CTS Blue #7 - Bothell - Sultan

Welcome to CTS #7 - Bothell to Sultan Loop

We will once again be meeting at Bothell Park and Ride to start our day's adventure. Have your bike ready and be ready to roll out at 8 a.m. There are NO water or restrooms at this start, plan accordingly! However, we will make an early bathroom stop at Wilmot Gateway Park a couple miles into the ride.

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.

Please park in the west end of the Park & Ride in order to leave the parking slots near the bus stop available for transit customers. If you park in a slot marked for permit use, please, be sure it is available for general use on weekends. Most are.

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

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.