Spring Training: Lake Washington Figure 8 Loop

Ride Leader: Susan Price

NOTE: This is intended to be a training ride, so there will be no planned regrouping. Riders can ride at their own pace so no one needs to worry about whether they can keep up with their fellow riders or will get cold while waiting for slower riders. I expect riders will naturally form into small groups with compatible paces. However, because we won’t have designated pace groups, you MUST be prepared to be self-sufficient if you find yourself alone. Be prepared to navigate on your own and handle flats or other mechanicals. It’s all urban/suburban riding so you should have cell service. The ride leader plans to ride the route at a high moderate pace and take a break near the beginning of the second loop.

Meet at Magnuson Park, at the parking area for the soccer field (NE 74th & Sportsfield Dr NE) at 9:45 am so we can roll by 10:00 am.  We'll ride north on the Burke-Gilman Trail, over Finn hill and around on Holmes Point Rd, through Juanita and Kirkland to the 520 bike trail and cross the bridge. From the west side of the bridge we’ll more or less follow the designated bike route through Leschi to the I-90 bridge and return via Bellevue and Medina to the 520 bridge. Bring your climbing legs for Finn Hill (Juanita Drive) and the climb on Killarney Way and 98th Ave SE to downtown Bellevue. While it is possible to skip some of the hills, you will be on your own to navigate the bypasses.  The ride is about 50 miles and 2560' elevation gain.

Not yet ready for 50 miles? The beauty of the figure 8 is that you have the option of riding just the first loop with the group. When we complete the first loop, riders can choose to peel off after crossing the 520 bridge and head directly back on their own to Magnuson via the bike trail.  As usual, helmets are required. Please ride courteously and obey the rules of the road.  Bring spare tubes, patch kit, pump, clothing for changeable NW weather and whatever you need to be self-sufficient.

Rain will cancel. I will send an email to the COGS mailing list by 8:30 am on the day of the ride if the weather looks bad.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29413712