**CANCELLED** Richmond Beach to Kirkland with HILLS and Ice Cream

Join us for a scenic 51 mile VERY HILLY ride from the top of the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park to Kirkland.The route has six of the classic "7 Hills of Kirkland " along with two more bonus climbs.  We start in Richmond Beach and after our first climb (Richmond Beach Road) we travel East where we have a super fast descent down Perkins Way to Log Boom Park.  From there we take on three of the "Kirkland Hills" (including the infamous Norway Hill) before we have a quick stop for ice cream at Ben and Jerry's (or coffee at Starbucks) in Kirkland.  Recharged we continue to Market Hill and Juanita Hill and back to Log Boom. Then we climb up Perkins Way on our return to the Salt Water Park.

The Start:  Let's meet at the entrance to the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (190th St and 20th Ave.) Please be ready to ride at 10:00am. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  If you miss the briefing you will not be able to ride with the group.

Parking: There is parking along the West side of 20th and 21st Avenues. or in the parking lots down the hill from the starting point.

Pace: We will be riding at the fast end of the Steady pace (i.e.14 mph when flat with no head or tail winds), except on the climbs and descents where everyone will ride at their own pace. The first person to the top of a climb (particularly Norway Hill) will be encouraged to go back down and accompany the last person coming up. We will regroup frequently. No one will be dropped from this ride.

Rest stops:  Restrooms are available at the start (but they are at the bottom of the hill in the park, so be sure to come early if you need them.) We will stop along the way for restrooms/water at mile 8 (Log Boom) and at Ben and Jerry's/Starbucks at about mile 30. If necessary, an additional restroom stop is available on the return at Log Boom Park. 

The Basics:  These rides are not supported. Riders should be able to sustain the pace, carry nutrition/water, and have the know-how and equipment to fix a flat tire.  The group will not stop for repair of flats or mechanical issues. Everyone should carry a cell phone to call for assistance if needed.

Be considerate and have full fenders including mud flaps if roads are wet or a prediction of rain is in the forecast. If you don't have fenders, you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

New riders:  We are very happy to have you with us.  Please read the New Rider link (“read our newcomer information”), above, and keep in mind that a helmet is required for all Cascade rides. 

Registration:  This ride has  a limited capacity. If possible, please register for the ride a few days in advance. Please be sure to cancel your registration if you decide not to go on the ride.

Ride With GPS Link:  The route map and cue sheet are in the Links, below.  If you want a printed cue sheet, you need to bring it.

Weather: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and will send everyone who has registered an email advising of the cancellation. If this happens, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. 

We hope you can join us!