MUMPS: Clockwise Lake Loop with Variations (Vigorous)

Join us for a Lake Washington clockwise loop route with a variation into Shoreline and a descent on Perkins Lane just before the finish. This route has more climbing than most lake loops.  We'll ride at a vigorous pace and regroup at the top of hills. We'll climb and descend Juanita Drive early in the route, then proceed through Kirkland, Bellevue and Renton, the U district, and trail and roads up into Shoreline before the final descent.

Starting time and location: Ride starts at 10:00 am at Log Boom Park in Kenmore, where there is a restroom.

Parking: There is a four hour parking restriction in the Park. If you are concerned about exceeding the time limit you may park on NE 175th St before the entrance to the park.

Pace: This is a vigorous paced ride, on the same route as the slower paced MUMPS group(s). Riders may choose to start with a faster group and drop back to a slower group later. When on multi-use trails we will observe the trail speed limit.  Otherwise we will ride 18-20 mph on flat pavement without benefit or hindrance of wind. We will regroup as necessary at major intersections and on hills. 

Route and variations to joining group:  The planned route/cue sheet is at the link below. It will not be handed out at the start, so please download or print it if you want it during the ride. The goal is to stay together via regrouping as necessary, but please bring navigation aids in case you need to finish on your own. The ride becomes self-led for those ahead of or behind the group. Feel free to bring my cell phone number so you can text me (I don't answer calls while riding) in case you have a problem while off the back. Depending on weather and mood of the group, the route may be shortened to cross the lake on I-90 trail or the WA 520 trail. You can meet us at any point on the route. Be sure to TEXT the ride leader if you plan to do this, so you can be notified if we decide to change the route.

Restrooms:  There are planned restroom stops at Marina Park (mile 8.5), Coulon Park (mile 21), at the food stop (mile 30), and an option to head to Matthews Beach (mile 43.3). 

Food:  There is a brief food stop (about 20 min.) at Third Place Books. Please bring snacks and water if you want additional nutrition and hydration along the way.  

Cancellation: Forecast for rain or unsafe riding conditions will be cause for cancellation, in which case the ride leader will not be at the start at Log Boom Park and the cancellation will be posted (in Comments, below) at least 2 hours before the start.

Fenders: Please be considerate of other riders' comfort and safety by using full fenders with long mud flaps if rain is expected or the roads are wet. You may still ride with us without them, but if you are spraying other riders you will need to drop to the back of the group.

Repairs: Please come with the equipment and know-how to take care of your own flats and mechanicals or with a plan for getting back to the start if your bike won't take you there. If you have a problem the group will stop briefly to make sure you will be OK on your own, but we will not wait for repairs to be completed.

Safety talk and on time-departure:  Riders should be at the start with ride-ready bikes and gear at least 10 minutes early for safety talk.

Pre-registration:  Please register in advance by clicking the red Register Now button at the top of this page, as this saves time at the start and enables the leader to email you in case of changes. (You need a Cascade Bicycle Club account, and starting one makes you a Basic-level member of the Club at no charge.) You don't have to un-register if you can't make the ride. Or you can register manually at the start.