Mega Loop Gravel/Road: Snoqualmie Valley Trail from Big Finn Park in Kirkland (Moderate)

Join us for a mega-long social ride on gravel bikes as we explore a mix of gravel and paved trails leading to and from the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and Big Finn Hill Park in Kirkland. This ride is designed for long distance seasoned riders who are comfortable riding hard on mixed terrain, including very steep gravel hills. Expect a challenging and rewarding day with a blend of biking trails and road riding.

We will ride at a moderate pace of 14–16 MPH and plan a major rest stop around mile 41, where there will be a Subway, a general store, and other food options available. There will also be several brief stops along the route for restrooms, snacks, and water so we can regroup and recharge.

Some of the trails we expect to ride include the Tolt Pipeline, Redmond Connector, Redmond Watershed, Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Issaquah–Preston Trail, Sammamish Lake, and Sammamish River Trail. Come prepared for a long day in the saddle, solid climbing, and a fun mix of gravel, pavement, and great scenery.

Let's meet next to the restrooms at Big Finn Park Lacrosse fields located at 7700 NE 138th Street in Kirkland. Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

We will stay together and regroup often at the top of hills.  We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).

Restrooms and/or water: The start will have water and restrooms at the Big Finn Park Lacrosse fields. There are restrooms and water at the Sixty Acres about mile 9, Redmond Watershed about mile 15, Nick Loutsis Park about mile 29 (no water), Preston Park about mile 40.5, Subway about mile 41, Sammamish Boat Launch about mile 50, Sammamish Landing Park about mile 57, and Northshore Athletic Field parking lot about mile 65.

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card; water and a small snack. 

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status 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 cancelled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!