Getting Ready to Ride - North #4: Everett - Mill Creek Loop (Steady)

Are you new to bicycling, or just been off your bike for a while? Is 2026 your year to get active, begin commuting, take part in the Free Group Rides, or maybe even tackle your first century (100-mile ride), the STP, or another personal challenge? Are you a bit unsure about your biking capabilities, riding in groups, or cycling during winter? If so, then the Getting Ready to Ride Series (GR2R) is for you. GR2R is an early season, eight-week progressive series that adds a bit of elevation gain, distance or technical difficulty each week.

GR2R rides are free and open to anyone. You will ride with others who share your pace and enthusiasm for riding. All rides will be led by Cascade Ride Leaders.  They are experienced volunteers who enjoy riding, are knowledgeable about bike safety and the rules of the road, and who know the routes. This ride will be at a "Steady" pace which means 12 - 14 mph on flat surfaces with no wind. 

During the North End Series, we will primarily explore Snohomish County (often with great views) and take advantage of some of the trails, less traveled country roads and neighborhood streets. These will be social, stay-together rides with waits at the top of hills and at all critical turns, along with some photo-op stops. We have posted some links below which we believe may be helpful particularly if you are not an experienced rider.

For This Week

We will be meeting at McCollum Park in Everett where there is a portable restroom. We will then cycle into Mill Creek and eventually back to Everett. There will be a mixture of residential roads, thoroughfares with a bicycle lane, and approximately 9 miles of trails including the Interurban Trail. We plan on a rest stop at a Safeway Starbuck's at mile 13.5. In keeping with our goal of increasing stamina, there are a few more hills this week, but none are particularly steep and all may climb at their own pace. 

Please be ready to ride at 10:00. We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate. Be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat - we will stay with you while you fix a flat. Other things to bring: Phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card; water and a small snack. If the roads are wet, please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancelation criterion listed in the Weather Status (including rain, freezing weather, ice or snow, or high winds) 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 canceled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!