**CANCELLED** Eastside Hills #40 (Strenuous)

Join us for a ride from Kirkland Transit Center on a 49-mile ride at a strenuous pace (20-22 mph on the flats).

Maintaining our fitness level during the inclement winter months can be challenging so here's a ride designed accommodate changing weather conditions.  The route has plenty of hills to build strength but also offers several options for returning early if the weather gets bad.  The midpoint of the ride is only a short distance from the start, allowing riders to easily do half the ride (24 miles) or the entire route (49 miles).  The main group will wait a minute or so at the tops of hills to regroup and the brisk group will collect any struggling riders.  We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 mph).

Let's meet at the Kirkland Transit Center between the library and the baseball field. Please be ready to ride at 10 a.m.  (Note the new time!) 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.

Restrooms and water are available at the start. There are four hours of free parking at the public parking garage under the Kirkland Library. We will stop along the way for restrooms/water/food at the Kirkland Starbucks at mile 28.  

Bring a spare tube (or two) and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Note: If there is steady rain, snow, ice, other hazardous riding conditions or 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 Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.  Riders who have signed up will also receive and email notification that the ride has been canceled.  If the status of the ride is in doubt be sure to check the Cascade Free Rides Calendar before heading to the start.

We hope you can join us!