Get on Your Bike - Mercer Island

Ride Description: 

Please join us for a low-key ride around Mercer Island!  Whether you are just getting back on your bike for the summer, are looking for a mid-week recovery ride or just want to get in a few more miles during the week, this is your ride! Be prepared to maintain a Leisurely pace, 10-12 mph on level ground with no head/tailwinds. We will ride clockwise around the island where the hills are more gradual but steep enough to keep it fun and interesting without forcing you to cry for mercy and also give you practice shifting gears. You will meet awesome people; enjoy lavish views on low-traffic roads with few lights & stop signs. Total distance is about 14 miles with approximately 800 feet of elevation gain. After the ride, there’s a good chance of having lunch/refreshments at The Islander Restaurant and more conversation about biking.

Note: This is a No-Drop ride. While this is a Leisurely paced social ride (10-12 mph on flats) with experienced ride leaders to grow your confidence with group riding, if for some reason it’s just not your day and are going slower, we will regroup as needed along the way so you need not be concerned about being left behind. However those who wish to ride at a faster pace are welcome to do so, but it will then become a self-paced ride.

Ride Start: The ride will roll promptly at 11:00 am from the Mercer Island Park & Ride. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ready your bike, sign the waiver (if you have not done so online) and participate in the required SMART safety briefing where we will go over hand signals and what we say during the ride to keep ourselves safe. There is no restroom at the start.

Rest stops: There are no planned rest stops due to the length of the ride, but plan to regroup at the top of hills. Also, bring enough water as there are no watering holes along the way. 

Riders are expected to have the following with them: Water, a working red blinking tail light and white front light (set to static), a spare tube, a pump and other tools to change a flat tire.  Please remember that it's important to check your tire pressure regularly during the summer (e.g., before each ride is ideal).

Weather: Rain cancels at the ride leader(s) discretion. A cancellation notice will be made in the comments section below at least 2 hours prior to the start time and ride leader(s) will not be at the start. 

Wet roads: Long fenders, including a buddy flap are appreciated if the roads are wet. Without them, you may be asked to ride in the back of the group.

Mechanical issues: It is expected that you are prepared and know how to change a flat tire. If you need some formal instruction check out our class at https://www.cascade.org/fix-flat OR for a quick refresher google will get you up to speed. 

Register and sign the eWaiver ahead of time: Click the red "Register Now" button under the ride title above, then check the box for "Waiver Signature". The on-line RSVP requires a Cascade Bicycle Club account, which is free and easy to set up!  However, if you don't want an account, come anyway and sign the hard-copy attendance/hold harmless sheet. The ride leader will print the eWaiver at 4:00 pm on Saturday, so if you haven't "signed" it by then online, you will need to sign the paper copy at the start.

See you there!