Get On Your Bike (Redmond, Leisurely)

NOTE: This is a Leisurely (10-12mph) alternative to our existing Steady-paced Education Hill ride. Both rides start together and follow the same route for the first 7 miles. We decided to add a Leisurely pace as we want all riders to feel welcome and to be able to return before dusk.

Been off the bike for a while? Bought a bike and not yet confident riding? Time to take advantage of nicer weather to get riding for health, fitness or just fun! Here is your opportunity to develop riding skills, become more familiar with your bike and feel confident riding in a group.

This ride starts and ends at East Lake Sammamish Trail parking lot adjacent to Whole Foods in Redmond.  We'll ride the Marymoor Connector Trail and Sammamish River Trail, before switching to streets.  We have one small hill to climb so you can practice using your gears, and then we'll head back to the start again via the trails.

This is a social ride with experienced ride leaders to grow your confidence with group riding. It is free and open to everyone. Because this ride takes place in the evening, we are keeping it short, with a single hill.  This will allow everyone to climb the hill at their own pace, and still get back to the ride start during daylight hours.  We always regroup at the top and before any turns so you need not be concerned about being left behind.

If you aren't sure about your pace, please join us anyway, but study the route and bring a printed the cue sheet with you. We can help you read the cue sheet if you need to return to the start early. Carrying an ORCA card is another good option.

The route and cue sheet are at this link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/24598647

You should dress appropriately for the weather, but you do not need spandex or other specialized bike gear. All you need is a working bike and a helmet. If you haven't ridden your bike for quite some time, please do a ABC Check or take it to your local bike shop a few days prior to the ride date.

During the safety and ride briefing, we will go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe.

Ride start: Another ride will be starting, at the same location, thirty minutes later. The other ride (Eric’s excellent Eastside Tours series) is nearly the opposite of this ride: It’s a challenging, hilly, brisk ride, so you certainly want to make sure you go with the right group. We will meet at the south end of the parking lot – the end of the lot farthest from the entrance.

Rest stops: We'll regroup at the top of the hill, but the ride is short, so we won't have rest stops, including places to fill water bottles, so make sure you bring enough water. There is a restroom at the start, but there is no place to fill water bottles (it’s a portable restroom), so please do that before coming to the start.

Weather: Steady rain will likely result in a cancellation, and the ride leader will post this information here at least one hour before the start of the ride.

Registration: Please sign the electronic waiver above. This saves time at the start of the ride. Use the "Register" button, which will only be available after you log in. I will print the eWaiver at around 4:45pm, so please sign it before then.

Note: Please show up to the ride start at least 20 minutes early, so you can sign a waiver and ensure you are ready to go when we leave the starting point promptly at 6:00pm.