Meet Cascade Members Jen and Adam
- Read about this couple’s journey from searching for “social biking events near me” to riding STP.
- Along the way, Jen and Adam found a welcoming Cascade community that has provided motivation, support, and fun.
Ed Kim
Members: Jen (she/her) and Adam (he/him)
Members since: 2024
Residence: North Bend, WA
With the 46th annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP) presented by Alaska Airlines and Zenni Optical right around the corner, we kick off our brand new “This Is What Membership Looks Like” series by introducing Jen and Adam.
While this Millennial working couple is busy raising two young children, they’ve made time for their growing passion for bicycling. Along the way, they found camaraderie and a welcoming community at Cascade.
“Our very first Cascade event was the 2024 Woodinville Wine Ride, it was at the beginning of our new biking journey.”
-Jen
It all started with a search for local biking events. “Cascade was the first link I clicked on,” says Jen, thinking back to that day in 2024.
“It was the Woodinville Wine Ride that got us to sign up for our first Cascade ride. Twenty miles sounded like a lot, but the combination of riding and wine was too tempting for us to pass up.”
Neither Jen nor Adam could have predicted that the Woodinville Wine Ride experience would start them on a path toward riding STP this July 12-13.
“As newbies, we felt completely welcomed at our first event, and there was such a wide range of riders,” Jen added. “We continued to ride on our own and decided to make riding STP our goal in 2025. But we knew we weren’t anywhere close to being in shape to ride 207 miles over two days, so we joined Cascade to hone in on our commitment to ride STP.”
With Jen leading the initial charge, Adam quickly jumped on board. “This year, we’ve participated in Getting Ready to Ride (a Free Group Rides series), CTS (Cascade Training Series), and an STP 101 session to prepare for STP,” says Adam.
“I also attended a Fix-a-Flat class which helped me overcome the intimidation of not knowing what to do in that situation. The timing of that class couldn’t have been any better because I fixed Jen’s flat on our CTS ride just two days later!”
“Cascade is very accommodating to all riders, from those who have been cycling at various events for years, to those of us just getting started on this journey.”
-Adam
“We’ll definitely continue on with Free Group Rides and CTS in the coming years,” Adam says. “We’ve gained a strong support group of fun and friendly riders we can learn from. Especially riding with our CTS group, the support and determination of everyone around us has been a huge motivator. Plus, all this bicycling is great for our health!”
Jen recently celebrated a major milestone – her first century ride. “Riding 100 miles was such a great personal accomplishment. During that ride, our CTS group kept encouraging me, then showered me with high-fives when we reached the finish! Adam and I have had such a blast doing CTS and riding with others in the Cascade community.”
Jen is quick to give her ringing endorsement of a Cascade membership. “You’ve got nothing to lose. Cascade makes it very easy for all to join, and participate at your own level and pace. If you’ve read this far, then consider this your sign to join!”
On the lighter side:
Most useful or favorite bike accessory?
Jen: I love my drop bar mirrors!
Adam: Navigation and ride stats are a breeze with my QuadLock phone case and mount.
Favorite bike hack?
Jen: Pretend it’s your first time getting a flat and someone will change it for you =P
Favorite snack?
Jen: PB&J or HI-CHEWs
Adam: Nature Bakery Fig Bars and Brown Sugar Pop Tarts
Favorite book, tv show, or movie?
Jen: Friends
Adam: Breaking Bad
Find out more about the Cascade rides and classes referenced in this blog:
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