The Magical Holiday Tour 2019 (Social Moderate)

Please join us for a 19.9 Mile Social Moderate (14mph in flats on your own without wind) Magical Holiday Tour, and please feel free to decorate you and/or your bicycle (just make sure that decorations do not interfere with any moving parts on your bike - safety first!)

The weather outside is frightful... ok, often downright rainy, but we seem to have a possible break in the forecast.  We would love to show you some awesome holiday decorations around the streets of Bellevue!

• The route Start is at East Lake Sammamish Trailhead, just west of Whole Foods Market in Redmond, Washington.  There is ample parking, but you are encouraged to ride to the Start, warm up and save on your carbon footprint!

Start Time: Promptly at 5:00 PM; arrive by 4:45 PM in time to hear the pre-ride safety briefing, including the S.M.A.R.T. talk, and ensure you and your bike are completely ready.

Restrooms/Stops/Regroup Points: 

• No restrooms at the Start; a portable toilet is available, no running water.
• Optional stop for water in Marymoor park on the way out - but the preference is for riders to come prepared.
• Regrouping is at the top of the hills; please do not descend on your own - we will wait and regroup.  NO RIDERS LEFT BEHIND!

Climbing: Occurs at your own pace, strictly.  Climbers of any pace group are welcome!  Riders of Easy to Super Strenuous - if you can manage 14mph in the flats on your own without wind - PLEASE JOIN!

Registration: You are encouraged to pre-register by clicking the red "Register Now" button above. This will save time at the Start.

Cancellation Criteria: Weather cancellation criteria includes ice, snow and sub-freezing temperatures that include high humidity/damp roads based on a regional risk survey before the scheduled Start. In the event that the weather cancellation criteria are met (or a situation arises requiring cancellation), a cancellation comment will be made here at least two hours before the ride Start - and the Ride Leader will not be at the Start. The Ride Leader may not be able to answer calls reliably on the evening of the ride as the Ride Leader typically rides to the Start, so please plan to follow protocol, accordingly. 

Please do not assume clear skies means that the ride is on; always check here - and refresh the page to see if there are updated comments.  Frosty roads or prior freezing fog aren't worth risking anyone's safety.

Regroup/Togetherness Criteria: This is a "Stay Together" ride.  That means we will stay together.  However, you should have a way back should you or your bike fail due any of the following (but not all-inclusive) things to consider:

• Significant or unserviceable mechanical issues.
• Not being able to maintain the advertised pace (14mph in flats on your own without wind).

Finally: 

• Please always have a way to get yourself back to your start point should there be a need.  No cue sheets will be provided, so please have a way to know the route - review it in advance!
• Please bring adequate supplies to repair/service your bike (tubes/patch kits/tire plugs/tools/etc.), and have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you will be asked to ride at the back of the group with the other people who omitted fenders.
• Please do not forget to bring a helmet, as helmets are required to ride!
• Lights are REQUIRED for visibility, as this ride occurs at night, as well as a rear red reflector.  Please comply with Washington State Law RCW 46.61.780 - if you are not familiar.  Safety first!