Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
What time is lost packet pickup open? 7:30 a.m. in Edmonds and 9 a.m. in Kingston. Registration is not available at the start lines. You must register in advance online.
Do I have to belong to the Cascade Bicycle Club to go on this ride? Membership is not required.
Can I ride an e-bike on the Kitsap Color Classic? Yes. The Kitsap Color Classic uses public roads and does not utilize multi-use trails. Note that charging stations are not available on the route. If you are riding to and from the event, you might pack a backup battery. Mechanics may not have specialized tools or parts to address issues on all models of e-bikes. We suggest that you bring spare innertubes that fit your tires.
Do both riders on a tandem need to register for the ride? Yes, for services and liability reasons both riders must each complete and sign a registration form. Your fee is per rider, not per bike. Same for kids on tag-alongs.
Where does my entry fee go? This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club. Cascade also supports many local non-profits with proceeds from the ride, such as a local Boy Scouts troop, among others.
Can I get a refund if I can’t use my registration? Refunds are only available per our event refund policy.
Ferries
Can I get on any ferry from Edmonds to Kingston? No. Only three ferries are covered by your entrance fee. This is set by WA state ferries and also aligns with the route open and close times. If you start early, route support will not be open and the mid-point foodstop will not be open by the time you reach it; you'll also have to pay for your own fare.
Do I need a ferry ticket to get to Kingston? If you are an Edmonds side registered rider, your bib number is your ticket for the ferry times that support the ride. If you have registered for the Kingston packet pickup, but you are starting on the Edmonds side, you need to purchase your own ticket. Numbers will indicate whether your ferry fee has been included.
Do I have to pay to come back on the ferry? No, eastbound ferry passengers and bikes ride free. Riders do not have priority boarding on the ferries coming back from Kingston. It is first-come, first-serve and you can get on any return ferry you wish. Bring warm clothes in a bag or pannier so that you do not freeze!
I've never used the WSDOT ferry system before. Where can I find more information on WSDOT ferries? WSDOT Ferries has guides for first-time riders, riders with disabilities, and more.
The Route
Where does the route itself begin? The route begins at Kiwanis Park for Kingston-side starters. For people using the ferry, the route begins when you exit the ferry.
Can I start the ride early? Route support is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m and rest stop service times vary. You are welcome to ride outside of these times, but you will be unsupported, and the food stop may be closed. All route support will end at 3 p.m.
How hilly is the ride? Each of the loops has a fair amount of hills. These hills are sometimes located on narrow roads with no shoulder; immediately after hairpin turns; may be steep and located immediately after a 90-degree turn at a controlled intersection; and they may have a gentle grade, but be a mile long. The hills will be present in sun, rain, and wind. If you want flat, we have several other great rides earlier in the season that are flat and fun! Please see the Ride With GPS route maps to get a sense of each hill, its grade, how long it is, and where along the route it is.
What if I can not make it the entire distance? We encourage you to select a route that you know you can complete. If you have any mechanical issues or minor medical issues (like a scrape or sprain) preventing you from continuing, please call the Rider Support Line.
If I have a flat or other mechanical problems will there be someone to help me? There are support cars, Outriders and other friendly riders who may be able to help you out. Use the Rider Support Line to call in your support request or flag someone down on the road. You should carry the basic pump/patch kit. Or if you want to learn how to fix your own flat, check out one of Cascade Bicycle Clubs Fix-a-Flat classes!
Are the roads closed to vehicle traffic? No, the roads are open to vehicle traffic; so, you must obey all the rules of the road. Stop at stop signs and ride no more than two abreast. Single file is usually safer and do not follow too close! Please do not ride across the center line as there are many blind hills and corners. Be respectful of the Kitsap Peninsula residents trying to go about their Sunday.
Miscellaneous
Does Cascade offer any services to help me train? Cascade's Free Group Rides program offers a variety of rides almost every day of the year. If you are looking for something to boost you towards a larger goal, such as double century rides like STP and RSVP, check out our Cascade Training Series.
Suggested items to bring? Helmets are required by Cascade Bicycle Club, and is part of the Code of Conduct that all registrants must agree to in order to participate in this event. Bring layers, gloves, something to keep the rain out of your eyes, and plenty of water and eletrolytes. Carry a patch kit, spare tubes, hand pump, and a good multi-tool. Cash for emergencies and goodies (groups taking donations for goods on route) is also a good plan.
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