Women & Nonbinary Program

• Nonbinary: Nonbinary, sometimes referred to as genderqueer, is an umbrella term for gender identities that are neither male nor female‍ and that are outside the gender binary. People who identify as nonbinary may express and describe themselves in a variety of ways across the gender spectrum. A person's appearance does not determine their gender identity or pronouns.  When meeting new people, you can introduce yourself using your pronouns.
• Cisgender: A term used to describe people who are not transgender and identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.
• Cis woman: Term used to describe women who are assigned female at birth and identify as a woman.
• Trans woman: Transgender person who was assigned male at birth but whose gender identity is that of a woman
• Woman: Term used for all people who identify as a woman. This includes, but is not limited to: transgender women, cisgender women, and all people who self-identify as a woman.
• Trans man: Transgender person who was assigned female at birth but whose gender identity is that of a man

Our paces are the same as Cascade’s other free group rides. See Ride classifications.

We encourage our riders to pick an appropriate pace. Our ride leaders understand that this might be difficult, especially for new riders, so we try to make every accommodation for these situations. We ask our Rider Leaders to coach and give positive supportive feedback, so our riders can find the right pace for their abilities.  For more info see the beginner, experienced and advanced descriptions.

Designed for riders who are still building confidence on the bike and ride at leisurely (10-12 mph) or steady (12-14 mph) paces.

Leaders will regroup frequently at the tops of climbs, major turns, or whenever the group stretches out. If a rider falls significantly behind, they may be encouraged to join a slower group (when available). In rare cases, the rider may be asked to complete the ride on their own or wait in a safe place for a ride home. Ride leaders will ensure the rider has a safe means to return to the start or home before leaving the rider. This may involve the rider going back on their own with a cue sheet or GPS navigation or calling someone for transportation back to the ride start or home.

Key Skills & Expectations

Bike handling skills:

• Start, stop, and shift gears smoothly
• Able to ride on paved trails and willing to gain more experience road riding
• Comfortable with short distances of hard packed gravel

Group riding expectations:

• Hold a straight line and maintain a steady distance from others
• Learn and use verbal call outs and hand signals (left/right turn, stop)
• Carry a phone, GPS device or cue sheet
• Understand and follow Cascade’s SMART guidelines.
   

Group etiquette & regrouping:

• Stay with the group, as much as possible
• Willing to wait for, support and encourage other riders
• Stop at agreed regroup points (tops of hills, major turns)
   

Introductory mechanicals:

• Carry a spare tube, tire levers, and a mini-pump or CO₂ cartridge
• Know how to manage or be willing to quickly learn how to fix minor mechanical issues such as a dropped or jammed chain, or a flat tire
   

Designed for individuals  who ride regularly and want to focus on fitness, longer distances and improving their group riding and mechanical skills. Experienced rides  usually ride at a steady (12-14 mph) or moderate (14-16 mph) pace. 

Leaders will regroup occasionally, typically at the top of climbs or at pre-planned stops.  Expect the group to stay together through rolling terrain.

Key Skills & Expectations (In addition to Beginner skills above):

Bike handling skills:

• Able to ride predictably, call out hazards, complete tight turns, and ride confidently and safely within a group
• Comfortable riding on gravel, uneven surfaces and eating and drinking while moving. 

Group riding expectations:

• Able to gauge effort to stay with the group
• Comfortable with re-grouping and being spread out on the road
• Navigate confidently using a device, if on their own
• Troubleshoot minor route deviations

Mechanical proficiency:

• Able to fix a flat
• Clear a dropped or jammed chain without assistance
• Carry a multi tool, extra chain link and patch kit
   

Tailored to proficient riders aiming for sustained speed, challenging terrain, or rigorous training. Riders should be able to ride at the Moderate (14-16 mph), Brisk (16-18 mph)  or Vigorous (18-20 mph) paces. 

Regrouping will be less frequent, often only at the top of hills, or designated rest stops. Participants are expected to manage their own pace, navigation and mechanical needs and support fellow riders when needed.

Key Skills & Expectations (In addition to Experienced skills above):

Group riding and navigation:

• Ability to safely ride in tight groups
• Confidence in calling out hazards verbally or with hand signals while maintaining predictable speeds
• Comfortable eating or drinking from a bottle while moving
• Smooth cornering and braking at speed
• Ability to monitor your own effort to stay with the group

Basic mechanical skills:

• Perform roadside repairs on basic issues
• Carry multi-tool and patch kit, spare tube

Ability to Problem Solve:

• Follow complex routes
• Handle unexpected detours or navigation device failures
• Able to return to start on your own 

If you are still unsure of your pace or are a new rider, please contact the ride leader on the specific ride to determine if the pace would be appropriate.