Tuesday Night Gravel: Mitchell Hill

Join us as we explore the best of the Eastside's gravel roads and trails. All experience levels are welcome.

This week's route takes us from Issaquah to the summit of Mitchell Hill. We'll start out with a single track climb up the High School Trail, followed by the gravel Issaquah-Preston Trail and the paved Preston-Snoqualmie Trail. After a few miles on paved roads, we'll tackle the highlight of the route: a 2.5-mile unpaved climb to the top of Mitchell Hill. From there we'll have a glorious paved descent back down to the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail, followed by 7 miles of paved and unpaved trails back to the start.

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 would personally recommend at least 32mm tires for this route, but feel free to ride on whatever you are comfortable with.

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 Gerk's Ski & Cycle. If you are driving to the start, there is plenty of parking in the lot in front of Gerk's. If you are biking to the start, the parking lot is easily accessible from the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

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