Getting Ready to Ride - North End #2 (Leisurely & Steady)

ROUTE: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18369180

Are you new to bicycling, or just been off your bike for awhile? Is 2017 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 begins with a very doable first ride and then adds a bit of elevation gain, distance or technical difficulty each week. GR2R will help you to:

· Increase endurance and confidence.

· Build hill-climbing skills.

· Make new friends in the cycling community.

· Gain confidence riding safely with groups.

· Get ready for the Cascade Training Series (CTS), beginning in April.

GR2R rides are free and open to anyone. You will ride with others who share your pace level and your enthusiasm for riding. All rides will be led by Cascade Ride Leaders, experienced volunteers who enjoy riding, are knowledgeable about bike safety and the rules of the road, and who know the routes.

During the North End series, we explore different rural and suburban areas(some with great views) and take advantage of some of the trails and rural roads in our area. 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.

In addition to steady rain, ice/snow and any other hazardous conditions will cancel a ride. If a ride is cancelled due to hazardous conditions, the notice will be posted here, in the comments section below, and on the Meetup announcement page by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the ride. If that notice is posted, the ride leaders will not be at the start.

Ride Notes: We make every effort to make sure there is a bathroom at the ride start, if there isn't one at ride start we will try to make sure there is one early into the ride. All riders should come equipped with long fenders, if your fenders are short many bike shops will have buddy flaps that can purchased to extend them--or if you are handy, there are creative ways to make your own! All riders should be able to deal with their own mechanical issues (your saddle bag is a great place to carry a spare tube, tire levers and mini pump or air cartridges). Also remember to bring enough snacks and water. Some routes will not have water stops, so two bring 2 bottles! Waiting for mechanical issues will be at the discretion of the ride leader. It’s winter, so please dress appropriately and use fenders on your bike. Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to get yourself ready, listen to the safety briefing and sign or check the waiver. Start time is roll-out time!

We will post the final version of the route and cue sheet a few days prior to the ride date in comment section below.

Pre-registering online: If you have a Cascade account, you can pre-register for this ride online by clicking on the Register button at the top of this page and entering your information. Pre-registering saves time at the beginning the ride and provides legible emergency contact information. If you cannot make the ride, you do not need to unregister.