South Lake Loop from Gasworks and 520 through Medina (Steady)

Let's meet at the east side of the Gas Works parking lot. Be there, ready to go by 11am. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Route:  We will ride on the Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) to the University where we will then cross the Evergreen Point floating bridge and stop for the requisite group photos at the 520 Bridge View Park. Then we head south for another delightful view and comfort stop at Medina Beach Park. We'll roll through Bellevue to connect with the Lake to Lake and Eastrail trails to get to Gene Coulon Park (another snack and comfort stop) and then round the south end of Lake Washington to begin the return to Seattle along Rainier Avenue and Lake Washington Boulevard before we roll through the Arboretum and get to ride over the new Montlake bike and pedestrian bridge crossing over 520!

Terrain: There are three major climbs on this route:  along the Evergreen Floating Bridge, heading back north on Rainier Avenue, and a steep and curvy section through Lakeview Park.

Pace:  The pace is steady at 12 to 14 mph. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, but we will try to stay together and regroup  frequently, usually after a long climb. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum.

Fenders: If the roads are wet, please come equipped with fenders long enough to keep the person riding behind you dry or be prepared to ride at the rear of the group.

Restrooms: Porta potties or restrooms are available at the start, Medina Beach  Park (mile 7), Gene Coulon Park (mile 18), and Madrona Park (mile 31) if needed.

Food:  Enjoy your snacks at any of the regroups or rest stops; there is no sit-down coffee stop.

Mechanical:  Be prepared to handle mechanical issues if you have a problem e.g. flat tire.  Bring a spare tube, tools, patch kit, pump and skills to fix flats and have a mobile phone and a plan for rescue in case your bike fails. Other things to bring:  ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card; water and a small snack. 

Cue sheets:  No cue sheets will be provided. A Ride With GPS map file and a cue sheet are available at the MAP link.  If you want a cue sheet, please print it and bring it along or download to your smartphone or device.

Weather cancelation: If weather conditions meet the weather cancelation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride location.

We hope you can join us!