Issaquah to Maple Valley, Cedar River, Eastrail (Steady)

You are invited to join us for a pleasant spin from Issaquah to Maple Valley, with a return via the Cedar River trail and Eastrail along Lake Washington. The route includes about 1 mile of gravel trail and plenty of riding near rivers and lakes, nice for a warm spring day.  Lunch break at QFC in Maple Valley.  

Registration:  Registration is open until ride start time. If your plans change after registering and you will not be able to join us,  please cancel your registration to open a spot for others. Note that all riders on a tandem bicycle must be registered individually, as the captain's registration does not cover any stokers - it's a legal thing.  

Ride Start and Time:  We will meet at Tibbetts Park in Issaquah, East Lot near the restrooms, off of 12th Ave NW.  This is not the west lot by the skate park!  Please be ready to ride by 10:00 am when we will have a required safety briefing, rolling out immediately after.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate. 

Pace:  Pace is Steady, 12-14 mph on flat, smooth surfaces without wind.  We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, or 10 MPH within Renton city limit).  Riders should be able to maintain that speed range on flats, for the ride distance.  Climbing and descending is at rider's own pace with regrouping at the top of hills.  Leader will climb at a level of effort which should be achievable for the average rider at this pace.  However, riders significantly off the group pace should be prepared to complete the ride solo, and may wish to consider selecting a slower pace for their next ride.  It is recommended that riders have the route with them in their memory cells, on a portable device with charged battery, or on a printed copy of the cue sheet.

Regrouping:  We will regroup if needed, at the top of climbs.  If you are far enough ahead of the group that you are out of sight or out of voice range, stop and wait for the group at the first hill summit or intersection you reach, whichever comes first.  The route is complex and even a trail or small side street counts as an intersection.

Rest and Food Stops:  Restrooms are available at the start, at mile 14.4 (QFC - coffee/food stop), and at mile 30.4 (Gene Coulon Park).    

Fenders:  For the safety and comfort of your fellow riders as well as yourself, long fenders with extended flaps that reach within 4 inches of the road are appreciated if roads are damp or rain is possible. If you are spraying fellow riders and they are not enjoying it, you may be asked to ride at the back of the group.

Mechanical Issues:  Riders should bring tools and have knowledge to repair flats or minor mechanical problems. Be prepared to complete the ride on your own, should your bike require a time-consuming repair. The group will stop briefly to ensure you are okay, but will not wait for repairs to be completed if they take more than a few minutes.  Please have a backup plan - person to call, or transportation fare - if you are unable to ride to the finish.

Cancellation:  Ride will be canceled for inclement weather as listed in the Weather Status, or other hazardous road or riding conditions such as snow, ice, threat of lightning or mudslides, steady strong winds, unhealthy air quality, wildfires, unavoidable flooding, riots, acts of war or earthquake damage, or elevated risk of wildlife attack (especially squirrel herds). Should conditions call for a cancellation day of ride, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. Leader will not be at the start if the ride is canceled 2 or more hours prior to the starting time. Please check before leaving for the ride.

Route:  Ride With GPS route is at the Route Map link on this page.  Please print a cue sheet if you want one; printed cues are not likely to be available at the ride start due to ride leader's senior memory.

If you have any questions, you may contact the ride leader.  Looking forward to riding with you!