CHEW - Eastside Ride #1

Climbing Hills - Eastside Wintertime “CHEW” Series

The CHEW Series will be held Sundays beginning January 7th - through March 25th at various starting points on the east side. These will be climbing routes on local hills which will progress from ~ 30 miles and 2500’ of elevation gain to 50+ miles and 4500’ elevation gain. There will be five paces offered -- steady (13 on flats), moderate (15 on flats), brisk (17 on flats), vigorous (19 on flats) and strenuous (21+ on flats). All pace groups will use a common route each week. 

Registration: Registration on the Cascade site is free and greatly helps the sign in process for the ride leaders. Please register by 5 pm the Friday prior to the ride if at all possible as that is when waivers will be printed for ride start.  We also encourage you to RSVP on Meetup so you can join conversation and see photos. 

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time to hear the route briefing, safety notes, and sign the waiver form for an on-time departure. You will NOT be allowed to ride if you do not show up in time to hear the safety briefing.  

Mechanicals/Pace: Riders should be able to sustain the appropriate pace for their selected group, know how to read a cue sheet, change a flat tire (and have the requisite equipment to do so) and have a positive attitude. Ride Leaders and Sweeps will not stop long for flats or mechanical issues due to group safety.

Cue Sheets: Please print a cue sheet if you need one. The final route and cue sheet will be available the Wednesday prior to each ride, but please check back Saturday for last minute changes. Rest stops will be planned as noted on the route cue sheet or ride notes. 

Equipment: A good tail light is recommended. Long fenders are required for a chance of rain above 0% - Strictly enforced for safety of other riders. 

Regroup policy: This is a training series so we will ride with the best interest of the group in mind. We will regroup at the top of hills for a reasonable amount of time as well as at major turns. Stops will be brief. Riders may need to fall back to a slower pace group if they fall behind. If you are riding in the last pace group, the ride leaders will make sure you have a cue sheet and feel comfortable to finish the ride or will stay with you as need be. We want everyone to ride hard but to have fun and get back safely.

Cancellation Policy: Hard steady rain/ice/snow or otherwise unsafe riding conditions will cancel. In the event that conditions are as described for cancellation, ride leaders may not come to the ride start. Ride cancellation will be posted in the Comments section in both the Cascade and Meetup postings for this date at least two hours prior to the ride start in the event that ride leaders will not come to the ride start. Series Director (Alexa) will be available by phone should you have questions.