriott. I am planing to bring my fixie with me, but need suggestions about where to ride. I am looking for something around an hour in the mornings. I would love suggestions on nice rides or interesting bike shops to visit.

Thank you.

Dave

[Ozz]

Staying on the waterfront and having a fixie might be tough....everything is uphill from there! ;)

You might head south along the waterfront, past the Port Terminal area and head over to West Seattle...it is fairly flat and pretty scenic with a couple good parks to pull into for views back to the city.

Or, you could head north and go thru the new sculpture park. From there you could pick up the Burke-Gilman Trail and head towards the UW, or head up into Magnolia and hit Discovery Park, or head to Ballard / Golden Gardens Park.

Check out: Seattle Bike Maps (http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikemaps.htm) and Cascade Bike Club (http://www.cascade.org/Community/maps_routes.cfm) for other good routes.

[Marron]

Ozz made two good suggestions for flat rides, I would add that if you're out early it would be fun to ride to the east and check out areas like capital hill and Lake Washington. There's a very pleasant road that follows the shore. Portions were originally laid out by the Olmsteds as a system of bike trails. If you head over there later in the day you can check out Il Vechcio. I can't begin to describe George's selection; it's amazing and well worth a look.

You're pretty close to Elliot Bay cycles in the Market which is the home to Davidson Cycles and Bob Freemans classic cycle biz. Definitely worth a visit.

[Ozz]

...check out Il Vechcio. I can't begin to describe George's selection; it's amazing and well worth a look.

You're pretty close to Elliot Bay cycles in the Market which is the home to Davidson Cycles and Bob Freemans classic cycle biz. Definitely worth a visit.
Oops...forgot to mention bike shops....I'll second both Il Vecchio and Elliott Bay.

Il Vecchio is on a popular bike route around Lake Washington in Leschi. It is not open on Sundays, and not until 10:00 on Saturday. Lots of bike porn (Pegoretti, Land Shark, Fondriest, Singer,etc).

Elliott Bay Bicycles is at the very North end of Pike Place Market. Just head North thru the market, and just when you think you've gone too far, there it is. Lots of interesting bikes hanging on walls, there is a 'consignment' area that often has cool older bikes. Bill Davidson is often working the floor and is fun to talk with.

[kat_w]

There is also a great loop around the neighborhood of Magnolia just north(west) of downtown. The best views of Seattle and the Olympics in my opinion. There is always a great tailwind if you are riding counterclockwise.

Also you can follow the Elliot bay trail or Western Ave south then east to the I-90 tunnel. This connects you to Lake Washington Blvd or you can cross the I-90 floating bridge and ride the 15 mile loop around Mercer Island. There are more bikes than cars on these roads in the summertime.

The Seattle bike map can be found as a PDF online and in print at any local bike shop.

Happy Seattle Riding