CTS Blue # 5 - Renton - Green River Gorge

Welcome to CTS ride # 5 - Renton - Green River Gorge

We are meeting once again at Renton Old City Hall. This is the same start we used for the week 3 Full Lake Loop. Have your bike ready and be ready to roll out at 9 a.m. There are NO water or restrooms at this start, plan accordingly! However, there are restrooms located in nearby Cedar River Park, just down the street.

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

The first half of the 70-mile route includes most of the climbing for the day. After our lunch stop at the Black Diamond Bakery, there is one more climb before we drop into the rural and flat Green River Valley and finish out the route via Auburn, Kent and the Renton area.

There are bathrooms near the Renton Community Center, or at Cedar River Park, which are east of our starting point. Water may not be available at the start so come prepared.

There will be restroom stops at the following points during the ride; not all have water fountains, but may have water available in the sinks.

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.