Eastside Urban Gravel Tour

Join us as we explore some of the Eastside’s many gravel roads and trails. We will ride at a Brisk pace (16-18 mph on the flats) on the pavement and a similar effort level but slower pace on the unpaved sections. On some trails we will further reduce our speed for safety.

All experience levels are welcome. For new gravel riders, we will stop occasionally throughout the ride to share tips relevant to the area we are riding in.

Expectations: Riders should be able to sustain the advertised pace; know how make it home should they become separated from the group; know how to change a flat (and have the requisite equipment; the group will not wait indefinitely for major mechanical issues); and have a positive attitude!

Tires: I have ridden most of this route on my road bike with skinny tires (25mm), but you will probably be much happier on a bike with wider tires. I would personally recommend at least 32mm tires, but feel free to ride on whatever you are comfortable with. And if you are interested in joining the ride but are concerned that your current bike is inadequate, Element Cycles at the ride start rents gravel bikes (specifically the Norco Threshold).

Lights: We should be done riding before it gets dark, but I would recommend bringing a headlight and taillight to be safe.

Registration: To save time at the ride start, you are encouraged to sign the online waiver by clicking the red “Register Now” button above.

Ride start: Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the ride to sign the liability waiver and hear the safety briefing. Water and restrooms are available inside of Element. For people driving to the start, there is plenty of parking in the lot to the west of Element. For people biking to the start, the parking lot is only a block away from the Sammamish River Trail.

Weather cancellation: Steady rain cancels. Cancellation will be announced in the comments below at least two hours before the ride start.