CTS Blue # 4 - Lynnwood - Lake Stevens

Welcome to CTS 4

This route is the first metric century of the series and goes through some lovely -- and challenging -- parts of Snohomish County. We will be meeting at the north end of the Ash Way Park & Ride. Have your bike ready to roll out at 9 a.m. Water and restrooms ARE NOT  AVAILABLE at the start. Our first rest stop is at Mile Point 11.6, so plan accordingly and be sure your bottles are full with water/hydration mix before leaving the house.

We'll start with a required safety briefing and depart when that's done. Don't forget to wear your CTS Emergency Contact ID bracelet.

From Lynnwood, the route winds its way east to Mill Creek, then northeast to Snohomish and Machias before climbing to the Lake Stevens area for a roll around the lake. We'll do a food/water stop at a Safeway in Lake Stevens before heading back to Snohomish where we will begin a ride north and then back south in the Snohomish River Valley. After about 53 miles, we'll climb out of the valley to Silver Lake in south Everett and make our way back to the park and ride.

This is a challenging ride with a mix of terrain, including some sustained climbing and a lot of rollers.

There will be a brief rest stop at Machias Park where it is advisable to top up your bottles at the water fountain. Otherwise be prepared to buy water at the Safeway lunch stop because the water fountains in the store are not working.

Rest stops

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 as we continue riding extended distances with more climbing.

Hydration: Bring 2 water bottles, fill up at rest stops and drink plenty, consider drinking more than just water, electrolytes replace salt and other nutriments your body uses during these extend rides. There can be up to 25 miles between water stops on CTS rides -- 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. Most trails in our region have 15 mph limits, except for trails in Renton, where they have been reduced to 10 mph. We need to obey all posted speed limits

Cancellation policy: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above 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.

Please check your email the morning of the ride for any final updates. Route may be updated, as well as weather updates and cancellations.