Getting Ready to Ride South #7 - Newport - Issaquah Loop (Steady)

Are you new to bicycling, been off your bike for awhile, feeling trapped inside or tired of looking at the same four walls during exercise? Is 2022 your year to get active, begin commuting, take part in the Free Group Rides, tackle your first century (100 mile ride), the STP, or another personal challenge? Are you a bit unsure about your biking capabilities, riding in groups, or cycling during winter? If so, then the Getting Ready to Ride Series (GR2R) is for you. GR2R South is an early season, eight-week progressive series focusing on the South County area, adding a bit of elevation gain, distance or technical difficulty each week.

This week sees us wandering east, from South Bellevue out to Issaquah and back. Starting from the Newport Hills Park and Ride, we'll climb up into Newcastle, then head east on rolling May Valley Road. A turn north at Issaquah - Hobart road lets gravity pay us back for our initial climbing, as we head into Issaquah and a quick food stop at Safeway. Then it's west for a long climb up Newport Way, before we drop back towards Lake Washington and our start point. This route covers some classic roads around Cougar Mountain, and some classic views, as well! 

GR2R will help you to:

• Increase endurance and confidence.
• Build hill-climbing skills.
• Make new friends in the cycling community.
• Gain confidence riding safely with groups.
• Get ready for the Cascade Training Series (CTS), beginning in April.

GR2R rides are free and open to any rider. You will ride with others who share your pace level and your enthusiasm for riding. All rides will be led by Cascade Ride Leaders, experienced volunteers who enjoy riding, are knowledgeable about bike safety and the rules of the road. In addition to becoming familiar with bicycling and gaining fitness, you will learn group riding skills, while exploring different local trails, quiet roads, and popular biking destinations. These are social, stay-together rides with waits at the top of hills, at all critical turns and photo-op stops. Please check back at this ride posting within a day or two of the ride for updated route information.

Steady rain, ice/snow or unsafe conditions will cancel a ride. If a ride is canceled, it will be posted in the comments section on the Cascade.org calendar two hours before the ride start time. In that instance, ride leaders will not be waiting at the start. Ride pre-registration is required. If you cannot make the ride, please un-register so we know how many to expect. Everyone needs to be at the ride start on time (give yourself a few minutes to get put together), so you can hear the safety brief and get a quick rundown on any route news.

All riders should come equipped to deal with their own mechanical issues, flats and bring enough snacks and water. Waiting for mechanical issues will be at the discretion of the ride leader.

One of the goals of the GR2R series is readying riders for the upcoming Cascade Training Series, which starts in April. If you love what we're doing here as Ride Leaders, and you're interested in getting more involved with upcoming rides, consider our Associate Ride Leader program. ARL's assist with Cascade Training Series rides by taking a hands-on role on the road, but don't need to plan routes or assume overall responsibility for pace sub-groups. ARL's do get to see what the Ride Leader community looks like from the inside, and take satisfaction in sharing the joy. ARL Coordinator Jake Wright heads  the program, and has put together a web page to explain more, linked below.

Cycling outside is invigorating, motivating and the sights are wonderful, especially when you are with a group of like minded people. Come on, get your bike ready, get dressed, step outside, lets ride together. We hope you can join us!