Three Lake Bridges, Parks and Mercer Island loop

What's more fun than riding through parks and across the Lake Washington bridges on a pleasant Summer day?  This week, we also have the benefit of Seattle's Bicycle Weekend - the last one of 2023 - with no motor traffic on much of Lk Washington Blvd.  Everyone has enjoyed the original route, and this version adds a short loop on Mercer Island that includes the roller-coaster curves of E. Mercer Way.  

Ride Start and Time:  We will meet at the Newport Hills Park & Ride lot.  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!

End Time:  For your planning purposes, expected ride finishing time is around 2:30 pm.  

Pace:  Pace is Moderate, 14-16 mph on flat, smooth surfaces without wind.  We will observe any lower speed limits, such as 10 mph within the Arboretum and 15 mph on most other trails.  Riders should be able to maintain the Pace speed on flats for the full ride duration. Climbing and descending is at rider's own pace with regrouping at the top of most 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.

Rest and Food Stops:  Restrooms are available within 1 mile of the start at Newcastle Beach Park, and at miles 12.8 (Arboretum visitors center), 19.8 (coffee/rest stop at Caffe Vita), 23.4 (Seward Park) and 29.6 (Mercer Island Aubrey Davis Park).  

Smoke/Haze:  In the event of atmospheric haze which is not severe enough to cancel the ride, we may skip some of the hill climbs in the second half of the ride.  In that case, the food stop may change from Caffe Vita, to the Starbucks at Leschi.  

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 asked to ride at 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, as 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!