Midweek Tune-Up (7 Hills Kirkland)

Join us for some social climbing on a variation of the classic "7 Hills of Kirkland" course.  

We'll ride out of the South Kirkland Park and Ride (NOTE new start location, for easier freeway access). We'll probably be at the back of the lot (NE end) in the shade if it's sunny. No restroom at the start, but we'll stop at mile 2.5.

After a short cruise along the Kirkland waterfront, we'll climb Market, Juanita, Seminary, Norway, Kingsgate, Winery and Rose Hills in turn. Relax between the climbs on relatively flat stretches, at a "social" low/mid-brisk (16-17mph) pace.

This route avoids the construction on Juanita Drive; when construction is finished, we'll probably stick with this detour route anyway (it's more fun).

Riders who can stay with the group on hilly moderate-pace rides are welcome, too!  Because group rides have only recently started up again, anticipate a more relaxed pace than usual for this ride, including on the flats. Take the hills at your own pace; regroup points are noted on the Ride With GPS cue sheet.

You can subtract hills if you want; you can easily bypass Seminary Hill (Holmes Point) and wait at the regroup point if you want to save some energy for later. Other shortcut options are available. Please bring navigation aids (in case you are substantially off of group pace and need to finish on your own).

Faster riders are welcome to join us and ride ahead of the group on hills, if you don't mind hanging around for the regroups (and the relaxed pace between climbs). The ride becomes self-led for those ahead of or behind the group.  We will observe the speed limit on the multi-use trails.

First restroom/water stop at Kirkland Marina Park, mile 2.5. Quick (20 min.+/-) stop for coffee at "The Den" at mile 16.5 (limited outdoor seating available). An optional rest stop is available at 132nd Square Park, mile 29.2

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 (about 2" or less), 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 no longer available. Plan to be ready to ride at the time listed above so we can leave on time. Current Cascade policy requires all riders to be at the pre-ride briefing**

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions 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.