Bellevue's Lake to Lake Bike Ride Returns for 9th Year of Outdoor Fun
June 3, 2022 - by Sandy Vo
Bellevue's Lake to Lake Bike Ride Returns
for 9th Year of Outdoor Fun
According to ChamberofCommerce.org, Bellevue is the most active small city in the United States, boasting an 86% marker for physically active people. This recognition was no fluke, the City of Bellevue has always promoted a healthy lifestyle through various events like their upcoming 9th Annual Lake to Lake Bike Ride on Saturday, June 11 at 8 a.m. This family-friendly ride starts and ends at Robinswood Community Park, allowing the community to explore Bellevue’s hidden treasures and award-winning parks. A $15 registration fee can be paid online, kids ride for free! All proceeds will be donated to Bellevue’s Youth Camp Scholarship Fund.
Theo Mittelstaedt, the community services supervisor for the City of Bellevue, said he started the
Lake to Lake Bike Ride in 2012 after failing to find an organized bicycle ride on the Eastside. Taking the knowledge he learned from years of being an avid cyclist, Mittelstaedt created his own. Participating riders have a choice between two routes: the eight-mile Greenbelt Loop or the more challenging 24-mile Lake Loop.
“I took the combination of all the things I enjoyed about cycling and implemented those elements into the Lake to Lake Bike Ride,” he said. “The one thing I wanted to accomplish was to create a fun and safe ride for the community so they can have a chance to explore Bellevue’s amazing parks and trail system.”
Many others in the community feel the same way. Mittelstaedt said he’s grateful for the sponsorship from Crossroads Bellevue, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, and REI, along with support from other local businesses around town like Gregg’s Cycle. Their support provides bike techs at the event who set up rides and check any mechanical issues. Other companies pitched in by donating raffle prizes, free swag and more for the post-ride celebration.
“After canceling the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the worldwide pandemic, the generosity I’m still seeing is fantastic,” he said. “All I can say is I’m grateful for it.”
Mittelstaedt is looking into hosting a future fall ride to take advantage of the cooling weather in September. His goal is to continue improving bike events and promoting alternative means of transportation.
“This is just a great event for families to get some exercise in and see the work our staff has done to keep our parks and trails looking incredible,” he said. “It’s just another way to see the great outdoors and get some fresh air. We all need that in our life.”
Get active in Bellevue by registering for the Lake to Lake Bike ride today!
This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.
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Robinswood Community Park
14915 148th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98007
