CTS Blue #2 - Eastside Urban Loop

Welcome to CTS ride # 2 - Eastside Urban Loop

We're still new, but getting into the groove of things! This CTS ride starts from the Bothell Park and Ride. Have your bike ready and be ready to roll out at 9 a.m. There are NO water or restrooms at this start, plan accordingly! To make up for this, the first stop will be at Wilmot Gateway Park, about 2 miles into the ride.  

We'll start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. Don't forget to wear your CTS Emergency Contact ID bracelet.

Please park in the west end of the Park & Ride in order to leave the parking slots near the bus stop available for transit customers. If you park in a slot marked for permit use, please, be sure it is available for general use on weekends. Most are.

We start our route with a nice long fairly flat ride through the winery area of Woodinville (unfortunately no time to have a glass of wine!) and along the Sammamish River trail and out to Marymoor Park. We then ride along West Lake Sammamish crossing under I-90 and make a right turn onto Newport Way to begin our first long climb of the day. Finishig the climb, we turn to head north past Bellevue College and head down Lake Hills Connector on a fantastic descent and climb back up through the Wilburton neighborhood on our way to the new Spring District. Then things become a bit more familiar as we head down Northup Way towards Lake Washington Boulevard and into downtown Kirkland where we will stop for our third and final restroom break.  We'll then climb Market Street, and down Waynita Way. At the old Wayne Golf Course the lot is loose gravel, be prepared to dismount if needed and walk across parking lot. From there it is a quick hop on Riverside Drive and back to the Bothell Park and Ride where we can celebrate our achievement for the day!

Rest stops

Reminders

Nutrition: Take in some food or carbs every hour starting with the first hour of this ride. Have something that you can consume quickly and easily during a 1-minute stop or while moving. Keeping fueled early and often is the key to not running out of energy as we continue riding extended distances with more climbing.

Hydration: Bring 2 water bottles, fill up at rest stops and drink plenty, consider drinking more than just water, electrolytes replace salt and other nutriments your body uses during these extend rides. There can be up to 25 miles between water stops on CTS rides -- BE PREPARED.

Weather: Barring a perfect forecast, it is always a good idea to have a rain jacket just in case. If we do get wet weather and you do not have long fenders please be prepared to ride at the back of the group in consideration of others. If the weather hot, please, be ready for this as well.

General ride posting disclaimers

Route: Check on Friday before the ride and update your device if needed (or pin the route) Please note: If you check/update your version on Friday you should have the most current information. Be assured that your ride leaders will have the best information and you can always rely on them for good directions. 

Trails: On weekends, trails typically have heavy pedestrian traffic near parks, especially when the weather is nice. Most trails in our region have 15 mph limits, except for trails in Renton, where they have been reduced to 10 mph. We need to obey all posted speed limits. 

Cancellation policy: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation 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 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.

Please check your email the morning of the ride for any final updates.  Route may be updated, as well as weather updates and cancellations.