MEETS #10 Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (Brisk)

Join us for the Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS) every Wednesday through the end of August. This is a 22 week progressive and rigorous training series to prepare riders for longer rides such as STP or RSVP.

Directions to Ride Start: We will meet in the parking lot east of the South Sixty Acres Field. The lot is on the south side of NE 116th St., and east of the smaller soccer field (South Sixty Acres). Each pace will start in a separate part of the parking lot. See the link to the parking lot map. Port-a-potties are available at the start, but there is no water, please plan accordingly.

Ride Start: Riders must be ready to ride at 6:00 pm. Riders will NOT be allowed to ride if they miss the SMART talk and briefing which starts at 6:00 pm. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Registration closes at 4:00 PM the day of the ride. There is no walk-in registration.  

Pace: Riders should be able to sustain the pace for this particular ride posting. This series consists of multiple paces, with each pace listed separately on the calendar. See the pace definitions here. 

There will be short re-groupings at the top of hills. If maintaining the pace is difficult for a rider, Ride Leaders will do their best to accommodate, but the rider may have to continue the ride on their own. We ask that such riders drop back a pace on their next ride. 

Mechanicals issues: Groups may not make prolonged stops for mechanical issues. Riders should know how to change a flat, or deal with other minor mechanical issues and carry appropriate tools. Riders must have a backup plan if roadside repairs are not sufficient. Riders should have a charged cell phone to call for a pick-up or other means to find their way home. 

Navigation: In the event of separation due to flats or other problems, riders should download the route file into a GPS device or have another method of navigating on their own. 

Lights: A white headlight and red taillight are recommended. Some paces will still be out after sunset. 

New Riders: New riders are always welcome. First-time riders should consider selecting a pace that is slower than what they normally ride, just to get a feel for group riding. Read our newcomer information for additional general information, or contact the Series Director, Mary Hoshizaki. 

E-bikes: E-bikes are welcome at paces of Brisk and below. E-bikes typically have a different hill climbing pace than non-E-bikes; E-bike riders are expected to keep the pace of non-E-bikes, especially up hills. Class 3 bikes are not permitted on Cascade Free Group Rides. Please note, occasionally carrying bikes up a short flight of stairs is required.

Fenders: If rain is anticipated, please come equipped with fenders long enough to keep your wheel spray off the person riding behind you or you may be asked to ride in the back.

Routes: The routes provided may change last minute, due to construction or other hazards. Routes will include short sections of gravel or trails with 15 MPH speed limits or so. Riders must stay within the speed limits. 

Rest Stops: There will be no planned rest stops as these are short rides.

Showers Cancel:  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. Occasionally, the ride may be cancelled at the ride start due to unforeseen severe weather or road conditions.

Children: This is a rigorous training series and it may not be appropriate for riders under the age of 18. Please contact the Series Director, Mary Hoshizaki, at least 24 hours in advance, for approval confirmation.

Interested in becoming a ride leader? Contact the Series Director, Mary Hoshizaki, for information about mentoring opportunities.