Mercer Island has earned a reputation as a cycling haven, offering enthusiasts of all levels the perfect mix of scenic routes, camaraderie, and adventure. Not only is Mercer Island a location, it also serves as the center of an enthusiastic community of riders. Whether it’s the smooth, uninterrupted flow of road cycling on Mercer Island or the rugged, exploratory nature of gravel riding in Wenatchee, there are opportunities that cater to a wide variety of cycling styles throughout Mercer Island and the northwest.
Tom Gallagher is one such enthusiast who found cycling as a new avenue for staying active. A lifelong athlete, Tom initially focused on running, but over time, he realized it wasn’t sustainable for him. "I've always been active, and I've always liked to run," he explained. "But over time, running kind of went out the door."
His transition to cycling began with mountain biking, but it wasn’t until our mutual friend Carl Plateau extended an invitation that he discovered road biking. "Carl knew I liked mountain biking and said, 'Hey, if you'd ever like to get involved in road biking, I've got a group. We’d love to have you be part of it.' That’s how I got started," Tom shared.
For road bikers like Tom, Mercer Island’s unique geography and infrastructure are a dream. Cyclists can cross I-90, connect to Enatai, ride through Medina, loop around 520, and return without encountering a single stoplight. "You can ride for miles without ever hitting a light," Tom said. "That’s really unique and makes the area incredible for cycling."
Tom’s experience highlights the variety of cycling groups available on Mercer Island, catering to riders of all abilities. "There are guys that ride in groups that get up to 20, 22, even 24 miles an hour. They haul," Tom said with a laugh. "I’m happy to stick to 17-19 mph with the JV team. It’s about enjoying the ride and the company."
Beyond the paved roads, Mercer Island has embraced the growing trend of gravel biking. For Tom, gravel biking was a game-changer that expanded his horizons. "Somebody told me a couple of years ago, 'You’ve got to try this gravel bike thing,'" he said. "And I swear, it was like discovering an entirely new world."
Gravel biking introduced Tom to places he hadn’t explored before, with Wenatchee quickly becoming a favorite destination. "When I got into gravel biking, Wenatchee opened up for me. The gravel roads out there are incredible—quiet, scenic, and they go on forever," Tom shared. "It’s a completely different experience from road cycling. You’re surrounded by nature in a way that feels untouched and peaceful."
Gravel biking also offers a balance of adventure and safety, attracting those who enjoy a challenging workout without the high-speed risks of road cycling. "With road biking, you can hit speeds of 22-24 miles per hour, and if you go down, it can be serious," Tom explained. "On a gravel bike, even if you’re going 6-12 miles per hour and you fall, it’s usually no big deal. That’s part of what makes it so enjoyable—it’s a little more forgiving."
Anthony Perez shared his journey from mountain biking to road cycling, reflecting on a pivotal moment that changed his perspective. "I had an endo—I went over the front, upside down, past a tree stump," he recounted. "If I’d been just 12 inches off, that could’ve been it." That close call led him to switch to road biking. "Road riding, to me, seemed so much safer," Anthony said.
As we talked about cycling, the topic of gravel biking came up. I mentioned Tom, who had transitioned to gravel biking and its slower pace, exploration opportunities, and absence of traffic. Anthony nodded thoughtfully. "I haven’t tried gravel biking yet," he admitted. "I would love to do it, but I haven’t."
It was clear we were both intrigued by the possibilities gravel biking offered and by the end of our chat, we made a plan. With a handshake and a shared sense of excitement, I said, "Okay, let’s do it." A new cycling adventure in the works.
The cycling culture on Mercer Island extends well beyond the ride itself. Post-ride coffee stops and informal meetups have become a tradition, fostering connections among riders and creating a strong sense of community. Groups like Tom’s “Misfits” highlight the social side of cycling, where the focus isn’t just on miles or speed but on shared experiences and camaraderie.
Tom reflects on what cycling has brought to his life, beyond just fitness. "It’s not just about the ride—it’s about the freedom, the exploration, and the connections you make along the way," he said. Cycling has opened up new opportunities for him to stay active, connect with others, and explore the Pacific Northwest in ways he hadn’t imagined before.
Mercer Island’s cyclists are drawn together by their shared love of the sport, yet they each find their own way to connect with the island’s terrain. For some, it’s the smooth, uninterrupted routes ideal for road cycling. For others, it’s the thrill of discovering new paths and vistas through gravel riding. Regardless of the discipline, the island’s diverse cycling scene offers something for everyone.
Beyond the great and diverse cycling available locally, a bucket list for many is to see the Tour De France. Maybe even ride part of it before the actual race. If there ever was a group to go, it’d be a bunch of Islanders. And, many already have.