The Headwaters Century Ride had very good weather as well, but we dodged a potential rain storm. We had about twenty riders this year starting in Orting on two new routes. The short 40 mile route went to Auburn on some back roads and returned on the Interurban Trail. The 62 mile metric Century started out the same way, but headed to Black Diamond from Auburn. From there it descended to the Green River Gorge and climbed up to Cumberland and the Enumclaw Plateau. Then, it was downhill back to Orting on the Foothills Trail. We had many positive comments on the route as it avoided some steep hills on prior routes. Everyone enjoyed stopping for Pizza at Route 66 in Orting.
Several club members attended the grand opening of the Parkland Community Trail this month. Larry Leveen with ForeverGreen Trails led an informative walk along the trail and several volunteers explained local history. I'm looking forward to riding out to the Exchange Tavern in Spanaway and returning on the new trail.
The Pierce County Trails Conference sponsored by ForeverGreen Trails was held on Thursday, September 24 with over 70 interested trail advocates present.
This past month we sent $500 checks to five organizations that help us to provide infrastructure and get more people out walking and rolling. Tacoma on the Go monitors improvements in Tacoma and puts on informative walks. 2nd Cycle gets more people out on bikes and provides education for young people as well as seniors. Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition continues to advocate for a connected route from Mt Rainier to Point Defiance. Bikes4Kids collects used bikes and repairs them for distribution to local people. Some of their bikes even get sent to Africa. ForeverGreen Trails continues to advocate for trails thru out Pierce County with an emphasis on continuity.
Hopefully WSDOT’s new trail from Puyallup to Fife will open soon. Unfortunately the Fishing Wars Bridge prolonged closure will make it more difficult to get to Tacoma.
I will be spending some time in Portugal on a Bicycle Adventure Club trip. In late November we have a BAC trip to the big island of Hawaii. In May of 2027 we have a BAC trip to south western France. We encourage you to check out the Bicycle Adventure Club and Adventure Cycling Association for possible trips. You can also just go on short overnight trips near Tacoma or seek out longer journeys.
I hope you enjoy the Fall weather and get out to ride independently or with our weekly group rides.