This is by no means a complete list, but a hopefully a good selection of training routes and organized rides to get your wheels spinning. If you have a favorite not noted here, let me know and we’ll add it!
Suggested Routes
- Lake Washington Loop – The grandaddy of weekend warrior rides! The full lake loop is about ~60 miles with a combination of trails and streets/roads. There’s plenty of hills along the way, with ample opportunities for a relaxing waterfront pit stop (e.g. Kenmore, Kirkland, Renton, Seward Park) along the way.
- Mercer Island Loop – It’s a 12-14 mile loop, depending on how you traverse the north end of the island (trail or streets), but this is one of the most popular destinations for both east and westsiders. It’s reachable via the I-90 trail, and has enough hills and swoopy roads to make for a challenging, but rewarding, ride.
- Lake Sammamish Loop – A ~25 mile circuit around Lake Sammamish. Typical start/finish points at Marymoor Park or Issaquah. A few little hills, but mostly flat(ish). There are a of couple of tricky road sections on East Lake Sammamish near Issaquah, but there’s a trail that will keep you out of traffic for the worst bits.
- Burke-Gilman/Sammamish River Trail – Another area ride staple. It’s about 50 miles round trip between Gasworks Park in Fremont and Marymoor Park in Redmond. It’s pretty much flat on reasonably well-maintained trails that follow the Sammamish River and northwest portion of Lake Washington. It tends to be very busy and congested in sections, but it’s also probably the best option for a social ride, with breweries at either end for post-ride libations!
- West Seattle – There are many options in West Seattle ranging from a flat, casual ride along Alki to punishing climbs up Fairmount Avenue or Marine View Drive.
- Newcastle/Cougar Mountain – A challenging climb from Newcastle that’s rewarded with a thrilling descent into Issaquah. Throw in the climb up to Newcastle golf course for extra suffering and fantastic views, or start from the Issaquah side if you need to punish your legs.
- Interurban Trail North – A mostly flat ~50 mile out and back from Seattle (Greenwood) to Everett. Some street riding, but mostly dedicated rail-to-trail paths.
- Centennial Trail – A flat, largely uninterrupted ~60 mile out and back through the bucolic scenery north of Snohomish. End the ride with recovery beverages and grub at the Trail’s End Taphouse!
Organized/Supported Rides
- Emerald Bike Ride (April 08) – A 12 mile loop or 3 mile out-and bike in Seattle, including a ride over the viaduct – an opportunity that we won’t have for much longer!
- Seven Hills of Kirkland (May 28) – Spend your Memorial Day in the saddle for this long-running PNW cycling classic that will test your climbing abilities!
- Woodinville Wine Ride (June 10) – A casual biking tour that includes a mid-point wine tasting and finish line party with live music (and wine!).
- Flying Wheels (June 02) – A Northwest classic! Tour the Snoqualmie Valley via a variety of routes, ending with a finish line party at Marymoor Park.
- The Edge (TBA) – Four different challenging routes on the eastside to test your legs.
- Tour de Lavender (August 04) – Two different routes to tour the rolling Lavender fields around Sequim. A great leg check on the weekend before Obliteride.
- Ride the Hurricane (August 05) – This is the weekend before Obliteride and if you can ride Hurricane Ridge, you’re in great shape for Obliteride. If you start at the Port Angeles waterfront, you’ll climb 5200 feet in one shot!