South Bellevue Views and Trails

You are invited to join us for the South Bellevue trails and hills ride!  Explore Spiritridge and Lakemont paved trails rarely seen on group rides, and the hills and views of Vuemont, Summit and Somerset hill.  The ride features expansive views in virtually every direction, from various elevations up to almost 1200'.  This is a hilly ride, but the climbs have been routed to use the gentlest grades available.

Registration:  Online Registration IS REQUIRED for this ride. Please see information at the top of this page.  Note that all riders on a tandem bicycle must be registered individually, as the captain's registration does not cover any stokers - it's a legal thing.  Friendly non-human pets do not require registration, while dangerous pets are not permitted.  

Ride Start and Time:  We will meet at the Factoria Mall parking lot, north end between Novilho's Steakhouse and KFC.  Please be ready to ride by 10:00 am when we will have a required safety briefing, rolling out immediately after.  If you miss the briefing, you will not be able to ride with the group, sorry!

Completion Time:  Barring any unforeseeable occurrences, we should return to the start point around 2:00pm.  

Pace:  Pace is moderate, 14-16 mph on flat, smooth surfaces without wind.  Riders should be able to maintain that speed range on flats, for the ride distance.  Climbing and descending is at rider's own pace with regrouping at the top of hills.  Leader will climb at a level of effort which should be achievable for the average rider at this pace.  However, riders significantly off the group pace should be prepared to complete the ride solo, and may wish to consider selecting a slower pace for their next ride.  It is recommended that riders have the route with them in their memory cells, on a portable device with charged battery, or on a printed copy of the cue sheet.

Regrouping:  We will regroup as needed, at the top of climbs and at turns.  The goal is to stay together.  We will stop occasionally to enjoy views (some will be behind us and will likely be missed if you are not with the group) and take advantage of photo ops.  If you are far enough ahead of the group that you are out of sight or out of voice range, stop and wait for the group at the first hill summit or intersection you reach, whichever comes first.  The route is complex and some trail entrances are easy to miss.  

Rest and Food Stops:  Restrooms are available in Factoria Mall by the start point.  Rest/coffee/snack stops at mile 11 (Lakemont Starbucks), and mile 26 (Newcastle Starbucks).  

Fenders:  For the safety and comfort of your fellow riders as well as yourself, long fenders with extended flaps that reach within 4 inches of the road are appreciated if roads are damp or rain is possible. If you are spraying fellow riders and they are not enjoying it, you may be banished to the back of the group.

Mechanical Issues:  Riders should bring tools and have knowledge to repair flats or minor mechanical problems.  Be prepared to complete the ride on your own, should your bike require a time-consuming repair. The group will stop briefly to ensure you are okay, but will not wait for repairs to be completed if they take more than a few minutes.  Please have a backup plan - person to call, or transportation fare - if you are unable to ride to the finish.

Cancelation:  Ride will be canceled for inclement weather as listed above, or other hazardous road or riding conditions such as snow, ice, threat of lightning or mudslides, steady strong winds, unhealthy air quality, wildfires, unavoidable flooding, riots, acts of war or earthquake damage, or elevated risk of wildlife attack (especially squirrel herds).  Should conditions call for a cancelation day of ride, a cancelation notice will be posted in the comment section below at least 2 hours before the ride start.  If conditions are questionable, please check this page before leaving for the start.  Leader will not be at the start if the ride is canceled 2 or more hours prior to the starting time. 

Route:  Ride With GPS route link is below.  Please print a cue sheet if you want one; printed cues are not likely to be available at the ride start due to ride leader's senior memory.

If you have any questions, you may post them in the Comments section below, or contact the ride leader.  Looking forward to riding with you!