Quote:
Originally Posted by irishboy2525
In past years I've gotten there super early because of the parking issue..Sometimes as early as 9am...I would assume painting party is in at least walking distance to the park no?..Meaning I would get to the park and park..Beat feet to painting party then beat feet back to gasworks for the end and disembarking from bikes...Pipe dream I know...But I've seen the painting party pics you've posted and have come to realize I've been doing this alllllll wrong!
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Unfortunately, the painting party is at the other end of things - too far to walk. YOu'd have to either drive, bike, or grab a taxi!
The painting party is west of the start point, and now its at the old Ballard library in Ballard - way the heck out of the way. Anyway, but if you drive east from there around noon you can usually still find a few parking spots 8-10 blocks north of Gaswork Park. I hate doing this, but its the only way I can cover both ends. I almost pray for rain because it will mean fewer people attending, hence more parking.
The route you drive is up to you, but try to avoid those tiny one way streets! Trying to negotiate those when you are in a rush will be maddening! Then head down Wallingford looking for parking. In a way, though, I hesitate recommending that you do this for fear that you will try it, not be able to make it to Gaswork in time, and then blame me! It used to be photography was a lot better at the painting party when they held it at Hales Ales, but in the past couple of years, it hasn't been as sweet. That is unless you are able to get inside the library (which I'm sure you are salivating thinking about, right?). Maybe in that case you can get your fill in time to leave a little early (skipping the riders departing) assuring you a better chance of getting to the Park early enough. But anyway, I drive down wallingford, and check the near side streets along the way. I wish I had a secret or two for finding a spot, but its usually close to Wallingford and south of 45th.
good luck!
Klondike