45-mile riders depart Seattle Center from under the famed Space Needle on 5th Ave., rolling through the heart of the Seattle shopping district, Rainier Square and Chinatown. Next, riders enjoy the rare experience of riding the I-90 Express Lane over to Mercer Island. Once there, riders travel the island on scenic Mercer Way before briefly hopping on the I-90 bike trail to Bellevue. After making your way through Bellevue, ride along the picturesque Lake Washington shoreline and begin the journey home via the city of Renton, south of Lake Washington. After reenergizing at the Survivor Power Stop, head up the stinger switchbacks of Lake Washington Blvd. to Yesler Way, making your way home to Seattle Center for a great post event-party. The total climbing elevation for the 45-mile course is 1,525 feet.by eswheeler