CTS Green #7: Bothell - Sultan

Welcome to CTS Green #7 - Bothell to Sultan Loop

All Green (moderate) riders should be ready to ride at 8 a.m. at the Bothell Park & Ride.  Please arrive early enough to unload/pack your bike so you're ready to roll with your group.  Please note that there are no bathrooms at the Bothell Park & Ride, so we will make an early bathroom stop at Wilmot Gateway Park (mile 2.4).

We'll start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. Don't forget to wear your CTS bracelet and have your emergency contact ID card.

This 80 mile route includes several big climbs interspersed with stretches of flat(ish) riding in farm valleys and on trails.  After climbing east out of Woodinville the route turns north toward Maltby and eventually descends toward Snohomish. The middle/majority of the ride explores the rural setting around Snohomish, Monroe and Sultan where we'll be treated to beautiful mountain, valley and river views.  The latter part of the ride includes a pleasant loop around Cottage Lake and North Redmond before we make our way back to the start.  Oh, and there's more than 3,000 feet of climbing.

Rest stops

There will be restroom/water/snack stops as listed in the following table.  The 20-minute "lunch" stop is at the Safeway in Monroe (mile 45), which also has a Starbucks.

Reminders

Nutrition: Take in some food or carbs every hour starting with the first hour of this ride. Have something that you can consume quickly and easily during a 1-minute stop or while moving. Keeping fueled early and often is the key to not running out of energy.

Hydration: Bring 2 water bottles, drink plenty and fill up at every rest stop. Sweat depletes your body of needed electrolytes and nutrients, so consider drinking more than just water. It is sometimes more than 20 miles between water stops on this route. BE PREPARED.

Weather: Barring a perfect forecast, it is always a good idea to have a rain jacket just in case. If we do get wet weather and you do not have long fenders please be prepared to ride at the back of the group in consideration of others. If the weather is hot, please, be ready for this as well.

General ride posting disclaimers

Route: Check on Friday before the ride and update your device if needed (or pin the route.) Please note: If you check/update your version on Friday you should have the most current information. Be assured that your ride leaders will have the best information and you can always rely on them for good directions.

Trails: On weekends trails typically have heavy pedestrian traffic near parks, especially when the weather is nice. We will be on the Sammamish River Trail for portions of this ride and it has a 15 mph speed limit. We obey all posted speed limits.

Cancellation policy: Steady rain or otherwise unsafe riding conditions (including air quality or any unforeseen hazardous conditions) cause a cancellation.  Cancellation is always announced by email.  If cancellation is less than two hours before the scheduled start, then ride leaders will be present at the starting location to make sure all riders get the message.  If cancellation is at least two hours before the scheduled start, then ride leaders need not be present at the starting location.