Memorial Monday Metric

The Memorial Monday Metric is a great opportunity to prep for the Flying Wheels or the STP.  We'll be doing some of the same types of hills as the Flying Wheels as well as "The Wall" from the STP.  The ride will be 65 miles over some ups and downs, through Puyallup, downtown Tacoma, over the bridge to Gig Harbor and back to Federal Way.  We'll stop at Starbucks in downtown on the way out for a VERY short restroom and refreshment break, then at Blazing Onion Burger in Gig Harbor for lunch. If needed, we'll stop on the way back to Federal Way as well.  This is a long, self-supported ride.  Please bring plenty of snacks and water to support yourself on this ride.  Please also bring ID, credit/debit, and/or cash for food stops.  If you're going to use the restroom at Starbucks, please be a good steward and spend a little in the store. 

Pace will be moderate, but given the nature of this ride with a lot of hills, expect the pace uphill to be slower, and downhill to be potentially significantly faster.  On the flats, we will likely stay on the high end of Moderate to make sure Memorial Day plans aren't impacted.  We will regroup at the tops of hills.  

Restrooms will be available at the start and at the pre-designated stopping points.  

Know how to read a cue sheet, change a flat tire (and have the requisite equipment to do so) and have a positive attitude. Ride Leaders and Sweeps will not stop long for flats or mechanical issues due to group safety. Faster riders are welcome to join but for them the ride becomes self-guided.

Cue Sheets: Please print your own cue sheet, cue sheets will not be available at start. The final route and cue sheet will be available on Cascade.org and Meetup.com the weekend prior to the ride. Rest stops: Will be planned as noted on the route cue sheet.

Equipment: A good headlight and taillight recommended. Long fenders are required for a chance of rain above 0%. Helmets are required to ride.

Trail riding:  We will be on a multi-use trail for a portion of this ride.  In all cases, pedestrians have the right of way.  Passing should be done after announcing a pass and should be done safely with a wide margin.  If riding 2 abreast on the trail, ensure that the trail is not blocked for pedestrians coming the other direction or faster cyclists passing on the left.  

Regroup policy: We will ride with the best interest of the group in mind. We will regroup at the ends of intervals. Stops will be brief.  If you are unable to continue or keep up, the Ride Leaders may not be able to stay with you so you need to have someone you can call to come get you. We want everyone to have fun and get back safely. Please print your contact information clearly on the waiver form in case we need to reach you for any reason. This is especially true in case of emergency. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian and have permission of the ride director prior to the start.

Note - this will be a physically challenging ride.

Cancellation Policy: Showers cancel.  If cancellation occurs, an update will be posted on the meetup site 2 hours prior to the start time.  Ride Leader will not be at the starting point if ride is cancelled.

Ride leader may have a well-qualified minor present on ride