Lake Sammamish-Red Barn Loop (Portions Gravel)

CORONAVIRUS PREAMBLE: Please note: During COVID-19 Phases 1.5 and 2, all Free Group Rides are limited to six total participants: the Ride Leader and five others. Registration for the ride (using the red “Register Now” button above) is REQUIRED to participate. If you decide not to ride, please unregister for this ride so that another rider may register.  Face coverings (for mouth and nose) are required when the group makes extended stops. Face coverings are recommended for the duration of the ride. Please bring personal hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and tissues for use at rest stops.

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Please join us for a 68 Mile Brisk (16-18 in flats on your own without wind) social ramble on mixed terrain, along scenic throughways in Sammamish, Issaquah, Preston, Fall City, Carnation, Redmond and Bellevue!

Note that since this is a mixed terrain gravel and paved ride, the Brisk pace ability is expected of all riders in each type of terrain.  The attached photo is indicative of the typical type of gravel surface for this route.  The Ride Leader's recommendation is to have a bike with at least 700x32C or 650x42B tires at appropriate pressures.

• The route Start is at South Sammamish Park-and-Ride.  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 08:00; arrive by 07:45 in time to hear the pre-ride safety briefing, including the S.M.A.R.T. talk and route details, and ensure you and your bike are completely ready.

Ride Stops:

• No restrooms at the Start; a Starbucks and QFC are across the street.
• Rest stop at Mile 21.0 (Starbucks and/or IGA in Carnation, at the discretion of individual riders); we will spend approximately 20 minutes at this commercial center.  Food, beverages and water are available.
• Photo stop at THE RED BARN at Mile 27.7 - photo participation optional; can email photo(s) to all who do not opt out after the ride. 
• Rest stop at Mile 38.0 (Marymoor Park Restroom); we will spend approximately 10 minutes here.  If closed, we will arrange alternate plans based on need(s) of rider(s).  Running water is available when this is open.
• Optional portable toilet at Mile 46.4, at the first right at the roundabout, just past Sunset Elementary School in Issaquah.

Climbing: Occurs at your own pace.  If you want to go ahead of the Ride Leader, confirm with the Ride Leader where the safe climb regrouping point is.

Safe Climb Regrouping Points:

• Regroup to the right of the road on the Redmond Ridge Trail immediately after crossing Trilogy Parkway following the Novelty Hill Road climb, at Mile 30.4.
• Regroup in the shoulder, keeping as far right as possible near 182nd Ave SE on West Lake Sammamish Parkway, SE right before the painted brown mobile communications tower, at Mile 46.6. 
• Regroup at the Stormwater Facility gate, off the road at the intersection of Northeast 37th Way and 205th Place Northeast, 0.7 miles after the second gate during the climb at Mile 60.2.

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 (speed and effort).

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 morning 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.

Finally: 

• Please always have a way to get yourself back to your start point should there be a need.
• 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 - especially important, since this includes significant gravel sections which are often wet.
• Please do not forget to bring a helmet, as helmets are required to ride!
• Lights are suggested for visibility, especially during darker sections such as the forested Novelty Hill Road climb, or when inclement weather is encountered.

Please note that the Ride with GPS route includes a color-coded key, such that:

• Red = Paved surface
• Blue = Gravel surface
• Yellow = Significantly steep climb (paved)