Getting Ready to Ride-North #1: Centennial Trail (Steady)

Are you new to bicycling, or just been off your bike for a while? Is 2023 your year to get active, begin commuting, take part in the Free Group Rides, or maybe even 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 the Getting Ready to Ride Series (GR2R) is for you.

GR2R is an early season, eight-week progressive series that adds a bit of elevation gain, distance or technical difficulty each week.  GR2R rides are free and open to anyone.  All rides will be led by Cascade Ride Leaders, experienced volunteers who enjoy riding, know the rules of the road, how to ride safely, and the know some exceptional routes to use.

During the GR2R North Series, we will primarily explore Snohomish County (often with great views) and take advantage of some of the trails, less traveled country roads and neighborhood streets. These will be social, stay-together rides with waits at the top of hills and at all critical turns, along with some photo-op stops.

For this week: 

This ride is at Steady pace (12-14mph on flat ground). We will be meeting at a Centennial Trail trailhead just North of the town of Snohomish where there is a portable restroom. We will make a brief stop at Machias Station (mile 3) where there is water and a restroom. The ride will be on the trail out to Lake Cassidy near our halfway point where there is also a portable restroom. On the way back we will ride for about 2 miles on some low traveled country roads with minor hills before getting back on the trail.

Please be ready to ride at 10:00.  We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that’s done. If you miss the briefing, you will not be able to ride with the group. If you cannot make the ride, please unregister so that someone else may participate.  Bring water and any food you may want. Also, be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat (see link below) – someone will stay with you while you fix a flat.  If the roads are wet, please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line. If you want a cue sheet, you will need to print one for yourself from the route link below.

Ride Cancellation: In addition to steady rain, ice/snow or other hazardous conditions may cause a ride to be canceled. If a ride is canceled, a notice will be posted in the Comments section below, by 8:00 AM on the day of the ride You will also receive an email or if there are any comments such as change of route.  If a cancellation notice is posted, the ride leaders will not be at the start.

We hope you can join us!