Spring And Summer Biking Guide
By Justin Coffey, Citysearch Contributor
With the sun starting to show itself more and more, it’s time to break out the tight spandex and brightly colored riding outfits, helmets and hydration packs. It’s time to go for a bike ride. And no place is more into the bike culture than right here in Seattle. So if you are new to the game or a seasoned pro, here are a few places to gear up and get out there.
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Fluidride.com
723 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA
With locations in both Seattle and Issaquah, this locally owned shop offers entry level mountain biking classes, repairs and sales to fit any budget. They are also the group responsible for the Interstate 5 Colonnade, an in-city mountain bike park located underneath Interstate 5, just off of Eastlake. -
Downhill Zone
5236 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Located on far end of the Ave, this local shop, which specializes in downhill mountain biking, has been in business for over 10 years. They tend to cater to the more extreme end of the sport, but can still offer more basic advice and parts. -
St. Edwards State Park
14445 Juanita Drive SE, Kenmore, WA
An absolute must for novice riders. But don’t let the small size of this park, which rests on the shores of Lake Washington, fool you--it has a lot to offer. Grab a map, get on a few trails, and you'll be there all afternoon.
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Gregg's Greenlake Cycle
7007 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA
A great place for both mountain bikers and road riders, novices and experts alike. Offering excellent service and sales support, with a huge inventory and locations in Bellevue and Alderwood, it is the one-stop shop for all biking enthusiasts. -
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA
Gear up and get out there. This is a great place to start a ride or finish one. With easy access to the Burke Gilman, you can head out for a quick ride or make it a full day event and land yourself in Redmond. -
Marymoor Park
6046 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA
This companion to Gas Works is the place to end a long day’s ride out from Seattle or start a ride that brings you into the city. With stops along the way at Lake Forest Park Mall and the University of Washington, this place is ideal for groups or individuals looking for exercise and fun.
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Free Range Cycles
3501 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA
This small Fremont bike shop offers new and used bikes, from great setups like Surly and Soma to well-maintained used bicycles. Frequenting this small local shop also earns you points with the hardcore Seattle bicycle crowd. -
Recycled Cycles
1007 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA
Not looking to spend big money on a bicycle just yet? This waterfront bike shop offers a huge selection of tuned up, used bikes at a reasonable price. A great budget-priced introduction to the biking world. -
Green Lake
5701 E Green Lake Way N, Seattle, WA
A paved 2.75 mile track encircles this small inner-city lake. The smooth surface and demarcated bicycle lanes make this a great place to test out the new ride. Make it more than one lap and “feel the burn” for a bit of exercise. A number of espresso and snacks stops are available along the way. Parking is available at several locations bordering the lake.
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Counterbalance
2 W Roy St, Seattle, WA
This messenger-owned and operated joint caters to the growing messenger community in Seattle. They offer parts and components all the way to clothing and riding gear. If you can make it down the counterbalance on a fixie, I’m sure you’ll fit right in. -
Velo Bike Shop
1535 11th Ave, Seattle, WA
A staple on Capitol Hill and a well-known destination for those looking to convert their old ten-speeds into fixed-gear pieces of rolling art. Lots of items to choose from ... and if you're looking for random excitement, cross the street and check out the bike polo at Cal Anderson Park that happens most evenings--against the will of the parks department. -
Marymoor Velodrome
2400 Lake Sammamish Parkway, Redmond, WA
The only velodrome in Washington State is located in Marymoor Park. Great in the spring and summer months, the “Friday Night Racing Series” runs from mid-May through August, and is a summertime tradition in the Seattle area. Come out and watch fixed-gear cyclists battle it out on this high-banked cement race course. Expect high speeds and excitement, and hopefully not too many crashes.
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Bikestation Seattle
311 3rd Ave S, Seattle, WA
Located downtown, this 24-hour bike parking lot offers a whole lot more than just secure parking. Become a member and enjoy all the perks, such as attended bike parking throughout the day, an on-site bike mechanic, bike rentals and $10 off deals with Zipcar. -
Cascade Bicycle Club
7400 Sand Point Way NE Bldg 138, Seattle, WA
This is a great resource for those who choose to bike to work or school. Their focus on group rides and events, community action groups, and bicycle commuting advocacy have helped make Seattle a mecca for biking to work ... just head down Dexter Ave N on any given work day and witness the swarm of bicycle commuters heading downtown.
