1 p.m. Oct. 9 Bike Ride: Northgate to Shoreline via Sneaky Routes

Can’t figure out how to connect North End neighborhoods via bicycle? Find out how to get to points north for shopping and other endeavors with a Cascade Bicycle Club certified leader and Certified Instructor with the League of American Bicyclists. (This ride is cross-listed with Cascade Bicycle Club and with Spokespeople North Bicycle Club.)

This approximately 20-mile route starts at Northgate Mall: Enter south end of mall off NE 103^rd Street, and park behind the Red Robin: http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/10799769/seattle_wa/northgate_mall.html#profileTab-maps.

We will head on city streets from Northgate through Olympic Hills, and North City, Shoreline—COFFEE BREAK!—more Shoreline (Interurban Trail), Bitter Lake, Haller Lake, Pinehurst, and back to Northgate Mall.

The route includes two sneaky I-5 crossovers. Be prepared for some urban riding, some rolling hills, and a modest climb or two.

We’ll–of course–stop for coffee somewhere along the way to refuel and socialize.

//*NOTES: The pace on the flat is *really* 10-12 mph. We will likely exceed this pace downhill and go up hills more slowly. We’ll wait at the tops of hills as necessary.*//

CONTACT LEADER AHEAD OF TIME ABOUT BRINGING CHILDREN. Map may become available before ride.

What you’ll get—and all for free!

>Fun, good company, exercise, and a self-host coffee break.

>Some good ideas on how to get to your favorite shopping spots north of Northgate.

>How to find two sneaky routes across I-5.

>How to minimize heavy-traffic exposure using slightly convoluted back routes.

>Practice road riding, from easy neighborhood streets to a few more-mainstream streets.

>An introduction to part of the Interurban Trail.

>A free Feet First pedestrian map of Northeast Seattle (as long as supplies last), which is useful in refining your walking and cycling routes.

OFFICIAL RIDE LISTING ON CASCADE BICYCLE CLUB CALENDAR: http://cascade.org/EandR/Activities_Calendar_RDetail.cfm?eventID=14680