Midweek Tune-Up LITE (featuring 5 of the 7 Hills of Kirkland )

Our regular Wednesday ride is happening on Thursday this week, and it's a "lite" version; still based on the classic "7 Hills of Kirkland" route, this time we'll bypass Seminary and Winery hills. This change removes about 6 miles, all of the steeper climbs, and about 600' of elevation gain compared to our regular route. It retains some good sustained climbing, but the gradients are a bit more relaxed.

We'll start at the new lot at the far east end of 60 Acres park.

The new Redmond Connector will deliver us to our warm-up on Rose Hill, then we'll climb Market, Juanita, Norway, and Kingsgate hills in turn. Relax between the climbs on relatively flat stretches, at a "social" mid-brisk pace.

Riders who can hang with the group on hilly moderate-pace rides are welcome; regroup points are marked on the Ride With GPS route/cue sheet, so you can take the hills at your own pace and we'll regroup at the top. We'll try to stay together (and pause to regroup occasionally between climbs as needed), but riders who might find this hilly course challenging should bring navigation aids, in case you find yourself substantially off of group pace and need to finish on your own.

Faster-than-brisk 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.

Sanicans at the start but no water, so bring your own. Restroom/water at Marina Park, mile 9.2. Quick (20 min.+/-) Starbucks break at mile 17.2, and optional restroom/water at 132nd Square, mile 25.5.

Route map and cue sheet at the Link, below.

Bring tools and knowledge to repair flats; we'll 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 roads are wet, stable fenders/flaps that extend to within 5" of the ground are recommended (you can ride with less, but you'll be responsible for staying behind everyone who has longer fenders).

It's best to register on this website at least 2 hours before ride start (that's the earliest that the waiver will get printed) but you can register manually at the start as well. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early for briefing and ride prep; we'll plan to leave on time, to be considerate of riders' schedules.

In case of cancellation, the ride leader will not be at the start, and notice will be posted here two hours prior; be sure to log in and check "Comments" (below) before heading to the start.