S.M.I.L.E. (Sunday Mercer Island Loops for Everyone)

The weather this Sunday is looking great, so let's get some outdoor time on the bike! Meet at 9am, wheels rolling by 9:10am. I'm capping attendance at 15 as I don't feel comfortable leading a bigger ride on the open roads there.

Route: I plan to ride the “Smile” on Mercer Island, meaning I’ll start at the parking lot at the Lid Park, ride south along W Mercer Way all the way to the south end of the island and back up E Mercer Way until reaching I-90, then turn around and do the same thing in reverse. Round trip is about 21 miles, 1200 ft of elevation. There is a restroom and water fountain nearby the start/finish but no options along the ride. If you're looking for a longer ride, consider biking to/from the event or adding additional self-supported loops after the official event ends.

You can see the map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54626909

Pace and regrouping: I'm very out-of-shape and will only have the time and endurance to do one out-and-back loop - I expect I'll maintain a pace of about 14-15mph, and will stop to regroup with slower riders at the turnaround point (The parking lot of the Stroum Jewish Community Center)

Equipment and Safety: Helmets are required to ride. A good headlight and taillight are recommended. Rain (however unlikely) will cancel this ride. Bring your own nutrition you expect to need during the ride. Riders should be able to sustain the appropriate pace, know how to read a cue sheet, change a flat tire (and have the requisite equipment to do so) and have a positive attitude. Ride Leaders and Sweeps will not stop long for flats or mechanical issues due to group safety.

In order to participate in any Seattle Triathlon Group event, you must sign our waiver. I will only be accepting electronic waivers - please complete the waiver ahead of time! As this is early season, if you participated in an event with us in 2025 you likely still have an active waiver from last year - you can login to your account at https://www.seattletri.org/dashboard to check.

Thanks and Tri On!