Sunday: Cascade’s newest ride is a family-friendly ride around Lake Union + Register by Thursday
Cascade Bicycle Club's newest event, the Lake Union Family Ride, is a 7-mile loop with kids' activities along the way. The September 13 ride starts at Gas Works Park with a midway stop at Lake Union Park where kids can take a break from the saddle to eat lunch and build a boat at the Center for Wooden Boats. There will also be mid-ride break spots with lemonade and and ice cream. The start and end of the ride at Gas Works Park will also have a bike rodeo and a bike decorating station.
Adult registrations are $75 (non-member, late pricing) and kids 18 and under are $5. Registration closes Thursday night (September 10). Start line opens at 10 a.m. and the finish line closes at 3 p.m.
Though it is designed to appeal to kids of many ages, the ride should be a great first long ride for any kid who has so far stuck to parks and sidewalks near home. Get ready to be surprised by how far your kid can ride. I remember taking my kiddo out to bike around Green Lake with my bike-towing stuff in case she needed to be bailed out only to be surprised when she decided to go for a second lap. There are a couple hills on the route that some riders may need to walk, but they aren't too long. The most technical part is probably the steep down-and-up block on Yale Terrace E (Street View doesn't do it justice, it is pretty steep and fast). I could see this being scary for some kids. But hey, there are snacks ahead!
This is the biggest kid-focused event by Cascade, at least in recent memory. It's an interesting twist on their usual major events formula by trading mileage for curated experiences at the rest stops. My kid and I can't wait to see how it goes.
More details from Cascade:
We're bringing the fun to the Lake Union bike trails! Roll out with the family and join us on September 13 for Cascade's newest ride, the Lake Union Family Ride.
A short 7-mile loop starting at Gas Works Park, this all new ride is great for kids and families wanting to spend more time outdoors together. Whether in training wheels, trailers, carriers, cargo bikes, or whatever makes you go, riders of all ages and abilities will enjoy this leisurely spin around the lake.
Fun Activities!
Kids and kids at heart will love the free activities at Gas Works Park, available throughout the day to be enjoyed before and after the ride! Come out and see what all the excitement is about:
Face painting
Bicycle decorating
Kids' obstacle course
Music & bubble machine
Coffee and ice cream (for purchase)
In South Lake Union Park, store your bike in the supervised bike corral and step into MOHAI for a tour or a lesson on boat building in the Center for Wooden Boats. Free PB&J sandwiches and snacks are available at the Cascade tent, or enjoy a meal at one of South Lake Union's many nearby restaurants.
Along the way, stop at Fairview Park to check out Eastlake's lemonade and popsicle rest stop to freshen up and get to know the Eastlake neighborhood!
