Tasty Ride – loop south of Eagle Harbor to Lynwood Center

Elizabeth Ozimek

Island Bike Stories – SW’s board member, Elizabeth, favorite ride is one that leads to a tasty treat or a good drink. Her go to route is a loop south of Eagle Harbor to Lynwood Center. 
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Let me start out by saying that I like to meander when I get on my bike, and I always seem to find myself ending up at the bakery, coffee shop, brewery or winery.

Living on the south-side of Eagle Harbor, I usually end up biking past HeyDay Farm, Blakely Park and Lynwood Center. It’s a nice distance of 6 – 7 miles with only one uphill. (At least, what I call a hill.) 

Starting on Eagle Harbor Dr., you enjoy some views of the protected portion of the harbor before you head into the rolling hills of Eagledale. Pretty much as soon as you lose sight of the harbor the road curves left and you start to climb until you reach McDonald Rd. This is a decent hill in my book, meaning I shift to my lowest (smallest) gears for easier pedaling. But, then again, I usually shift to the lowest gear on all the hills on Bainbridge because I try not to sweat. If I start sweating while biking it means I’m pushing myself and I’m not meandering, my goal is to enjoy just being out in an unobtrusive way in my natural surroundings.

Once you reach the top of the hill, actually you cut the climb short by taking McDonald Rd. and head towards HeyDay Farm. But, before you get there you pass by a collective of farms and horse boarding. I always like to see how the chicken tractors have moved from the last time I passed by. 

McDonald Rd. takes you to Old Mill Rd., where you head east and start a fun downhill stretch past HeyDay. If you don’t usually bike on Old Mill, pay attention to the road. The road hasn’t been resurfaced in a while and has some bumps, you’ll also be taking a sharp right down to Blakely Ave.

Once you get down to Blakely Ave. you can head straight towards Lynwood Center or you can explore Blakely Harbor Park. I enjoy walking around this park but I never do it when I’m on my bike, I guess I have Pane d’Amore’s marionberry pastry on mind by this time and I continue to pedal along Blakely to Point White to the bakery. Depending on the weather I may linger on the outdoor tables or take my pastry to go. Now the question is head straight home on Lynwood Center Dr to Eagle Harbor or extend the ride by going down Crystal Springs? Hmm.