Details:
August 30, 2025
Lewis Creek Picnic Shelters (5702 Lakemont BLVD SE Bellevue, WA 98006)
Meet & Greet with Cafe Maki starting at 8:00AM
Announcements/Photos 9:45AM
Rollout at 10AM
Sign Up Link (Form is also directly below)
Description:
If you watch my channel, you'll know that my guilty pleasure in cycling is hills of the steepest variety. This is the 4th edition of the annual social group ride event in which I'd like to share that joy with you. Best Side Summits is a condense South Bellevue / Issaquah route basically containing all of my favorite segments in the area. The idea is to encourage everyone to get up and over each (or as much as you'd like) of these hills as a rolling parade.
New for 2025, we'll have a social gathering time before the ride with Cafe Maki. I'm still out with a broken collarbone, so I will be fully focused on running the event! We're going to be set up early for people to come get some premium expresso (at rider's cost) and hang out before the ride!
This year will feature two routes (and groups): one of them with an easier route and pacing to accomodate more riders. There will be a rest-stop thru the event (same spot as the starting/finish point) with snacks, water and refreshments for all the participants. The event will end with a ride up the famous "Zoo Hill" climb.
The ride will start and end at Lewis Creek Picnic Shelters. If you're driving, park at the adjacent lot at the Lewis Creek Visitor Center. The ride is free to join and self-supported (you are responsible for your own safety and incase of mechanicals) so please come prepared with everything you would need riding solo.
Please sign up for the event if you plan to come and contact me if your RSVP changes! Donations on the day of would be appreciated to cover the costs of the venue and the refreshments. If you are coming, please sign up using the linked Google form below so I have a rough headcount and can send out any updates if needed.
Safety Notes:
You are responsible for your own safety and support on the ride. You have well-tested brakes, are comfortable cycling around others and descending steep hills in a controlled way. The ride will have a different route in case of wet weather or slick roads.
Route Details and Link:
This route has been personally crafted by yours truly to create the best experience for you. There are many hills on the route which are "skippable" and you can always return to Lewis Creek Picnic Shelters. Please load the route into your bike computer ahead of time anyway to help smooth things on the day of!
Two Options:
Main:
30 Miles with 4500 Feet
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47830187
Shorter:
25 Miles with 3500 Feet
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47977540
Feel free to reach out to me at hanoch@bestsidecycling.com if you have any questions about the ride. Watch the YouTube link below for vibes of the ride!
Segment/Hills List:
China Creek Straight Up
Newcastle Golf Course Climb
Meadow Wood Park Wall
West Summit Climb
Summit Climb
Somerset Complete
49th St to Hilltop
Ay Mamacita
Zoo Hill Climb
P.S If you are feeling super adventurous and want my recommendation for full-day of climbing including the Issaquah Alps check out the Best Side Cycling: Ultimate Edition Route with 61 miles and 9600' of climbing. This is truly the "best" of the whole area!