You two-wheel enthusiasts may think the Burke Gilman trail is a big deal, and it is, all 27 miles of it. From Kirkland south along Lake Washington to the UW campus, the along the Ship Canal toward Ballard (several blocks of "missing link" still to come), eventually ending at Shilshole Bay. But you'll forgive me if I point out that a new bike trail which follows the Rhone River from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean clocks in at 510 miles.
The ViaRhona, as it is known, first circumnavigates the lake (both sides: Switzerland on the north side, France on the south), then follows the river through the Alps. By the time it gets to the Med, the route crosses an even dozen administrative unites (départements), most of it on a dedicated "green" track well separated from vehicular traffic.The ViaRhona website recognizes that hardcore cyclists will want to ride the entire route (the hardest parts are at the north end) but encourages shorter trips, family outings, and picnics along the way.
Locally the classic "STP" (Seattle to Portland) ride is only 200 miles and draws thousands of participants. (In recent years, the sponsor, Cascade Bicycle Club, has limited the number to 9,000.) And no big hills. You could, I suppose, check out a Pronto bike, but I think you'd be better off on a machine designed for road trips.
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