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Part 2 -Snoqualmie

Snoqualmie is a 97-mile figure-eight. It climbs out of the city and over the hills to the east on a mix of paved roads, lanes, fire roads and single - very tame, very rideable – track. To Snoqualmie falls and back. The ride delivers views, distance, hardman climbs and a scenic journey through Snoqualmie Valley and rural northwest.

It starts in Leschi at Pert’s where the coffee is infinitely better (than anywhere else in the neighborhood) and the ancient owner will talk to you about the Vuelta while you eat their ridiculously good baked goods! Next door at Il Vecchio, a must for the bicycle connoisseur, you can talk to George, the owner, about his stunning collection of vintage bicycles and the latest from Dario Peggoretti. Once extracted, feel free to visit the small market across the street where they have better food and hydration options than just about anything for the next 100-miles.

Roll south on the original Olmstead bicycle thoroughfare now called Lake Washington Blvd, past Seward park and the airport. Roll over several large hills and climb deeper into Rainer Valley past orthodox Jews on the way to temple and low-riders bumping Mexican polka and eventually the King County Airport where lovingly restored float planes rest in their period correct glory.

Over the highway and east into May Valley where, depending on the time of year, the tree frogs are deafening. Here enjoy and embrace what little is left of rural King County on your way around Squak Mountain. In Issaquah pick-up the trail to Preston where you pick-up a gravel road to Fall city and Duvall.

On your way through Marymoor Park feel free to take a lap or two in the velodrome. After or instead, head down the west edge of Lake Sammamish, race around the south-end of Mercer Island, cross the floating bridge back to Leschi, and have a slice of the Budapest Coffee Cake at Pert’s, you definitely earned it.