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

For this route, I'm going to do two "SMILES" - starting with Mercer Island, followed by the lower Lake Washington loop, for a total distance of 33 miles with about 1100 feet of elevation gain. Meet at 8:30am, wheels rolling by 8:40am. 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 “Double Smile”, meaning I’ll start at the parking lot at the Lid Park on Mercer Island, 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 cross I-90 eastbound and continue with the clockwise Lake Washington loop around Renton Airport, returning to Mercer Island via I-90 eastbound. Total distance is about 33 miles, 1250 ft of elevation. There is a restroom and water fountain nearby the start/finish, some options near the Gene Coulton Park, Be'er Sheva Park, and again at Seaward Park. You can see the map here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52512683 Pace and regrouping: I'm very out-of-shape right now, so expect I'll maintain an average pace slower than last year (I averaged 14mph last week), which translates to about 15-16mph on the flats. We will have a few planned regroup spots, but this means you should expect the ride to split into smaller groups based on your speed, and you could be riding portions solo. 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…