While the sun shone on Saturday, I paid a visit to the tangled hodge-podge of mountain biking trails under the power lines near Philip Arnold Park in Renton.
Daffodils blooming along mountain bike trail
Some of these trails at the so-called “Towers of Power” site date back more than 20 years. Among all the volunteers who have helped maintain them over the years, someone must have brought daffodil bulbs one time to beautify the side of the winding Crop Circles trail.
It reminded me of the upcoming Daffodil Classic bicycle ride in Orting on April 14. It’s the first of a several flower-themed rides coming up in the next month.
In Washington:
The Daffodil Classic — April 14, 2013 Three bicycle loops — 40, 62 or 102 miles — leaving Orting Middle School. Also an out-and-back on a bike trail that can be 1 to 30 miles. Sponsored by the Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club.
Tulip Pedal — April 20, 2013 Up to 60 miles of cycling; associated with Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Leaves from La Conner Middle School between 7 and noon (site moved from Rexville Grange); sponsored by Skagit County Medic One.
Lilac Century & Family Fun ride –– April 28, 2013 Bike ride options of 15 miles to 100 miles. New is the 66-mile route that follows the Centennial Trail to Nine Mile, Long Lake, then back to the start at Spokane Falls Community College. Presented by Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary Club.
In Oregon:
A Cherry of a Bike Ride — April 21, 2013 Five bike ride options — 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 miles — start at The Dalles; limited to 500 cyclists. Part of the Northwest Cherry Festival activities.
In California:
Wildflower Century — April 27, 2013 Three route options — 50, 75 and 100 miles — for a scenic bike ride through scenic valleys and isolated mountains of San Luis Obispo County. Presented by San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club.
Wildflower Century — April 28, 2013 Regularly touted one of the nation’s best bike rides, the Wildflower Century offers a half-dozen options for enjoying spring weather. The rides — from most difficult to easiest — are Wildcat 125, Wildcat 100, Wildflower 100, Wildflower 65, Flatflower 60, Flatflower 30 and Childflower 12. Presented by Chico Velo Cycling Club.
Check other Pacific and Northwest bicycle rides for Washington, Oregon and California.
By the way, the trails at Towers of Power are in excellent condition in spite of all the rain we’ve had lately. In fact, they’re in better shape than some of the access roads that criss-cross the site. If you haven’t been there in a few years, check out the flowy “Silkworm” trail that’s the first trail heading right (north) after you pass through the gate.
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