CTS Blue #7 - Shoreline - Snohomish - Everett

Welcome to CTS #7  Shoreline - Snohomish - Everett

While some of it will be familiar to CTS veterans, the 2026 version of CTS 7 has undergone changes, including a new place in the lineup; a new start in north King County; some new roads and climbs; and a different lunch stop in Snohomish County.

Both the distance and mileage increase this week, with 4 notable longer climbs and lots of hills spread throughout. Be sure to pace yourself because this route will surely leave you tired but prepared for what's to come with Flying Wheels and later series CTS rides.

We'll meet at the north end of Shoreline Park and Ride in time for an 8 a.m. rollout following a safety briefing. The groups start in five-minute increments, beginning with Blue 1.

Don't forget to wear your CTS Emergency Contact ID bracelet.

From the start, we'll head southwest to the Shoreline area before heading north to the Edmonds waterfront and on to South Everett before we drop into the Snohomish River Valley, heading south to lunch at Haggen in Snohomish. Then we'll head north and across the city of Everett to its waterfront before returning to Shoreline Park and Ride.

Note: Shoreline Park and Ride does not have restrooms or water available, so come prepared to make it to our first rest stop at 5.1 miles. The other rest stops are a bit spread out throughout this route, so consider bringing an extra bottle of water/hydration mix and some snacks.

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 at least 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 extended 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.