EARTHDREAM Summer Training Series #5

The EARTHDREAM Summer Training Series is a set of rides intended to help strong riders who have completed the CATS or the RTS series maintain their fitness level for challenging late-season rides such as the Passport 2 Pain, the Tour de Blast, or the High Pass Challenge. These are very hilly, very challenging rides. They are all about 80 miles long, but they gradually increase the amount of climbing from 6000 to almost 10,000ft. The routes seek out not just elevation gain but gradient as well, with each route featuring multiple hills in excess of 15% grade.

 Here is the approximate schedule:
 8/1 - 6000ft - Done
 8/8 - 7000ft - Done
 8/15 - No ride (I'll be out of town)
 8/22 - 8000ft - Done
 8/29 - 9000ft - Rained out
 9/5 - 6000ft (taper week)

The fifth ride in the series includes a number of challenging hills including Hollywood, Montreaux, and Clyde Hill as well as a loop around Mercer Island. 

Regrouping:  We will regroup at the top of all major hills.  Ride leaders will attempt to accomode riders with a range of abilities but riders who are significantly off the group pace should come prepared to finish the ride on their own if necessary.

Weather:  Showers cancel this ride.  If in doubt about the weather check this web site for last minute updates.