Cascade's Rides Committee offers a wide selection of recurring (most often weekly) rides that cyclists may choose from, including:
BAGBALM NOT INCLUDED-A RAW TRAINING SERIES: led by Roger Salstrom, is as the title indicates. It is geared toward those looking forward to riding RAW, though anyone may join in. Rides are monthly, usually on Saturday, begin in the morning, and are designed to prepare a cyclist for the challenges they will encounter on a week long, fully supported bike tour, such as RAW. Routes start out earlier in the year being a little easier (50 miles and a few reasonable hills), but by June and July we are doing things like The Tukwila-Tacoma-Vashon Loop and The Crystal Mountain Hill Climb (80-90 miles with really big long hills). Pace is typically moderate to brisk.
BLUE RIDGE & BACK: Led by Shelley Hartnett, this early ride leaves the day for more activities. Scenic NW neighborhood with colorful hills and views of Olympics from Blue Ridge to Ballard Locks. Optional loop through Discovery Park/Magnolia. Bakery stop at end. Once or twice per month, usually second Sunday, steady pace, 22-30 miles.
CASCADE TRAINING SERIES: The Cascade Bicycle Club Training Series is a seasonal (March-July) daily rides’ program designed to help riders prepare for our Events (STP, RSVP, RAW) or to work toward personal goals. By participating in our weekly weekend rides for cyclists from 12-14mph to 16-18mph, riders can work up from 30 mile rides to a “century” (100 miles) prior to STP. For a more complete description please see the CBC Training Series page.
COUNTRY RIDE SERIES: The Country Ride series is a monthly series that departs from various locations around the greater Puget Sound region usually on Sundays. Rides are generally 45-65 miles in length and try to hit the quieter less traveled rural roads. Special care is taken by the ride scout to come up with new and unique routes. We ride at a high moderate to brisk pace with regroups at approximately every 12-15 miles. A cue sheet/map will always be provided. Ride leaders are Ralph & Carol Nussbaum - sometimes on a Co-Motion tandem sometimes on single Litespeeds. Though it’s at a higher pace we really want to keep the atmosphere social by riding together and getting to know each other.
CYCLE TUESDAYS/ MORE CYCLE TUESDAYS: Paceline skills, safe group riding and fitness are the focal point for the Cycle Tuesday rides. Classified as Super Strenuous, the rides are fast paced but give a fit rider the opportunity to learn, experience and practice all types of group riding skills. There are many experienced riders who enjoy the enthusiasm of riders new to the paceline. They willingly share their knowledge and experience. The goal is to develop skills, increase abilities and have fun doing it.
EASTSIDE TOURS: Evening rides from Marymoor Park in Redmond exploring the eastside at a moderate to low brisk pace. A few (or a lot – depends on leader’s workday) hills are always included. BOTH head & tail lights are required. Spring thru Fall are on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Winter Wednesdays only.
FRUMPS: or “Friday Ride for Unemployed Merry Pedalers”: offers rides at both steady and moderate paces, and occasionally leisurely as well. You do not, however, need to be unemployed to join us, but just “unemployed” for that day. Like TREATS, we range all over the area and include a lunch stop, so come join us. Rides are coordinated by Jan Paige.
HILLS OF THE WEST COAST: This is a great weekly ride for riders who like hills. Route and mileage may vary with the season, weather and group. Generally, we try to start out into the wind and return with it. An early start and few stops mean light traffic and an early finish. Road bikes are recommended. We ride hard but emphasize fun and safety. Racers please look elsewhere.
MUMPS: or "Monday Ride for Unemployed Merry Pedalers" began in 1989 as a STP training ride series that almost immediately grew to be year-round. The name ‘MUMPS’ was swiped from the Friday FRUMPS to encourage the same group to ride both days. The name change never worked and the MUMPS rides have continued to attract stronger riders and longer and brisker rides than the FRUMPS.
NEWCOMERS’ SERIES: This social, stay-together group explores local bike trails at Easy to Steady paces (see the “CBC Ride Classification” in the Courier or the “Instructions for Newcomers and Parents”). Designed especially for those new to cycling or returning from the usual adult hiatus. Generally runs every other week Spring thru Fall.
RESURRECTION SUNDAYS: led by Roger Salstrom, ongoing throughout the year, runs roughly every other Sunday opposite David Robinson's Saints and Sinners. It is typically a Sunday afternoon ride beginning at 1:30pm, originating from different locations almost every ride, and going either on or off road. Occasionally, Resurrection Sundays begins earlier or later in the day to accommodate longer or special routes, such as a holiday lights ride. Routes are commonly from 20 to 35 miles at a moderate pace.
SAINTS AND SINNERS: A fun afternoon ride for those who attend church in the morning (the saints) or are recovering from last night (the sinners). No need to identify your category. Pace is high-moderate to low-brisk. Usually stops afterwards for a bite and brew. The ride is (usually) every other Sunday. Start points are mostly either Center for Spiritual Living north parking lot (5801 NE Sand Point Way) or Gasworks, although there are occasional other start points. (Buca di Beppo's restautrant and Alki are the others this year.)
SENIORS’ RIDES: A short, easy, social stay-together exploration of various Seattle locales using multiuse paths and bike friendly streets. Well behaved sub-seniors welcomed.
STP TRAINING SERIES RAIN OR SHINE NORTHEND EDITION: This is a super-strenuous year round ride that happens every Tuesday and Thursday, leaving from Logboom Park. There’s no cue sheet or map, but we regroup occasionally and no one gets dropped. We like to ride hard and fast, and challenge ourselves with a “few” hills each time. Most often led by Saul Kinderis.
TREATS: or “Tuesday Regular Eclectic Active Tours” strives to be both eclectic and active. We offer steady paced rides ranging from as far north as Whidbey Island to south by the Tacoma tideflats and east to North bend and the Green River Gorge. We always take the time to enjoy lunch at a local establishment or (weather permitting) a picnic, so come and check us out. Rides are coordinated by Jim Shedd.
