CTS Blue # 6 - Bellevue - Cumberland

Welcome to CTS ride # 6

NEW START TIME THIS WEEK - Ride rolls out beginning at 8 AM!

We're meeting at the Newport Hills Park and Ride. There is NO water and NO restroom at the start. We make our first rest stop at Lake Boren Park 3 miles into the route.  Plan accordingly!

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.

This week's ride takes us along picturesque back roads and through beautiful farm areas leading to more rural areas of the county.  The route highlight (and photo opportunity!) is the bridge crossing the Green River Gorge.  Most of the elevation gains occur in the first two-thirds of the ride with a long, flat stretch bringing us back to the Park and Ride.

We will stop for a 20-minute lunch break at the Black Diamond Bakery (MP 47) where there might be enough time to purchase a bakery item at the walk-up counter. If you want or need something more substantial, pack it beforehand and bring it with you. There is a also place next to the bakery where you can buy pepperoni sticks as well.

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.