Seattle Pacific University to Belle Bakery Bellevue with Mercer Island loop

This route which is a continuation of the club's old Fall Pastry series (in search of the best bakery in the Seattle area)  and takes us to Bellevue. We start along the Burke Gilman trail to UW, then go through the Arboretum to Lake Washington. We ride along the lake and then take the I-90 trail over to Mercer Island. After going around the island, we head for Bellevue where we stop for pastry and coffee at the Belle Bakery. Then we head to Seattle across the I-520 bike trail toward UW and Fremont. Note, In the winter, I ride at the mid to slower end of the moderate pace and am a slow hill climber, so on the hills you are welcome to go ahead. 

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. Face coverings (for mouth and nose) are required when the group makes extended stops and recommended for the duration of the ride. Please bring personal hand sanitizer,  disinfecting wipes and tissues for use at rest stops.

Registration:  Registration for the ride is REQUIRED to participate (use the red “Register Now” button above) . If you decide not to ride, please unregister for this ride so that an additional spot will be made available to another.

Rest Stops:  Our only scheduled rest stop is at the Belle Bakery (about mile 25), although there are places to stop along the way if necessary.

NOTE - We will be following COVID-19 social distancing practices, and all riders must stay at least 10-12' apart when riding and at least 6' apart when stopped. Since I am in the high risk category (due to age) I want all riders to stay behind me throughout the ride (except when climbing) and will ask you to wear your mask  during the entire ride. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to stay together and regroup as necessary at the top and bottom of all hills. Since I am a slower climber, anyone who is faster should go ahead at the beginning of the hill and wait at the top.

Start Time:  Let's meet at the West Ewing park 10 minutes before the published start time (i.e 10:20 am) for our pre-ride safety briefing, with a departure at 10:30 am. We will go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe. 

Fenders and tubes:  Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Please have full fenders. Even if it is not raining, when the roads are wet, rooster tails from bare tires are a safety issue for other riders.  Fenders with long mudflaps show that you care about others. Riders without friendly mudflaps may be asked to ride at the back of the group.

WEATHER:  If, between 8:00pm and 10:00 pm (depending when I can check it) the night before the ride, Weather Underground forecast predicts a greater than 30% chance of significant rain or temperature below 42 degrees, the ride will be canceled. I will send everyone who has registered an email that night advising of the cancellation and post a ride-cancellation notice in the Comments section on this club page; and I will NOT be at the start.

Also, if it is raining on the morning of the ride, or if there are other unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, I will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below and email everyone who has registered at least two hours prior to the start and I will not be at the start location. 

I hope you can join me!