Archive for the ‘Daily Rides’ Category

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Ride to the local chocolate factory

Friday, February 17th, 2012 by Sander Lazar

Didn’t get enough chocolate this week? Or feel the need to work off the chocolate you have popped? We have a ride for you. This week’s ride of the week starts in Wedgewood and goes to the Theo Chocolate Factory in Fremont. The post-Valentine ride will use community streets and the Burke-Gilman trail, and has a modest grade rise on the return route but the rest of the ride will be flat or downhill. This is a “Spokespeople N.E.” ride, meaning it’s an easy-paced ride about 2 hours in duration, includes a midway stop, occurs the 3rd Saturday of every month, and all rides include experienced bike commuters to offer encouragement and model good road riding techniques.

When: Saturday, Feb 18 at 12:45 to hear about safe riding, proper helmet fit, and bike function check- the ride leaves at 1 pm

Start point: Between the Wedgewood Presbyterian Church and the Hunter Tree Farm property near 35th Ave NE and NE 80th Street, Seattle

Terrain:  Rolling (the route and cue sheet can be seen at http://ridewithgps.com/routes/929973)

Distance: 13.5 miles

Pace: Easy (under 10 mph)

This is a “stay together” ride.

Steady rain will cancel the ride

Questions? Contact Ride Leader Al Miller: 425.488.4567; Email: amiller7x7@comcast.net; or Ride Leader Sander Lazar: 206-455-5810; Email: sander.lazar@cascadebicycleclub.org

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.

Posted in Daily Rides, Ride of the Week | No Comments »

Ride of the week: Light up the Night!

Thursday, February 9th, 2012 by Sander Lazar

Ride Leader Stu Hennessey is taking folks out this Sunday evening for a two-wheeled light show to draw attention to bicycle safety in Seattle. Show up for this short, leisurely ride with your lights a’flashing and your brightest reflective clothing. The group will light up the night with a ride along the downtown waterfront, through the International District, along the Beacon Hill bike trail, SODO bike trail along 3rd Ave, and back to Broad St. As always with Cascade’s free daily rides, no prior registration is required- just show up!

Meet on Sunday, Feb 12 at 6 p.m. at the entrance to Myrtle Edwards Park at Alaska Way and Broad St.,  Seattle

Terrain:  Some hills.

Distance: 7 miles

Pace: Leisurely (10-12 mph)

This is a “stay together” ride.

This “West Seattle Spokespeople” ride will go in all weather except for icy/snowy conditions

Questions? Contact Ride Leader Stu Hennessey: 206.938.3322; Email: alkistu@hotmail.com

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.

Posted in Daily Rides, Ride of the Week | 1 Comment »

Blazing Saddles! Tour Seattle’s Unique Fire Stations by Bike

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 by Sander Lazar

This week’s  Ride of the Week is Bill Blake’s “Blazing Saddles,” so named because riders will visit seven of Seattle’s architecturally distinct fire stations, including both new and remodeled stations. The ride will take place this Sunday, Feb 5 at 10 a.m., and is the third installment of Bill’s Blazing Saddles series. Riders will start at Magnuson Park’s big parking lot and head towards Seward Park, turning off to Mt Baker Station, then on to the International District, Downtown Seattle, Belltown, Fremont, Ballard, Greenwood, Green Lake, U District, Laurelhurst and back to Magnuson. There will be many refueling opportunities along the route and Bill promises to have you back in time for Super Bowl.

Meet on Sunday, Feb 5 at 10 a.m. at Magnuson Park in Seattle

Terrain:  Some hills. The long hills on this ride will be re gradual and the steep ones are short.

Distance: 32 miles

Pace: Moderate (14 – 16 mph)

A map or cue sheet will be available, and this is a “stay together” ride.

Steady rain cancels the ride (or ice/snow)

Questions? Contact Ride Leader Bill Blake: 206.856.6387; Email: wpblake@comcast.net

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.

