The 15th in a series of events along the many mostly flat, mostly paved biking/walking trails in the Seattle area. For February, we will take the East Lake Sammamish Trail from near the northern end to Pine Lake Creek, about 5 miles south. The trail has great views of Lake Sammamish.
Per geocaching.com event guidelines, the actual 'event' is the meet-up from 10-10:30am at the posted coordinates, which is the East Lake Sammamish Trail Parking Lot just south of NE 70th St near Marymoor Park. You can just sign the log and chat, but if you have a bike, join us for a ride on the trail.
Note: If you drive here, park in the long, narrow lot signed for the Trail, not in the shopping center lot to the east. Entrance is on the south side of NE 70th St. If you live along the Sammamish River Trail, you can easily reach the start on your bike if you wish; just bike to Marymoor Park and take the Connector Trail to the east side of the park.
This event is outdoors, but I will only cancel this event if the weather is terrible: heavy rain, lightning/thunder, snow or ice. Bring a waterproof layer if it might rain, and enough layers/gloves/etc to ward off the cold.
Information for the ride: We will ride generally south along the trail to its crossing of Pine Lake Creek, just south of NE 8th St. Beyond this, the trail continues into Issaquah. The route is flat and car-free, and the total distance is a little over 10 miles. The trail is paved in the north end, shifting to gravel for the last mile or so. I've ridden the gravel on a road bike before and had no problems. If I were to rate this as a geocaching experience, I'd call it 2/2. Route map is here, http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6777214
There are no spots to buy food or drink on the route, but there is a large grocery store and a shopping center adjacent to the start. Bring along some snacks, and maybe hang out at a cafe or restaurant when the ride is over.
If you choose to ride, please show up well before 10:30 so we can leave on time. Check your brakes and air beforehand.
Participants in the optional bicycle ride hold harmless the cache owner/event organizer and assume all risks and responsibilties involved in riding a bicycle on trails and streets. Wear a helmet, dress in layers, and bring a spare tube.
If you have any suggestions/requests for trails to visit on future events, feel free to mention them in your log.
Background Image from Gene Bisbee under a Creative Commons License