Getting Ready to Ride Eastside #8: Mercer Island (Leisurely)

Are you new to bicycling, or just been off your bike for a while? Is 2022 your year to get active, begin commuting, take part in Cascade's Free Group Rides, or maybe even tackle your first century (100-mile ride), the STP, or another personal challenge? Are you a bit unsure about your biking capabilities, riding in groups, or cycling during winter? If so, then the Getting Ready to Ride Series (GR2R) is for you. GR2R is an early season, eight-week, progressive series that begins with a trail ride and then adds a bit of elevation gain, distance or technical difficulty each week.

GR2R rides are free and open to anyone. You will ride with others who share your pace and enthusiasm for riding. All rides will be led by Cascade Ride Leaders; experienced volunteers who enjoy riding, are knowledgeable about bike safety and the rules of the road, and who know the routes.

During the Eastside series, we will explore different neighborhoods (often with great views) and take advantage of some of the trails and quiet roads in the area. These will be social rides with waits at the top of hills (which we will climb at our own pace) and at all critical turns, along with some photo-op stops. 

In addition to steady rain, ice/snow and any other hazardous conditions will cancel a ride. If a ride is canceled due to hazardous conditions, a notice will be posted here, in the comments section below, by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the ride.  If that notice is posted, the ride leaders will not be at the start.

Ride Notes:  All riders should bring ID; spare tube, tools, patch kit, pump, and skills to fix flats; a phone and a plan for rescue if your bike fails; and snacks and water. Waiting for mechanical issues will be at the discretion of the ride leader. It’s winter, so please dress appropriately and use fenders with long mudflaps on your bike or you will be asked to ride at the back of the group. Please download or print the Ride with GPS route if needed, ride leaders will not have copies.

Ride #8 meets at Luther Burbank Park (north lot) on Mercer Island and you must be ready to ride at 10:00. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  If you miss the briefing you will not be able to ride with the group. This week's ride will be 19.3 miles and will take us around Mercer Island and across the I-90 bridge for an excellent view of Lk Washington. A bathroom is available at the start but no water is available so please fill up at home.

We hope you can join us!