Posted in Daily Rides, Ride of the Week | No Comments »

Ride of the Week: “Ride with Earthcorps”

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 by Sander Lazar

EarthCorps and Cascade have teamed together to present a tour of some of EarthCorps’ urban natural habitat restoration sites. On Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m, join ride leaders Bernice Tannenbaum and Bill Thorness for a visit to some hidden natural places in the midst of familiar West Seattle neighborhoods. EarthCorps staff will be on the ride to explain what their crews have done to restore the sites. This is a 20-mile social ride at a leisurely pace, which will take about four hours and will include a warm-up break for coffee or snacks.

Meet on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. at Jack Block Park in West Seattle

Terrain:  Some hills

A map or cue sheet will be available, and this is a “stay together” ride.

Steady rain cancels the ride

Questions? Contact the ride leaders: Bernice Tannenbaum:  (425) 753-1992 (cell) and Bill Thorness:  (206) 783-7023

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.

Posted in Daily Rides, Ride of the Week | 1 Comment »

October rides!

Friday, October 7th, 2011 by Sander Lazar

Hey, October riders (that means you)! The weather’s getting wetter, but that’s not putting a damper on our Daily Rides, which continues to offer at least one ride, and often several, each and every day of the year, including, you guessed it, Halloween!

Are you new to Cascade Daily Rides? Be sure to read through the Newcomers Information so you know what to expect on your first ride, and peruse our full list of rides.

Port of Seattle bicycle tour, October 9

25 miles, steady pace
Departs at 10:00 am from Jack Block Park, West Seattle
Showers cancel
Leader: Ron Evans, 206.938.2247

The Port of Seattle maintains 19 recreational sites, such as marinas, bike paths, parks, shoreline access, & fishing piers. We will ride by 12 of them, stopping at some to provide interesting details & just noting the others as we pass. This is a slow recreational ride with frequent stops. Bring lunch or money for a stop at an eatery half way.

A Tour of the Issaquah Alps, October 9

Mileage: 35 miles, pace: brisk
Departs at 10:00AM, from Issaquah Park & Ride Overflow Lot (SE corner of Newport Way and WA900)
Showers cancel
Leader: Paul Brynes, 206.909.7742

Ride Description: Let’s explore the Issaquah Alps! Our route takes us up Tiger Mt. Road and along the scenic May Valley Road around the base of Squak and Cougar Mts. We will regroup at the top of climbs. Bring money (or your own vittles) for a lunch stop in Newcastle. We roll at 10:00 am from the overflow lot just south (and across Newport Way) from the Issaquah Park & Ride. Take Exit 15 off I-90. See map link above for details.

Full Lake Loop, Oct 10

Mileage: 52 miles, pace: moderate
Departs at 10:00AM, from Burnett Linear Park, Renton
Showers cancel
Leader: Jenny Anderson, 702.882.3040

This is a full lake loop with regroups as needed. DIRECTIONS TO START: from I-405 North take Exit 2A to Rainier Avenue South; turn east on South 7th Street; go straight through stop sign to Burnett Avenue South; the park is on the right. From I-405 South take Exit 2 to Rainier Avenue South; turn east on South 7th Street; go straight through stop sign to Burnett Avenue South; the park is on the right.

Heritage Tree Tour, Oct 16

Mileage: 30 miles, pace: steady
Departs at 10:00 am, from Gas Works Park, Seattle
Showers cancel
Leader: Jim Taylor, 253-537-7356; Contact Phone 2:  cell 206-979-1941

The City of Seattle has identified a number of trees which are distinct in some way. They may be a community landmark, possess some historical significance, may be big, one of a kind, or old. We will visit 10 of these trees. There will be no restaurant lunch stop. Bring food and we will eat along the way.

Afternoon with light , Oct 18

Mileage: 12-18 miles, pace: leisurely
Departs from Gas Works Park, Seattle
Showers cancel
Leader: Bill Lemke, (206)284-2843

Pedal through neighborhoods within an eight-mile vicinity of Gas Works Park and stop at points of interest. Ride will return to Gas Works by or before 4:00 P.M. If we do ride hills, we’ll do it slowly. Seniors and new riders welcome.

