Mercer to Marymoor – A Social Fitness Ride with Max HR Test

This ride is designed as a social fitness ride with a maximum heart rate test to baseline your fitness as we head into the winter training period. The majority of the ride we will maintain training zones 2 & 3 (65%-82% max heart rate) at a steady pace. Midway we will stop and rest before the Max HR Test in training zone 5 (100% - MHR). Following the test, we will recover in training zones 1 & 2 (60%-75% max heart rate) and return to a steady pace while doing a bit of hill climbing, then an easy spin back to the start.

There will be an optional social gathering after the ride (late lunch) to meet and connect with Ride Leaders and fellow riders. Please arrive 20 minutes before the published start time to ready your bike, check in, and participate in the SMART safety discussion. Please pre-register to expedite the check-in process.

Note: There is no restroom at the start.

This ride starts at the Mercer Island Park & Ride. We’ll roll out gently and warm up riding along the north end of Mercer Island to Enatai via the I-90 Trail. The ride will head north through west Bellevue and Medina with a photo op at the 520 Bridge View Park Overlook. We will pick up the 520 trail and ride east to Marymoor Park to our first (and much needed) rest stop. After resting, we will head out to the max heart rate (MHR) test on East Lake Sammamish Blvd. After the MHR test, we’ll start the recovery part of the ride by spinning (80 rpm+) south to Issaquah. Turning west, we do some climbing up and over Newport (3.7 miles at 2.6%) to build leg strength. Now that the hard part is over, we will enjoy a lively descent down Newport to Factoria where we will pick up the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail to the final rest stop at Enatai Beach Park prior to our return to Mercer Island. An optional post-ride recovery meal will be at The Islander restaurant on Mercer Island (walking distance from the Park & Ride).

Please pre-register for the ride using the red "Register Now" button at the top of this page. Registration is not mandatory but it allows us to print the rider list beforehand and save time at the ride start. On-line registration closes three hours prior to ride time, and if you decide to ride after that, we will have a waiver sheet for you to sign manually.   

If you are a new rider, we are very happy to have you with us.  Please read the New Rider link and keep in mind that a helmet is required for all Cascade rides.  Also, riders should be able to sustain the pace, carry nutrition/water, and have the know-how and equipment to fix a flat tire.  Everyone should carry a phone to call for assistance if needed. We will regroup frequently, especially after climbs, after the max HR test, and at major intersections. 

A route map and cue sheet are on the RideWithGPS link, below.  If you want a cue sheet please print and bring it. The ride leader will not have extra copies.

Cancellation Policy: If needed, a weather cancellation will be posted two hours prior to the ride start time in the Comments section below, and the ride leader will not be at the start. Please check here before leaving for the ride. 

Rest Stops: Marymoor Park MP 17.9, Enatai Beach Park MP 37.2

Post-Ride Meal Location: The Islander Restaurant, 2441 76th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Phone (206) 232-6676.