CTS Red #1: Magnuson-520-Medina

Welcome to CTS 2024!

We ask all Red Riders to be ready to ride no later than 9:00am at Cascade's headquarters in Magnuson Park.

You should arrive before 9:00am (we would suggest 8:45am at the latest) so you have time to unload your bike (if you are driving), grab your Road ID from the check in station, and use the restroom. Please note that Cascade Bicycle Club might be hard to find if you have never been before and you are not familiar with Magnuson Park's layout so allow some time for that.

If you drive, please park in one of Magnuson Park's bigger parking lots and then bike to Cascade Bicycle Club to decrease the amount of cars outside of Sand Point businesses. If you do park close to Cascade's offices, please consider other local businesses (Magnuson Park Brewery and Sail Sand Point) and don’t park right in front of their establishments. We will have your Road IDs on site and you will be able to find a group at your pace where you are most comfortable. The Bike Corral will be set up outside the offices with plenty of space. If the weather is nice we will have tables set up outside with all of the information that you need. If the weather is not so nice, we will set up inside Cascade's headquarters.

Ride Leaders assigned to your group will talk about safe group riding skills and there will be time for questions and demonstrations of these skills prior to the ride start. The first ride in the series is a 22 mile loop from Magnuson across the 520 bridge through Medina and back. You will be riding on both trails and roads and will be able to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Washington as well as meet other riders who have signed up for CTS! There will be a rest stop with water and facilities about halfway at Medina Beach Park.

Upon your return to Cascade Bicycle Club, the Cascade Outriders will lead a "Fix a Flat" demonstration and afterward, you will be able to practice on your own wheel with the help of volunteer bike mechanics. Please bring your own spare tube. If you don't know what size tube your tire takes, ask your local bike shop! If you are already confident in your ability to change a flat then consider supporting your fellow riders who may need some assistance and/or instruction. Flat tires are inevitable. The best way to prepare is to know how to fix one! 

What you need to know about day one:

Be dressed in your bike clothes, make sure you have water bottles ready and bring some additional snacks to keep you going during the ride, and through the fix-a-flat training (if you stay for that). Bring a rain jacket just in case and any other wet weather gear that you deem necessary. 

We will have volunteer bike mechanics at the start on the first day that will be able to help with minor adjustments and mechanical issues, and if you plan on using their services, arrive at least 45 minutes before the start because they will be busy.  Better yet,  make sure that your bike is in good working order before the first day of the series. If you lack bike mechanic skills, take your bike to a local bike shop to get a tune up.  They are busy this time of year, so contact them well in advance of this first ride.

Please check your email the morning of the ride for any final updates.  Route may be updated, as well as weather updates and cancellations.