A Steady Lark to Madison Park, Oct 22

Mileage: 40 miles, pace: steady
Departs from 200 Mill Ave S, Renton
Steady rain cancels
Leader: Gail Wentworth, 425-823-1606

We start at 200 Mill Ave S (old Renton City Hall), then follow Park Avenue North to Gene Coulon Park, around Mercer Island and on to Madison Park. There will be a coffee and pastry break at Tully’s in Madison Park before returning to Renton via Rainier Ave. Come enjoy a morning ride with some pastry & coffee thrown in; afterwards enjoy brunch in a downtown Renton restaurant. Restrooms located near start.

SPOKES: Bones to Bones Halloween Ride, Oct 30

Mileage: 20 miles, pace: leisurely
Departs from Sammamish River Park, Bothell
Steady Rain Cancels
Leader: Michelle Burton, 425-890-4936 (cell)

SPOKES will start at the Sammamish River Park in Bothell. We will check a couple of cemetaries in Bothell and Woodinville to get the Halloween ghoulish feel. Maybe toast bygones at a local coffee shop. To reach Sammamish River Park, located off 102nd Ave NE, take SR-522 to 102nd Ave NE and cross the small bridge over the Sammamish River. Turn into the unpaved parking area on the right just after crossing the bridge. Please NOTE steady rain cancels. For more info, please see the SPOKES web site: http://www.cbcspokes.org

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Moving Planet: Day of Action and Safe Streets Social

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 by Serena Lehman

People ride bikes for many reasons. There are the people who race cyclocross. There are those who ride for exercise. And there are those who ride just because it is fun (that’s me!).

A reason for riding that is rapidly growing in popularity is riding for transportation. Not only does riding to work save you cash and provide exercise, it is also is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. In a time of climate change, it is important for us all to do our part in reducing our impact on the planet.

Moving Planet

This Saturday there will be over 2,000 events all across the globe rallying around the message “Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels”. In my humble opinion we have one of the best events happening here in Seattle.

There will be parades of people all around Lake Union, workshops, a rally, food carts, music and more!

Saturday, Sept. 24

Move Yourself
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lake Union
Join the parade of boats and bikes, feet and wheels, pedaling, rowing, sailing, walking, dancing, and skating all around Lake Union. End at Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N, Seattle) at 1 p.m.

Take Action Workshops
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., China Harbor Restaurant
Learn how to be a powerful advocate at two concurrent workshops: Power Past Coal and Transportation for Washington. Join with others to take action opposing coal export terminals in our state and supporting good transportation choices for our communities. Sponsored by Earth Ministry, Sierra Club, and Climate Solutions.

Have Fun! Get Active and Learn More
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lake Union Park
Lunch at tasty food trucks, get info about climate action from non-profit partners. Join the 350.org parade from 1-2pm while Black Whales play! Try eBikes, get an Undrivers License, Skate Like A Girl, try Stand-Up Paddleboards, do Yoga for Bikers, check out FamilyBike Expo, take FeetFirst walks, join a mini-yacht flotilla, and more! Lake Union Park is at the south end of Lake Union 860 Terry Avenue N.

Rally to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels
2 p.m.– 3 p.m. Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N.
Come jam to music starting at 1 p.m. and rally for a sustainable future at 2 p.m. Show your support for moving beyond fossil fuels while enjoying inspirational speakers, community information booths, and a crowd photo for 350.org.

Speakers will include:

  • Michael McGinn, Mayor of Seattle
  • Christopher Williams, Seattle Parks & Recreation Superintendent
  • Sarah van Gelder, YES! magazine Executive Editor
  • KC Golden, Climate Solutions Policy Director
  • Lisa Quinn, Feet First Executive Director
  • Rev. Rich Lang, University Temple United Methodist Church

Want to go to the events but don’t know how to get there by bike? Rides are being led to the event from all over Seattle to make it easier for you. Riding with a group to an event is always more fun, so please join us!

From the South end:

  • Columbia City: Davey Oil of Bike Works and Serena Lehman of Cascade are leading a ride from Bike Works from their Columbia City location at 3709 S Ferdinand. Leaving 10:30 a.m. sharp!
  • West Seattle: Stu Hennessey and John Reardon lead from Alki Bike and Board 2606 California Ave SW in West Seattle at 10:30 a.m
  • West Seattle: Marge and Ron Evans lead from Jack Block Park in West Seattle at 11 a.m.

