Gravel Bike Tour : Sammamish - Preston

Mixed surface ride linking up a few gravel/singletrack trails with stretches of road/cycle paths around the Sammamish Plateau. This route started with the desire to ride the Issaquah-Preston Trail along I-90 - a gradual climb on packed gravel. From Preston, we hit the biggest climb of the day up and over Mitchell Hill, and explore a connector to the plateau. We then hit the easiest trails in the two main bike parks in the area - Duthie Hill and Soaring Eagle, before winding our way back southeast to our starting point.

Expect about a 4 hour adventure. I've ridden some of these trails, but not all. The Mitchell Hill connector is the biggest unknown - I'm pretty sure it goes, but there may be some portions of hike-a-bike and/or bushwhacking if it hasn't been maintained recently.

If you have the means (bike GPS or phone mount), please download the route to follow along as we ride. Nobody will be left behind, but the more people actively navigating, the better the ride can flow.

Optional post-ride refreshments at the start/end point.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1338164193

Average pace: ~8mph, overall (~10mph, flat)
Distance: ~29mi
Elevation gain: ~2200ft
Moving time: ~4 hours

We'll regroup at the top of each major hill and at any critical intersections. If you decide race ahead, you're on your own!

Bring some water + snacks. We'll only stop for short breaks during the loop.

Bring working head+tail light in case we're significantly delayed.

Gravel or XC mountain bike in good working order highly recommended for this route.

Bring a spare tube in case of flat. I'll have tire levers and a pump if anyone needs them, but you'll need to bring a tube that fits your bike. Or plan on a bus ride to get yourself home. :-)