McClinchy Mile Bike Ride 2014

I have always wanted to go for this bike ride but circumstances have never worked out.  Ride day forecast was for the imminent rain to hold off until the afternoon.  Stoked with a bowl of granola and a fruit smoothie, I hit the road for the ride start in Arlington.  I landed a parking spot just steps from the registration desk.  It goes without saying that early start/early arrival has advantages, though parking appeared ample.  This ride is certainly not among the "big" rides.  I had pre-registered on Active, which was an exercise in offer-avoidance (ugh!).  No numbers were issued, just a green wrist band to wear.  The route cues were well marked on the road surface.

I opted for the shorter 34 mile semi-loop from Arlington to Stanwood out-and-back.  This was my first "longer" ride of the season; a kind of shake-down cruise.  It was the perfect distance for me at this time.  The route is mostly flat with a little roll here and there.  The vehicle traffic was light except through Arlington, Stanwood, and around SR530 and Interstate 5 where just a little additional caution was needed.  Much of the route is on uncrowded rural roads where the occasional passing vehicle gave wide berth.

The best thing about this route is that it traverses some gorgeous farm countryside in the lower Stillaguamish Valley with beautiful old barns, some well-kept, others crumbling in decay covered in blackberry brambles.  I passed an occupied nest of bald eagles high up in a cottonwood tree right next to the road.  In a few places the route hugged the Stillaguamish River for a short distance.

On the return back to Arlington, the wind had picked from the southeast making for a little extra effort.  I could feel the last few small hill climbs into Arlington that told me the relatively flat 34 miles was just right.  The rain held off.  Satisfyingly, I was passed by no one.  I did pass a number of riders myself.  Perhaps the strong riders opted for the 48 miler.  Maybe next year.  Either way, I'd do the McClinchy Mile again.

The McClinchy Mile Bike Ride is a fund raiser for B.I.K.E.S. Club of Snohomish County

Parking ample at the start.  Haller Middle School, Arlington, WA

Registration uncrowded.

The bucolic lower Stillaguamish Valley.

Midway rest stop at Stanwood Middle School, Stanwood, WA.

The Stillaguamish River, high and turbid.

Well kept old farm house in the lower Stillaguamish Valley.

The grain mill in Silvana, WA.

The route via http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6236929

Centennial Trail- Snohomish to Arlington 3-9-13

The weather forecast was for sun and mild temperatures in the 50s.  I had my doubts when I looked out the front window and all I could see was pea soup fog.  I figured, what the heck, might as well go for it.  At lease it wasn't raining.  As it turned out, the fog burned off and sun ruled the day.  The sunshine was enhanced by the fact that the alders, maples and cottonwoods had not yet leafed out.

This was to be my first ride of the season and I chose the Centennial Trail for its bucolic rural scenery and its relative flatness.  The Centennial Trail is constructed on the original railway right-of-way built north of Snohomish by the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railroad in 1889.  The first section of the trail opened in 1989 from Snohomish.  The trail now reaches the Skagit County line, a distance of about 30 miles.

I started my ride at the very beginning of the trail in Snohomish and rode to Arlington and back, a distance of about 37 miles.  This trail is without a doubt, one of the prettiest trail rides anywhere.  You ride through rural countryside, wooded areas, and past a beautiful little lake that makes a perfect rest stop.  Just be aware that the trail gets crowded, especially in summer.  Watch out for walkers, slower riders, and tykes on training wheels.  

More info:  Centennial Trail - Snohomish County Parks and Recreation

For refreshment at the end of the trail in Snohomish, try one of their smoothies or just a plain iced mocha:  Beetle Juice & Java Cafe

Ride photos:

The first few miles are rural country side.

A gravel mining operation next to the trail.  Our modern concrete world needs sand and gravel.

Through Lake Stevens.

Interesting houses along the way.

Much of the trail passes through wooded areas.

Big cottonwood's leafless branches let the sunlight through.

Lake Cassidy, a special treat.

Miles of carefree riding.

View over the Stilliguamish Valley around Arlington.

 Next time I'll do the whole trail, 60 miles round trip.