Guest blogger: Sandie Smith

The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 led to some endings…and some beginnings.  One of those endings was Seattle’s Chinatown neighborhood, which was destroyed by the fire.
But the Chinese immigrants, an industrious group who had already moved 1000’s of miles, simply moved again.  Thus was born the International District.  The buildings clearly represent a blending that was taking place among these people – a blending of American and Asian culture.

Join Norm Tjaden on Friday, Feb. 15 for a biking and walking tour of these mostly early 20th century buildings.  Assuming there are no rainy, icy or snowy conditions that day, the ride will commence at Gas Works Park at 10 a.m.  The route will include 25 miles of mostly flat terrain at a leisurely pace, as well as some walking miles through the district.  You’ll want to pack a lock for your bike, walking shoes and, no doubt, a camera.  The district is filled with many authentic international restaurants, so bring along money for lunch.

Got questions?  Call Norm at (206)525-2366.

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

Join Duane Wright on Saturday, Feb. 9 to ride the Seattle Marathon route.  Well, most of it anyway.  Enjoy this steady-paced “marathon” from the comfort of your bike saddle.  Take in incredible views of the Seattle skyline and Lake Washington on this 26.2 mile route that includes some hills.  There’s sure to be a water station or two along the way, but bring your own water and nutrition too.

It’s a 10 a.m. start, so meet on the north side of the EMP at the Seattle Center, sign the waiver, listen to the safety briefing and talk about the benefits of carbo-loading  with anyone who’ll listen.

There will be frequent regrouping for this ride, but just in case you “hit the wall”, cue sheets will be available.

When you cross the finish line, we don’t recommend you mimic those runners and take your hands off the handlebars, but we do expect high fives all around!

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.

According to the US  Department of Commerce, more than 20 million bicycles are sold in the US each year – and many of those are to new riders.

To support the efforts of people like you, Cascade Bicycle Club has great riding opportunities for you.  If 2013 is going to be the year you got out on your bike more but January is slipping away with dust still covering the bike seat, join Bill Lemke on Friday, Feb. 1 at Gas Works Park at 10 a.m.

While the 20- to 30 -mile route will be hilly, Bill welcomes all levels of riders for this meander through beautiful streets of Queen Anne, Magnolia, and the Ship Canal Trail.  The pace will be 10 to 12 mph, and walkers on the hills will always be waited for.

Bring along some money for a lunch stop.  And if it’s steady rain or icy, stay home and peruse the Free Daily Rides Calendar for your next great opportunity!

And remember – everyone is always welcome on Cascade rides!  But if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents.

Guest blogger: Sandie Smith

Thirty-five miles of mostly flat riding?  We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto.  That’s not possible in the PNW!  Well Michael Moreland would disagree.  Join him on Friday Jan. 25 and he’ll prove it.  You’ll begin the trek from Russell Rd Park in Kent at 10 a.m.  There’s no cue sheet but the moderate paced ride will regroup occasionally.  You’ll meander down country roads, bike trails and city streets to Sumner and back.  Steady rain, ice, or snow will cancel.  Got questions?  Give Michael a call, or check out the Cascade web listing for more details.

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.