![\"Scenic](\"https:\/\/blog.seattlerando.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/12772065_1080324568679236_321495690563983802_o-e1458663110204.jpg\")
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On 3\/19, five hardy souls – Adam, Albert, Jason, Mitch and Thai set out to pre-ride the 3\/26 Island Views 300k route. \u00a0This report is based on their experience as well as an earlier pre-ride by Mark, Mark, and Vinnie.<\/p>\n
There is ample parking at the Safeway about 100 ft north of the Starbucks and at the Park & Ride (.4 miles north).<\/p>\n
Do not park at the Starbucks<\/em> — there isn\u2019t much parking and the signage suggests your car won\u2019t be welcome for long.<\/p>\n After dealing with paperwork at the Ave D Starbucks<\/a> that\u2019ll serve as our start control, we set out into the morning darkness. \u00a0The route heads west, and then north on reasonably quiet roads to Mt Vernon. \u00a0We stopped here for coffee and baked goods at Ristretto Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar but you may want to keep moving to add time in the bank for later. \u00a0We then proceeded further west and north to State Route 20 before the bridge. \u00a0On the bridge we recommend taking the separated pedestrian\/biking path. \u00a0Welcome to Fidalgo Island.<\/p>\n Once on Fidalgo, you\u2019ll quickly leave 20 to explore northwards on quieter roads and trails to March Point. \u00a0This segment features views of the bay, islands and shipping as well as the oil refinery. \u00a0After the refinery, you\u2019ll take the Tommy Thompson wooden trestle bridge across the Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve. \u00a0The bridge (and the subsequent trail) are multi-use and you can expect to encounter a few pedestrians and other bicyclists. \u00a0The bridge also features shells deposited by local birds. \u00a0We had one flat on an older tire caused by the shells.<\/p>\n Once across the bridge, you\u2019ll head north to Anacortes and and a control at The Market at Anacortes. \u00a0The control is open but the market has a good selection of soups, breads, general groceries, and a coffee shop with exterior seating. \u00a0The pre-riders recommend you fuel up in Anacortes.<\/em> \u00a0There is also a bike shop across the street.<\/p>\n From Anacortes we headed further west for more coastal views and hilly terrain before turning south towards Whidbey itself. To get onto Whidbey, you\u2019ll be crossing Deception Pass — take the lane here. \u00a0There is no control here but it\u2019s worth stopping to take a look. \u00a0Once across the bridge you are on Whidbey Island.<\/p>\n On Whidbey, we take you South around the naval base and then down to the coast for quieter riding and some hills. \u00a0There are some services on this stretch while it remains on 20 but with decreasing frequency as you venture further south. \u00a0At Fort Ebey State Park you\u2019ll find a SIR manned control at a picnic shelter with rando delicacies and a view. You don\u2019t want to rest too long before heading out as more climbing awaits between the park and La Conner.<\/p>\n From the manned control we go west and north around Penn Cove and continuing along the coast collecting views and hills. \u00a0Again the services are limited until you reach the city of Oak Harbor — the largest city on the Island where all manner of sustenance can be found. \u00a0From there we head back across Deception Pass and on to La Conner.<\/p>\n In La Conner we enjoyed sandwiches at the Pioneer Market but the control is open if you prefer other fare. The route from here will be familiar to many as you race east towards Lake McMurray, and then south on the Centennial trail. \u00a0\u00a0Full services can be found along route 594 and in Arlington (7-11, others). \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0On our pre-ride, we found the Lake McMurray store closed as well as the Arlington public services.<\/p>\n As you arrive in Snohomish, remember to turn on 10th and head over to Ave D. \u00a0There we will await at Starbucks (til 8pm<\/span><\/span>), then Safeway (indoors or in a van in the lot with the flashing SIR sign).<\/p>\n The route features some 8k+ ft of climbing over 308km \u00a0You can think of it as a ride of 3 parts — 100 km of relative flat to Anacortes, 100 km on Whidbey\/Fidalgo over hilly coastal views, and 100 km of relative flat to get to the finish.<\/p>\n Help the organizers by pre-registering for this brevet here:<\/p>\n http:\/\/brevets.seattlerando. On 3\/19, five hardy souls – Adam, Albert, Jason, Mitch and Thai set out to pre-ride the 3\/26 Island Views 300k route. \u00a0This report is based on their experience as well as an earlier pre-ride by Mark, Mark, and Vinnie. … Continue reading The first 100K<\/h2>\n
Island Views<\/h2>\n
The last 80k<\/h2>\n
Pre-registration<\/h2>\n