Guest Blogger: Sandie Smith

Know how many Heritage Trees Seattle has?  30? 72? 111?  Nope!  Seattle boasts 221 Heritage Trees!  In fact, Seattle made the 2013 list of best cities for urban forests.  Heritage Trees are usually large individual trees or groves of trees that are considered to be irreplaceable due to various criteria such as their size, age, rarity, or simply their aesthetic value.  Singapore and England both have active Heritage Tree programs.  Oregon was the first United States state to adopt a program.

So where in Seattle would you find these 221 trees?  Join Machiko on Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m. at Hunter Tree Farm (Corner of NE 80th St & 35th Ave NE) to explore some of the finer specimens.  The easy 10mph pace and short distance of 8 miles will allow plenty of time to explore and admire.  You may even want to bring along a sketch pad and pencil or crayon for a few leaf rubbings.

A steady rain will cancel this ride.  If you have other questions contact email Machiko or call co-leader Sander at (206) 455-5810.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents. 

Guest blogger: James Coliz

Some MEETS riders take a Kodak break

Are you training for STP, RSVP or a big tour this summer?  Check out Cascade’s handy training guide with suggested weekly mileage for every week of the spring.

If you’re following the training guide, you’ll notice a recommendation of 20-30 miles every Wednesday, while increasing your mileage on the weekend.  What’s the best way to get those mid-week miles?  If you live or work on the Eastside, the Mid-week Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS) may be just the thing!

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., rides leave from two locations on the Eastside: South Bellevue Park & Ride and Marymoor Park.  The loops are typically 20-25 miles and accommodate every pace from leisurely to strenuous.  Even when it’s raining, there are usually a few hardy souls who will ride with you if you’re up for it.

Sandi Navarro, one of the organizers, is enthusiastic about rider response to the new series so far. “Riders return week after week eager for more,” she said. “Some wish we had rides three evenings a week! The Wednesday night rides make getting through a stressful work-week easier.”

This Wednesday, June 5, the Bellevue crew will climb to the top of Lakemont Blvd, then tour Newcastle and Phantom Lake for 20 miles.  The Marymoor crew will ramble about the Plateau, skirting Pine Lake and Beaver Lake before going back down the neighborhoods behind Sahalee for 23 miles.  Either way, you’re sure to find great camaraderie with riders at your pace, and the weekend rides will be that much easier!

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents. 

Beautiful Lake Ballinger

We’re halfway through Bike Month and still the bike seat is dusty.  You thought about going on a ride two weeks ago but it seemed to be too fast paced.  You thought about one last weekend but the miles were too few to bother with.  So why not try the Interurban Interlude ride?

With less than 30 miles, this ride to Everett is long enough to get some great exercise without leaving you hobbling all week. Plus, the ride will follow the  interurban trail, which means there will be little traffic to deal with and, unlike the Burke-Gilman, it’s not completely flat so there will be a few hills to challenge you without leaving you feeling like you just climbed Mt Rainier.

So put your excuses aside and join Jan Johnson and the Friday Riders on Friday, May 17, at the ball fields by Ballinger Lake Golf Course, 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace.  The ride takes off at 10 a.m. and there will be frequent regrouping, so you won’t be left behind.

Visit the Cascade Daily Rides Calendar for details or call Jan at (425) 672-0617 if you have questions.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents. 

Guest Blogger:  Mary Remoaldo

You’re out riding and–WHOOSH–those fast riders whiz right by.  Who are they, you ask? It may just be Per Sunde and his group, training for some big summer rides.  Whether you’ve got STP in a day, RSVP or High Pass Challenge on your goals list this summer, the Ramrod Training Series is for you.

Come join Per on Saturday, May 11, for RTS #5, a 65-to-70 mile extremely hilly ride on the East side.  The route is designed for experienced riders who are comfortable following a cue sheet and riding independently.  There’s no re-grouping and no sweep, but there will be great vistas from the top of all those hills you’ll climb!  Check the Daily Rides calendar for start location and ride details.

This one too fast for you?  Check the Daily Rides Calendar for ride paces and distances that work for you. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents.

Guest Blogger:  Mary Remoaldo

Join ride leader Mike Nelson for a weekday workout like you’ve never had before.  It’s “only” 10-to-15 miles but this moderate-paced ride will be very challenging.  See what you’ve got in your cross-training tank as Mike will take you to see many of the wonderful street-ending stairways.  Yes, this means you’ll have to carry your bike up those stairs so get ready for a full-body workout!

Cycling shoes with recessed cleats or flat shoes are STRONGLY recommended since you’ll be on your feet a lot.

Meet on Tuesday, April 16 for a 6 p.m. departure from the Leschi Starbucks.  Steady rain cancels.  Get the full scoop on the ride on the Daily Rides website.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents.