Bubba's Pampered Pedalers

Thursday's inn-to-inn ride was likely the highlight of the week! We rolled out from the Anderson School and followed the Burke-Gilman Trail into Seattle. After seeking shelter on the University of Washington campus during a brief storm, we continued on to a scenic SAG stop at Gas Works Park, taking in stunning Seattle skyline views.

At the Ballard Locks, we watched boats pass through and salmon fight their way up the fish ladder. From there, we climbed into Magnolia to explore Discovery Park's sweeping bluff-top views. The ride continued along Magnolia Boulevard and was made even more memorable by paragliders soaring overhead. We then dropped to the waterfront for a cruise through Myrtle Edwards and Olympic Sculpture Parks. We wrapped up the day at the iconic Edgewater Hotel, our waterfront home for the night, then walked to Pike Place Market and dined at Il Bistro.

Friday's finale didn't disappoint. Riders had options again, with one group staying in downtown Seattle for a guided tour while the other got back in the saddle and crossed Lake Washington to Mercer Island, where a scenic loop delivered rolling hills and lake views. After a SAG stop in Bellevue, we headed south along the east side of Lake Washington to Coulon Beach Park, then joined the Green River Trail to our final hotel. That evening, we gathered on the deck for a farewell dinner overlooking Puget Sound, good company, good views, and the perfect ending to an unforgettable week.

That's a wrap on Seattle Summit to Sound 2026! Thanks for riding along with us all week. Keep an eye out for our 2027 tour announcements.

Tuesday, we kicked off the day riding north to finish the other half of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. A standout moment along the way was the Tokul Trestle, one of the great rail-trail bridges in the Pacific Northwest, spanning a deep, forested ravine. It's the kind of crossing that makes you stop to take it all in.

After finishing at the trail's northern terminus in Duvall, we shuttled over to Marymoor Park, where riders had two route options. One group took a relaxed ride up the Sammamish River Trail. The other embraced the challenge of the 520 Bridge route, passing through Microsoft's campus, crossing the world's longest floating bridge, and getting a close-up view of Husky Stadium and the University of Washington before jumping onto the famous Burke-Gilman Trail. We all reunited at McMenamins Anderson School, an offbeat hotel in Bothell, to unwind and celebrate the day before enjoying a delicious dinner next door.

Wednesday's ride took us on the Centennial Trail, starting in Snohomish and heading toward the historic Nakashima Barn, the trail's northern endpoint. We had a SAG stop in Arlington to recharge on the way. This out-and-back route gave riders a scenic, relaxed riding with a variety of views along the way!

Wish you were here? We're right in the thick of it, with the views just getting better by the day. Stick with us for what's still ahead, and tag a friend who'd love to be here!

Sunday, we gathered on Snoqualmie Ridge, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. After a rider orientation briefing and pizza party, we took a short trip down the hill to admire Snoqualmie Falls. The views are quite impressive!

Monday's ride was nothing short of epic. We set off from Hyak on the Palouse to Cascades Rail-Trail, a route that took us through a historic tunnel, across towering railroad trestles, and into the heart of a lush evergreen forest. Fun fact: the Snoqualmie Tunnel is the longest rail-trail tunnel in the USA at 2.3 miles, and we rode straight through it!

After emerging from the tunnel, we descended to our SAG stop at Rattlesnake Lake, then rode along the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley Trail with its peaceful river views on our way back to Snoqualmie town. We wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at Francesco Ristorante Italiano, just a short walk from our hotel

Wish you were here? We’re just getting started on our fun week. Follow along for the rest of the ride, and tag a friend who'd love to join us next time!

The adventure begins! Riders from near and far have gathered in the Pacific Northwest for Seattle Summit to Sound 2026, a week that kicks off with a welcome dinner and a visit to Snoqualmie Falls before five days of riding will carry us from the Cascade Mountains down to Puget Sound.

Along the way, we'll ride historic rail-trails, cross iconic bridges, roll through charming small towns, and soak in some of the best scenery the Northwest has to offer, all before spending time on the Seattle waterfront.

Follow along all week for the full journey, and tag a friend who'd love to ride along with us!

Just sayin'... two years, two top 3 finishes. Not bad for a bunch of pedalers.

Bubba's Pampered Pedalers: 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards Bubba's Pampered Pedalers offers the ultimate bicycling vacation options. Whether you're taking a week-long tour or simply overnighting at a hotel or bed-and-breakfast, you'll experience some of the best scenery from Tennessee to Colorado to the sunny coasts of Florida.

Registration is now open for our 3rd annual Cowboy Trail ride, June 9-14, 2027!

Five days, 190 miles, and 220 bridges across the wide open prairies of central Nebraska. The Cowboy Trail is unlike anything you have ridden before. Crushed limestone, big skies, solitude for days, incredible hospitality and scenery that will stop you in your tracks.

Past riders have called it stunning and beyond expectations. We think you will agree.

Spots are limited. Don't miss out! Giddyup! 🤠

The Black Hills saved its best for last.

Thursday took us into Custer State Park, starting the ride at the Needles Eye tunnel and winding through one of the most breathtaking stretches of road anywhere in the world. If this park isn't on your radar yet, it needs to be. The bison, burros, pronghorn and prairie dogs on the wildlife loop greeted us like they owned the place, because, well, they do.

Friday brought our final and longest day on the Mickelson Trail: 45 miles from Deadwood to Hill City, with one last round of legendary SAG eats to see us home. The farewell dinner at the Alpine Inn was a treat, and we're already missing the camaraderie we built this week.

Four years in and the Mickelson Trail continues to exceed every expectation. The trails, the scenery, the friendships. What a week.

See you next year, Black Hills.

The Mickelson Trail keeps delivering, and we're here for every mile of it.

Tuesday brought an out and back from Custer to Hill City. Ride as many or as few miles as you like, that's the beauty of an out and back. Something for everyone on this one. Dinner on the veranda at Sylvan Lake Lodge capped it off as the most scenic meal of the week.

Wednesday was a rest day well spent. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in the same day, two of America's treasures on the 250th anniversary. A few headed south to explore Wind Cave National Park.

We gathered again for dinner at the Buglin' Bull in Custer, serving up everything from wild game to salmon.

More Black Hills magic ahead.