Tuesday Night Gravel: Bellevue

Join us as we explore the many gravel roads and trails the Eastside has to offer. All experience levels are welcome.

This week's route takes us south into Bellevue to visit the Lake Hills Greenbelt, Kelsey Creek Park, and Wilburton Hill Park. We will then head north via the new Bellevue extension of the Eastside Rail Corridor. On our way back to Redmond we will visit Watershed Park and the Bridle Crest Trail before wrapping up the ride on the gravel trail along the Sammamish River.

Pace: We will ride at a Brisk pace (16-18 mph on the flats) on the pavement and a similar effort level but slower pace on the unpaved sections. On some trails we will further reduce our speed for safety.

Expectations: Riders should be able to sustain the advertised pace; know how make it home should they become separated from the group; have the ability and tools required to fix a flat; and have a positive attitude.

Tires: I've ridden most parts of this route on tires ranging from 25mm to 38mm wide. I would personally recommend at least 32mm tires for this route, but feel free to ride on whatever you are comfortable with. If you are interested in joining the ride but are concerned that your current bike setup is inadequate, note that you can rent a gravel bike (the Norco Threshold) from Element Cycles.

Lights: Please bring a headlight and a taillight as we may finish after dark.

Registration: To save time at the ride start, you are encouraged to sign the online waiver by clicking the red “Register Now” button above.

Ride start: Water and restrooms are available inside of Element Cycles. If you are driving to the start, there is plenty of parking in the lot to the west of Element. If you are biking to the start, the parking lot is only a block away from the Sammamish River Trail.

Weather cancellation: Steady rain cancels. Cancellation will be announced in the comments below at least two hours before the ride start.