Hilly Early Afternoon Training #1 (Brisk)

Join us for a Hilly Early-Afternoon Training ride every Thursday through August. This set of training rides will range from about 25 -30 miles with about 1200 - 2200 feet of elevation over a period of 20-weeks.   

Routes: This will utilize many of the same routes as the MEETS ride series, but the order and the day of the ride may vary. The routes provided may change last minute due to construction or other hazards. Routes will include short sections of gravel or trails with 15 MPH speed limits. Riders must stay within posted trail speed limits. 

Directions to Ride Start: We will meet in the parking lot east of the 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).  Port-a-potties are available at the start, but there is no water, please plan accordingly.

Ride Start: Please be at the ride start and be ready to ride at 1:00 pm. We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that is done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.  

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. 

Mechanical issues: Groups may not make prolonged stops for mechanical issues. Riders should know how to change a flat, or deal with other minor mechanical issues and carry appropriate tools. Riders should have a charged cell phone to call for a pick-up, or an ORCA card for transit, or other back-up plan if roadside repairs are insufficient. 

Navigation: In the event of separation due to mechanical or other problems, riders should download the route file into a GPS device or mobile app or have another method of navigating on their own. 

New Riders: New riders are always welcome. First-time riders should arrive a few minutes early so the ride leader can help them get oriented and to brief them on what to expect.

E-bikes: E-bikes are welcome. 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, especially up hills. Class 3 bikes are not permitted on Cascade Free Group Rides. Please note, occasionally carrying bikes up a short flight of stairs is required.

Fenders: If rain is anticipated, please come equipped with fenders extending to at least 3 inches from the ground. Riders with insufficient or no fender riders will be asked to ride in the back of their group.

Rest Stops: There will be no planned rest stops as these are short rides.

Showers Cancel:  If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is cancelled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride. Occasionally, the ride may be cancelled at the ride start due to changing weather or road conditions.

Interested in becoming a ride leader? Contact the ride leader for information about mentoring opportunities.