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Join us for some social climbing on this pared-back "Lite" version of the classic "7 Hills of Kirkland" course.
This "Lite" version will follow the approximate outline of our regular 7 Hills route, while bypassing some climbs. This will bring the ride from 37 miles down to 33, and elevation gain down from 2700' to 2000'.
We'll climb Market and Juanita out of Kirkland, but bypass the Seminary Hill (Holmes Point) and 153rd PL climbs off of Juanita. After climbing Norway Hill we'll bypass Winery Hill with a stretch on the Sammamish River Trail. Then it's up Rose Hill and back to the start. We'll relax between the climbs on relatively flat stretches, at a social moderate pace (15 mph +/-).
Be ready to ride near the back (East) end of the South Kirkland Park and Ride at start time; we'll do the required pre-ride briefing at that time, and ride when the briefing is done. If you miss the briefing you will not be able to ride with the group.
If you aren't familiar with the start location, navigating to "South Kirkland Park and RIde" (by name) via Ride with GPS /Google should work. Routing to the address (10610 N.E. 38th Pl.) for the Park and Ride may put you just slightly north and west of where you actually need to turn at 107th LN NE.
No restroom at the start, but we'll stop at Marina Park at mile 2.5.
THE "MODERATE" PACE RATING REFERS TO GROUP PACE ON FLAT STRETCHES. HILLS ARE SELF-PACED; WE REGROUP AT THE TOP OF CLIMBS. Regroup points are noted on the Ride With GPS cue sheet, and the faster riders are used to waiting for the rest of us. We'll limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH).
Faster riders are welcome to join us and ride ahead of the group on the climbs, if you don't mind hanging around for the regroups; plan for a relaxed, social moderate pace ride as a group on the flats. The ride becomes self-led for those ahead of or behind the group. Please bring navigation aids, in case you find yourself substantially off of group pace and need to finish on your own.
Restroom/water/snack stops at Kirkland Marina Park (mile 2.5), Blyth Park (mile 12.6) and 60 Acres (mile 23.2). Bring snacks; we won't make a coffee stop, but there will be time at frequent rest stops and regroups to eat and drink.
**Please bring navigation aids so that you can stay on course if you lose visual contact with other riders on a climb or descent, or in case you find yourself substantially off of group pace and needing to finish on your own. Route map and cue sheet at the Link, below.**
Bring tools and knowledge to repair flats; if rider schedules allow we may pause briefly for flat repair and minor mechanicals, but have a phone and a plan to get home/back to the start if needed.
If there's a chance of precipitation and/or wet roads, fenders with long mud flaps are recommended. Anywhere the road is wet, if you don't have flaps close to the ground (preferably 2" or less and no more than 4"), you'll need to take the initiative to stay behind everyone with better fenders.
**Please register at least two hours in advance on this website; late registration online or at ride start is not available for this ride. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO RIDE WITH THE GROUP - NO EXCEPTIONS**
Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, poor air quality, 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 Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.
What to Know Before You Go
- Advance registration required. Cancel if unable to attend, to open space for others.
- Must be present at safety briefing to participate.
- Helmets required.
- Riders under 18 years old require parental consent & approval from the Ride Leader.
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