Quirky Quirks

Ride Guide Overview

Ride Details

Distance:  15.1 miles

Elevation Gain:  1,042 ft

Suggested Time:  2-4 hours

Riding Surfaces:  streets & bike lanes (68%), city trails (32%)

Starting Point:  Waypoint Park at 1145 Granary Ave

 

Note: For cyclists seeking a shorter route with less climbing, there is a “Quirky Quirks Lite” option that is 10.6 miles long with 514 ft of climbing.

About the Ride

It’s Bellingham’s playfully creative and joyful peculiarities that make the city of Subdued Excitement so charming. This route explores fourteen of Bellingham’s most quirky quirks. The route begins at Waypoint Park in downtown Bellingham. Begin your ride by seizing the opportunity to preach your thoughts atop the Soapbox. From there, head to Railroad Avenue to see an oddity with a strange history. Hop on over to see the hopscotch course that once had grand intentions, and then head uphill to see the Karate Church. From there, you’ll have a few miles to pedal as well as climb to see the gigantic Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket. Then it’s all downhill! Pass through Whatcom Falls Park to see a cool rock carving, and then head back towards town along Bellingham’s lovely trails. Check out a super neat diorama, visit the consulate of an imaginary nation-state, and see some quirks at the Mount Baker Theatre. Head over to Northwest Yarns, where it will be obvious that knitters are neither priggish nor niminy-piminy. No worries if you “don’t do yarn”; you’ll definitely find some fun whimsies at this destination, where you can enjoy some goodies from Turtle’s Cafe as you browse the shop. Then head on over to Third Planet Boutiques, where you can check out some quirky doodads available for purchase. Across the street, check out the creative vending at Black Sheep (21+). Before returning to Waypoint Park, pay homage to the city’s unofficial mascot. Are you curious about these quirky quirks? You’ll learn more on the ride! 

 

Note: The Quirky Quirks Lite route has twelve points of interest. It does not visit the Karate Church or the KFC bucket.

The Route

Click “Send to Device” above the map to download the Quirky Quirks ride guide to the Ride with GPS app on your phone. By clicking “Send to Device,” you agree to the Terms of Use for BIKE Bellingham.

 

Note: Click here to view the route for the shorter Quirky Quirks Lite ride.

Featured Businesses

The route includes stops at the following businesses. Check their hours of operation before you ride.

The RE Store

The RE Store is a non-profit community reuse center and retail store operating to divert building materials from landfills. It serves as a treasure trove for reclaimed building materials, home decor, furniture, and unique salvaged items.

www.re-store.org

(360)647-5921

Northwest Yarns & Mercantile

Northwest Yarns & Mercantile is a woman-owned, comprehensive fiber arts store in downtown Bellingham, offering a wide selection of yarn, fiber, and equipment for knitting, crochet, weaving, and spinning. They provide locally sourced products, classes, and free community crafting circles.

www.nwyarns.com

(360)738-0167

Turtle's Cafe

Turtle’s Cafe is a Native-owned coffee eatery located inside Northwest Yarns & Mercantile. It offers sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, and other goodies.
www.turtlescafebellingham.com

(360)599-5125

Third Planet Boutique

Third Planet Boutique is a queer, woman-owned boutique in downtown Bellingham offering a curated selection of ethical, local handmade goods, crystals, clothing, and unique gifts. Known for a welcoming “modern hippie” atmosphere, it features diverse products including jewelry, tarot, and incense.

www.thirdplanetboutique.com

(360)778-3765

Black Sheep

Black Sheep is a popular, 21+ “bar with tacos” located in the heart of downtown Bellingham. Established in 2016, it is known for its inventive, scratch-made tacos, craft cocktails, and a lively, industrial-casual atmosphere.
www.blacksheepbellingham.com

(360)526-2109

The following businesses are also included in the ride.  

Bellingham Karate Church of Elf Defense
Historic multi-purpose event space in Bellingham.
Kafe 104.1
Bellingham’s music station, plays today’s variety for NW Washington and lower B.C.
www.kafe.com
Pocket Box
Creative vending machines in Bellingham. Dispensing good times!

Where to Park

A great spot for free parking is the gravel lot across the street from the route’s starting point, Waypoint Park. If you’re unable to find a spot here, you can park nearby, though beware of metered parking.

Extend Your Experience

  • Book a Sin & Gin Tour with the Good Time Girls at Bellinghistory.

  • Read “The Brothels of Bellingham: A Short History of Prostitution in Bellingham, WA” by Curtis F. Smith, D.D.S. The book is available for sale via the Whatcom County Historical Society.
Ride with GPS Logo

BIKE Bellingham's Ride Guides provide complimentary access to the Ride with GPS app, including free turn-by-turn navigation and information about points of interest along the route.

BIKE Bellingham Rentals Header Image

No bike? No problem. Bellingham has shops in town that rent bikes and e-bikes.

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If you’ve benefited from Bike Bellingham and would like to show your appreciation, your financial support is greatly appreciated.

Ride Guide Sponsors

Thank you to Cascadia Daily News’ “What’s the Deal With” column for providing inspiration for this ride!