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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Getting There

Your guide to this week’s Bike to Work events

It begins with breakfast and ends with beers. 

That may sound like your – OK, my – typical day, but it's actually Bike to Work week, which runs tomorrow through Friday. There's a free breakfast Monday morning in Riverfront Park, a group bike ride everyday (including one with the mayor) and a wrap-up party at River City Brewing. With beer.

First up is a kick-off breakfast sponsored by Mountain Gear and Roast House Coffee. It begins at 7 a.m. and the pancakes are free! Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain, Mayor David Condon and City Council President Ben Stuckart will speak at the breakfast to tell us how great bikes are, and there will be live music. But did I mention free pancakes? And free coffee?

Also on Monday, and everyday following, there will be group rides open to everyone, which the city is calling Commute of the Century rides. You have to register to ride these, and sign a waiver and release of liability form. So do it, and wear a helmet.

The first ride is in the Perry District, and Condon will ride it along with the state Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson. So will I. It's about six miles long.

Tuesday's ride is a bit shorter, and is on the South Hill.

On Wednesday, the commute will head to Gonzaga for the week's shortest ride.

There will also be a Ride of Silence on Wednesday to commemorate all those killed or injured while riding a bike. Meet at the runners statutes at 6 p.m. and bring a helmet. 

Thursday will take riders to the northwest for a jaunt near Loma Vista Park.

Finally, Friday's ride will circle around Rochester Heights Park, Nevada Park and James Hill Park.

Last but not least, there will be beer, snacks and door prizes Friday at 5:30 p.m. at River City Brewing, 121 South Cedar Street. What more motivation do you need to ride your bike to work?



Nicholas Deshais
Joined The Spokesman-Review in 2013. He is the urban issues reporter, covering transportation, housing, development and other issues affecting the city. He also writes the Getting There transportation column and The Dirt, a roundup of construction projects, new businesses and expansions. He previously covered Spokane City Hall.

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