Getting Ready to Ride #2 South-end (Leisurely and Steady pace)

Are you new to bicycling, or just been off your bike for awhile, feeling trapped inside or tired of looking at the same four walls during exercise? Is 2017 your year to get active, begin commuting, take part in the Free Group Rides,  tackle your first century (100-mile ride), the STP, or another personal challenge? Are you a bit unsure about your biking capabilities, riding in groups, or cycling during winter?

If so, then maybe the Getting Ready to Ride Series (GR2R) is for you. GR2R is an early season, eight-week progressive series, that continues with a 19 mile, mostly flat second ride and then adds a bit of elevation gain, distance or technical difficulty each week. GR2R will help you to: 

• Increase endurance and confidence. 
• Build hill-climbing skills.  
• Make new friends in the cycling community. 
• Gain confidence riding safely with groups. 
• Get ready for the Cascade Training Series (CTS), beginning in April.

GR2R rides are free and open to any rider. You will ride with others who share your pace level and your enthusiasm for riding. All rides will be led by Cascade Ride Leaders, experienced volunteers who enjoy riding, are knowledgeable about bike safety and the rules of the road.

In addition to becoming familiar with bicycling and gaining fitness, you will learn group riding skills, while exploring different local trails and popular biking destinations. These are social, stay-together rides with waits at the top of hills, at all critical turns and selected photo-op stops.

Please check back at this ride posting within a day or two of the ride for updated route information.

Steady rain, ice/snow or unsafe conditions will cancel a ride. If a ride is canceled, it will be posted in the comments section and on the Meetup announcement, two hours before the ride start time, and ride leaders will not be waiting at the start.

Pre-registering online: If you have a Cascade account, you can pre-register for this ride online by clicking on the Register button at the top of this page and entering your information. Pre-registering saves time at the beginning the ride and provides legible emergency contact information. If you cannot make the ride, you do not need to un-register.

Notes:  Restrooms at the start, but may not be open during the winter season, so please plan ahead. All riders should come equipped to deal with their own mechanical issues and bring enough snacks and water. Waiting for mechanical issues will be at the discretion of the ride leader. Please arrive at least 20 minutes early (at 10:40 am) to get yourself ready, listen to the safety briefing and sign or check the safety waiver. 11:00 am is roll-out time!

Cycling outside is invigorating, motivating and the sights are wonderful, especially when you are with a group of like-minded people. Come on, get your bike ready, get dressed, step outside and let's ride together!!