Quirky Quirks

Ride Guide Overview

Ride Details

Distance:  15.1 miles (or 10.6 miles*)

Elevation Gain:  1,042 feet (or 514 feet*)

Suggested Time:  2-4 hours

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

Starting Point:  Waypoint Park at 1145 Granary Ave

 

* Note: “Quirky Quirks Lite” is a shorter route (10.6 miles long) with less climbing (514 feet).

About the Ride

Did you know there is a gigantic Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket in Bellingham? Did you know Bellingham has the World’s Longest 2X4? It’s playfully creative and joyful peculiarities such as these that make the city of Subdued Excitement so charming. This route explores the quirkiest of Bellingham’s 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 odd door 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 huge KFC 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 at The RE Store, 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 Boutique, where you can check out some quirky doodads available for purchase. Across the street, check out the creative Pocket Box 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: Quirky Quirks Lite 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 Quirky Quirks Lite.

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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

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

Bellingham Karate Church of Elf Defense

Attend an event at the Karate Church. There are so many to choose from — the monthly flea market, figure drawing classes every Tuesday, dance classes every Thursday, and more.

Kafe 104.1
KAFE 104.1 is Bellingham’s music station playing today’s variety for NW Washington and lower B.C. Give them a listen.
Pocket Box

With multiple creative vending machines in Bellingham, Pocket Box is all about dispensing good times. Check out all their boxes — at Black Sheep, Grand Avenue Ale House, Beach Cat Brewing, Rumors Cabaret, and the Bellingham International Airport.

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

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BIKE Bellingham relies on community support to keep the program free for all riders. Your support helps cover the cost of the maps & navigation tools and the creation of new routes.

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Notice something that needs to be fixed or updated? Please let us know!

Ride Guide Sponsors

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