Friday Fun Eastside Loop!
KEEPING RIDERS SAFE
- Advance registration required for all participants. If you decide not to ride, please click Cancel My Registration below to open space for others. (How to cancel)
- Attendance at the pre-ride safety briefing is required to participate in the ride.
- If you have tested positive for COVID or have been exposed to someone with COVID, follow the quarantine and isolation guidelines. In general, if you have COVID or are displaying COVID symptoms, or if you are sick with the flu or a cold, you should not participate in group rides.
- Carry a face covering in case a business or public transit requires their use.
- Please, no spitting or “snot-rockets” while participating.
- A CPSC certified helmet is required to be worn to participate.
If you are new, please read our newcomer information.
The ride will start in the parking lot at the far east end of 60 Acres park (on the south side of NE 116th St/York Rd.)
We'll do a stretch on the new Redmond Connector, followed by a run down West Lake Sammamish, the Newport climb, then over to Bellevue for a quick (20-25 min.) break at Belle Pastry. From there it's a scenic ride up through Medina and across the 520 trail, on our way to five miles up the Cross Kirkland Corridor, and back to the start.
If you aren't familiar with the Cross Kirkland Corridor, it is hard packed, well-groomed gravel that most of us would feel comfortable riding on standard 25mm road bike tires. We'll ride through the Kirkland Google-plex along the way, and take in some great lake views.
Sanican at the start (proper restrooms/water are available at a 60 Acres lot just to the west of this one; you can see the building from the road, on the south side of 116th/York). Rest stops are marked on the cue sheet, including an optional stop (other optional stops are available, just ask).
The pace will be "social brisk" (16-18 mph on the flats). Ride your own pace on the hills; there are regroup points on the cue sheet/RWGPS route for most of them, so faster riders can attack the hills and then wait for the rest of us at the top.
West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. is a good place to stretch your legs, so feel free to ride ahead of the group if you want; we'll regroup at the usual place (the public school parking lot just past the French Immersion School; it's on RWGPS). Same goes for the 520 trail; take it at your own pace and we'll regroup right before we exit the trail. We'll observe the speed limit on the regional trail sections, and try to be extra courteous toward the occasional pedestrian on the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
Please bring navigation aids, in case you need to finish on your own. The ride becomes self-led for those ahead of or behind the group. Bring tools and knowledge to repair flats; we may pause briefly for flat repair and minor mechanicals (subject to riders' schedules), but have a phone and a plan to get home/back to the start if needed.
Fenders with long mud flaps are recommended, for safety and courtesy. Anywhere the road is wet, if you don't have flaps close to the ground, it's your responsibility to stay behind everyone with better fenders.
To make sure that you are on the printed waiver (to save time at the start), please register at least two hours in advance. You can also register at the start. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for briefing and ride prep so that we can leave on time.
In case of cancellation for any reason the ride leader will not be at the start, and notice will be posted here at least two hours prior; please check "Comments" (below) before heading to the start (and check your email, if you registered online).
**IMPORTANT NOTE** BE CAREFUL IN THE 60 ACRES PARKING LOT! There is a narrow drainage channel down the middle of the main access drive through the lot. It will throw you if your tire goes in it. STAY ALERT, stay away from the channel when possible, and try to cross it at a 90 degree angle.
