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Join us for a weekend of cycling around beautiful Whatcom County. You’ll discover the rural roads north and south of Bellingham that you don’t get a chance to see on RSVP. We will ride both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 09:30 AM and will offer multiple pace groups. Non-club members are welcome.
Saturday Ride Description: Saturday’s ride will circle north of Bellingham through rolling countryside. We’ll travel to the rural town of Nooksack, visit the Dutch community of Lynden (pastries anyone?), visit the border town of Blaine, cross Lummi Nation land, and skim along the breathtaking shorelines of Drayton, Birch, and Bellingham Bays. After the ride, riders will be invited to meet up at a local eatery for no host food and beverages. Rest stops are planned at miles 28.3, 44.4, and 60.5.
Paces: There will be four paces offered, with each of the pace groups riding on the higher side of the pace this late in the year: moderate (14-16 on flats), brisk (16-18 on flats), vigorous (18-20) and strenuous (20-22 on flats). Riders can ride on their own, in smaller groups, or with the appropriate Ride Leader.
Policies: Riders are required to wear a helmet and abide by Cascade Bicycle Club's riding policies (see the club’s newcomer information). Riders should be able to sustain the appropriate pace for their selected group, know how to read a cue sheet, change a flat tire (and have the equipment to do so) and have a positive attitude.
Weather Cancellation: In the event of steady rain or some other major weather event, the Ride Leaders will not be at the ride start. Please check the comment area in this posting 2 hours prior to the ride (if in doubt) for ride cancellation announcements.
Regroups: Occasional regroups. Ride Leaders will lead with the interest of the group in mind and will not stop for flats or mechanical issues or wait excessively long for riders to catch up. Riders that are having difficulty keeping up with their pace group will need to drop back to a slower pace. All riders should print and carry their own cue sheets in case they get separated from the group.
Route: The final route link will be updated the weekend prior to the ride. These rides are not supported. We will stop at locations that have facilities (water and sometimes food) along the route, but please come prepared with your own food/beverages and carry two water bottles.
Start Time: Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure to prep your bike, sign the waiver and hear the ride briefing. Please RSVP on Meetup for ride updates and to help us determine the appropriate number of ride leaders.
Parking: Please park in the southwest corner of the Civic Field Athletic Complex (away from the stadium), per the request of the property owners.
Hotels: Riders are responsible for finding their own accommodations. Please book a hotel reservation early (they are filling up fast) if you plan to stay overnight in Bellingham. A listing of Bellingham hotels can be found in the Links section below. Many are within easy biking distance to the ride start. Nicer and pricier options on the water include Hotel Bellwether, the Chrysalis Inn and Spa, and Fairhaven Village Inn.
Meetup: Interactive discussion regarding this ride will happen on Meetup (link below). We highly encourage you to go there to RSVP for easy updates as we get closer to the ride.
What to Know Before You Go
- Advance registration required. Cancel if unable to attend, to open space for others.
- Must be present at safety briefing to participate.
- Helmets required.
- Riders under 18 years old require parental consent & approval from the Ride Leader.
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