Cycle the Gap #1, North Lake Loop

North Lake Washington Loop - Join us for a 42 mile route (with about 2,000’ of climbing) starting at the Cascade Bike Club (CBC) Headquarters in Magnuson Park. We will ride at the Moderate pace (14-16 mph when flat with no head or tail winds)

I am pleased to announce that I will be leading a five week series of training rides called Cycle The Gap (CTG) to help folks get in shape for the club’s new Redmond to Bellingham and Back (R2B2) ride (Aug. 21-22, 2021).

CTG will run for five Saturdays, from July 17 through August 14. A duplicate ride will be led during the week, usually on Tuesdays. CTG is designed to build endurance and strength. The rides will incrementally increase in distance, leading up to a ride that is 82 miles.

The Route for the Day For Ride #1:  North Lake Loop from Magnuson: The ride starts at the CBC Headquarters in Magnuson Park and then goes north toward Log Boom Park. From there we head south to Kirkland, for our only restroom/water/ice cream stop on the route. Then we take Lake WA Blvd. to the 520 trail toward Medina and onto downtown Bellevue. Then we go through the village of Beaux Arts and across the I-90 trail to the Univ. of Washington for our finish back at CBC Headquarters.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to regroup frequently. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH).

Stops: Restrooms may NOT be available at the start. We will stop in Kirkland, approximately mile16.

The Start: Let's meet in the parking lot by the CBC Headquarters at 9:00 am. We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. We will also go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe. If you miss the briefing you will not be able to ride with the group.

The Basics:  These rides are not supported.  There will be a short rest and food/ice cream stop along the route; come prepared with your own food and beverages.

Riders should be able to sustain the pace, carry nutrition/water, and have the know-how and equipment to fix a flat tire.  The group will not stop for repair of flats or mechanical issues. Everyone should carry a phone to call for assistance if needed. We will regroup after climbs and descents as needed. We will observe posted speed limits on multi-use paths.

New riders, we are very happy to have you with us.  Please read the New Rider link, above, and keep in mind that a helmet is required for all Cascade rides. 

Be considerate and have full fenders ,including mud flaps, if roads are wet or a prediction of rain is in the forecast. If you don't have fenders, you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Registration:  Since the ride is limited to 15 riders, please be sure to cancel your registration if you change your mind and decide not to go on the ride, so someone else can take your place.

Ride With GPS Link:  The tentative route map and cue sheet are on the RideWithGPS link, below.  If you want a cue sheet, you need to print and bring it with you.  The ride leader will not have cue sheets available. If there are any significant changes to the route, the final link will be posted under the comments section on this page the day before the ride.  

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, 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.