CTS Blue #1: Seattle-Rainier Beach Loop

WELCOME TO CTS 2023!

This is the beginning of an amazing Series! The first day is a big day with pace assignments, Road ID distribution, "Fix a Flat" instructions, and a ride to top it off! 

All Blue/Green Riders should be ready to ride at 10:00 AM at Cascade's headquarters in Magnuson Park. You should arrive with enough time to unload your bike (if you are driving), grab your Road ID from the check in station, and use the restroom. Give yourself plenty of time this first day, as Cascade Bicycle Club is hard to find if you have never been before and you are not familiar with Magnuson Park's layout. 

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. Blue/Green Ride #1 of the Cascade Training Series takes us on a 31 mile ride from Magnuson Park to Rainier Beach by way of Capitol Hill, the International District and Beacon Hill. We'll wind our way through lovely Seattle neighborhoods and ride back along Lake Washington Boulevard and through the Arboretum - prepare to be dazzled by views of Lake Washington and enjoy the blooming Cherry trees. There will be restrooms at the start and at mile 18 at Seward Park.

Upon your return to Cascade Bicycle Club, volunteers 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! You should be back at Cascade by approximately 12:30 - 1:00 PM and the "Fix a Flat" class will be another 45 min or so. Please plan accordingly. 

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 which you may need after your ride before changing your tire. 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 review the Comments Section before the morning of the ride for any final updates.  Route may be updated there as well as weather updates and cancelations.