MEETS #1 Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series - Vigorous (18-20 MPH)

Join us for the Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS) starting at the South 60 Acres parking lot every Wednesday through the end of August. 

Directions to Ride Start: We will meet in the parking lot east of South Sixty Acres Field. The lot is on the south side of NE 116th St., and east of the smaller soccer field (South Sixty Acres). Each pace will start in a separate part of the parking lot. See below for the link to the parking lot map. 

Ride Start: Riders must be ready to ride at the stated time listed above. Riders will NOT be allowed to ride if they do not show up in time to hear the SMART talk and briefing. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Registration closes at 4:00 PM the day of the ride. There is no walk-in registration.  

Pace: Riders should be able to sustain the pace for this particular ride posting. This series consists of multiple paces, with each pace listed separately on the calendar. See the pace definitions here. 

There will be short re-groupings at the top of hills. If maintaining the pace is difficult for a rider, ride leaders will do their best to accommodate, but the rider may have to continue the ride on their own. We ask that such riders drop back a pace on their next ride. 

Mechanicals issues: Groups may not stop for mechanical issues. Riders should know how to change a flat, or deal with other minor mechanical issues and carry appropriate tools. Riders must have a backup plan if roadside repairs are not sufficient.  Riders should have a charged cell phone to call for a pick-up or other means to find their way home. 

Navigation and Cue Sheets: In the event of separation due to flats or other problems, riders should download the route file into a GPS device or have a cue sheet. Cue sheets are not available at the start.

Lights: A white headlight and red taillight are required. Some paces will still be out after sunset.  Riders may be restricted from riding if they don’t have proper lights.

New Riders: New riders are always welcome. First-time riders should consider selecting a pace that is slower than what they normally ride, just to get a feel for group riding. Please see the new rider information (link at the top of this page) for additional general information, or contact the Series Director, Mary Hoshizaki. 

E-bikes: E-bikes are welcome at paces Brisk and below.  E-bikes typically have a different hill climbing pace than non-E-bikes; E-bike riders are expected to keep the pace of non-E-bikes. Class 3 bikes are not permitted on Cascade Free Group Rides because many of our routes travel on multi-use trails, where Class 3's are prohibited. Please note, occasionally carrying bikes up a short flight of stairs is required.

Fenders: If rain is anticipated, please come equipped with fenders long enough to keep the person riding behind you dry.

Routes: The routes will be posted in the comments below once finalized, typically on the day before the ride.  Routes may include a local trail with speed limits, typically 15 MPH. Riders must stay within the speed limits. 

Rest Stops: There will be no planned rest stops as these are short rides. However there are "port-a-potty" restrooms at the start. 

Showers Cancel: Steady rain or otherwise unsafe riding conditions (including air quality) will cause a cancelation. If the ride is canceled, ride leaders will not be at the ride start and ride cancelation will be posted in the comments section of the Cascade listing at least two hours prior to the ride start.  Additionally, all registered riders will receive an email.

Kids: This is a rigorous training series and it may not be appropriate for children. Please contact the Series Director, Mary Hoshizaki, at least 48 hours in advance, for approval.

Interested in becoming a ride leader? Contact the Series Director, Mary Hoshizaki, for information about mentoring opportunities.