2010.05.15 South Lake Washington Loop

It was a gorgeous day! 

We met at the Mercer Island Park and Ride at 2:00 pm.  Some old reliables (Dan, Curt, and Andrew); iron man Richard (who rode 50 miles earlier in the day); and a welcome new face – Alex!   Seven of us - 5 singles and one tandem (Karen and me) – began riding clockwise around the south end of Lake Washington at around 2:15 pm.  At the top of the Island Crest Way off ramp we saw Doug driving to the Park and Ride – we were happy to wait for him to saddle up and join the group.

Starting Out

We crossed the East Channel Bridge, rode the boardwalk through the Mercer Slough, and headed down the east side of the lake.  There were tons of bikers – some in groups of 15 or more.

Stopped at Coulon Park to shed some water weight.  There was some kind of athletic event going on.  Lots of boats, too.  Had a heckuva time getting out of the parking lot.  Rode past the Landing, around the south end of Renton Airfield, and onto Rainier Avenue South to Rainier Beach, home of Nate Robinson.

My Stoker

Smelled the barbeque cooking as we rode up Seward Park Avenue.  Dan “Don’t Cramp My Style” Ko looked strong as he motored up the hills.  Alex is no slouch either.  Andrew ”Keep it in the Big Ring” Okada also looked like he had some legs.  The hill down to Seward Park felt good to Karen and me.

Youthful Bravado vs. Experience

After a short water break at the park, we rode along the lake and up the Lake Washington Boulevard South switchback to the top of the bridge.  Took some pics and then headed down onto the bridge deck.  Dan was the time trial champ coming off the bridge.

At the Bridge

Made it back to the Park and Ride almost exactly 2 hours after starting.  Exchanged some fist bumps, packed up, and headed off to enjoy the rest of the day.

It was a great 24+ mile ride.  Thanks, guys!