Cascade Training Series (CTS)

We have some exciting changes planned for Cascade Training Series (CTS) in 2015, including new routes and an additional training plan to help build your strength and endurance throughout CTS.

For the first time we are also offering CTS as a stand alone event. This means that in 2015, you will be able to register for CTS separately from Seattle to Portland (STP) or Ride Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP). This will be a great opportunity for riders who may want to train but not do an event. The training focus will still be on STP/RSVP so the distances and elevation gain will be appropriate training for those events.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following, CTS is for you!

• Do you want the skills to ride safely in large groups?
• Are you relatively new to cycling?
• Have you ridden a major event before but want to do better this year?
​• Looking for friends who are also planning on riding RSVP or STP?

What does CTS offer?

You will be trained in group riding skills and safe riding skills that are essential for all recreational cyclists, and of particular value in large events. You will get to know riders at your pace level and can make plans to ride events with them.

This year we are including a comprehensive training program that will give you suggestions for cross training, strength building and additional cycling workouts.

Cascade’s Group Riding Skills and Basic Bike Maintenance classes are included in the fee, and will be held prior to the ride series. There will be several CTS seminars, which will include information on nutrition and riding techniques.

Additionally, CTS riders will receive a unique Road ID® wristband, valued at $19.95, with your name and emergency contact information.

This sounds great, when do we start?

The series begins with low-mileage rides in early April. During the early rides, you will decide which of the four paces is best for your fitness level. The slowest pace will be 10-12 mph on the flats and a commensurate level of effort on hills. This is generally considered a “leisurely” pace, and you must be able to ride at this pace to participate. The fastest will ride at a brisk pace of 16 - 18 mph.

Each group of about 20 riders will have trained and certified Cascade ride leaders acting as leader and sweep. Maps and cue sheets are provided online, and since these are stay-together rides with frequent regroups, you can be confident about not getting lost.

​During the 12-ride series, the route mileage and level of difficulty will steadily increase leading up to STP. Riders will be able to move up to faster groups as their fitness and skills improve. The distance progression culminates in a century ride shortly before STP. After the last CTS ride, we celebrate the times we’ve spent together and how far we’ve all come with an open-air party. After CTS, it’s time to ride STP or RSVP with your new riding buddies!

Am I ready?

If you are not yet in condition to ride 25 miles or more at a 10-12 mph or faster pace or aren’t comfortable riding in a group, try some of the leisurely- or steady-paced rides listed in Cascade’s Free Group Rides Calendar before starting the CTS. The Getting Ready to Ride (GRTR) series is designed to help new riders build strength and endurance. We also recommend taking a class to improve your group riding skills through the Cascade Education Foundation. To register, visit www.cascade.org/cts.

​For questions, email Stacey at staceyw@cascade.org.