Eastside Hills #53 (Brisk)

Join us for a 72-mile ride at a brisk pace (16-18 mph on the flats) from Kirkland Transit Center.

Whether you are looking for some fun roads to ride in the countryside or some challenging hills to build strength, this ride is for you!  This ride includes many miles in the Snoqualmie River Valley and, as much as possible, follows low-traffic, out-of-the-way roads.  The ride also includes seven major hills, including one doozie - Lake Alice Road, which has about 900 feet of climbing at a pretty steep grade. All in all, it should be a great day of riding!

Let's meet at the Kirkland Transit Center between the library and the baseball field at 9 AM.  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.  We will stop along the way for a restroom/water/snack break at the Snoqualmie Ridge Safeway at mile 27 and at the Duvall Safeway at mile 52.

There are four hours of free parking at the public parking garage under the Kirkland Library.  Longer term parking is available at the Kirkland Wester Parking Lot on 3rd Avenue, about 4 blocks away.

As always, you can ride the hills at your own pace and we'll regroup at the top, so strong riders can zoom up while others don't need to worry about being left behind.  Ride leaders will do their best to accommodate riders with a range of abilities, but riders who fall substantially behind the group pace may have to continue the ride on their own.

In the event of separation due to flats or other problems, riders should download the route file into a GPS device or have a cue sheet. Cue sheets are not available at the start.  Routes may include a local trail with speed limits, typically 15 MPH. Riders must stay within the speed limits. 

Bring a spare tube (or two) and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Riders should know how to change a flat, or deal with other minor mechanical issues and carry appropriate tools. Riders must have a backup plan if roadside repairs are not sufficient.  Riders should have a charged cell phone to call for a pick-up or other means to find their way home. 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, unhealthy air quality, 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 an 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!