From the Central area:

  • Capitol Hill: Allyson Welsh and Albert Meerscheidt leave  Cal Anderson Park at 9:45 a.m. Because it is such a short ride, the group may circle the lake before stopping at Moving Planet Seattle.

From the North end:

  • View Ridge: Jim Mathieu and Al Miller lead from Bryant Park across the street from the PCC at 10:15 a.m. They intend to meet the group from Wallingford at Gas Works Park around 11:15 a.m.
  • Ravenna: Sander Lazar leads from Ravenna’s Cowen Park Grocery, 1217 NE Ravenna Blvd 10:30 a.m.
  • Ballard: Michael Snyder leads from Ballard Commons Park at 22nd and 57th at 11 a.m.
  • Wallingford: Cathy Tuttle and Cindy Riskin assisted by Cascade’s Robin Randels leave Wallingford Center at 45th and Wallingford Ave N at 11 a.m. They will stop at Gas Works Park around 11:15 a.m. to meet other bike groups including the E-Bike Network Ride with Larry Gales and Seattle Electric Bike Co.

Wow. You have no reason not to ride!

After all the day’s excitement, a group of people will also be doing a slow bike ride honoring those that have recently died while bicycling. Says Tom at the Seattle Bike Blog: It’s planned to be slow, welcoming and respectful. All are encouraged to join the ride, whether you’re a seasoned biker or haven’t touched a bike in years. The ride is about respecting and protecting life on our roads.

Posted in Around town, Daily Rides, Events | No Comments »

Fire and water

Friday, September 9th, 2011 by M.J. Kelly

Sweat it off, burn it up and have tales to tell from Sunday’s High Pass Challenge.

Registration closes at noon today… so get on it!

Fire and Water - Yehuda Moon

Posted in Events, High Performance Cycling | No Comments »

Big sun. Big ride.

Thursday, September 8th, 2011 by M.J. Kelly

It’s amazing what the sun can do for a person’s disposition. I don’t mind the cloudy days, but I’m very happy to soak up the biiiiig sun. Checking ahead, the sun is in our forecast for a while. Happiness is a warm sun.

This weekend, those of you who like riding hard, up big climbs, over long distance will not be disappointed in our next event, the High Pass Challenge.

We kicked off the High Pass Challenge four years ago to complement Cascade’s High Performance Cycling group as an event for cyclists who like to ride fast, hard, far, and climb hills in a non-racing environment. Capped at 600 riders, the HPC is not an entry-level event, but it is a doable challenge if you’ve been keeping up the miles this season.

The stats:

  • Starts and ends in Packwood, Washington
  • 114 miles
  • 7500+ feet of climbing
  • 10-hour time limit
  • Three food stops (two you pass twice)
  • Complimentary BBQ by Seattle Sausage Company after the ride

Registration is open through noon on Friday. Join us for the High Pass Challenge — you won’t be disappointed.

Check out HPC rider (and self-described middle-aged adrenaline enthusiast) David Longdon’s video and trip report from last year’s event.

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Celebrate the life of Gary Strauss

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 by Erica Meurk

“I want folks to smile on my rides, meet others, develop connections and get interested in leading rides. I want riders to explore new areas and do so at reasonable paces and in ways that gets them turned on to the magic I find in bicycling. I want riders to know that when they ride with me, they will get support.” –Gary Strauss

We’re saddened to share the news that Gary Strauss, a longtime Cascade member and our 2008 Ride Leader of the Year, passed away on Monday morning after a long battle with lymphatic leukemia. Gary was a dedicated bicycle advocate with a passion for bringing the joy of bicycling to others. He touched many lives through his work with Cascade, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and the bicycling community at large, and he will be missed greatly.

Please join Gary’s friends and family this Thursday evening for a bike ride and memorial service to honor his life.

“Tour de Gary”
Honor Gary’s passion by riding the Mercer Island loop
Thursday, July 14
5:30 p.m.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue – Meet in the parking lot
3700 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island
Rain or shine

Memorial Service
Thursday, July 14
7:30 p.m. (following the bike ride)
Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue – Social hall

Guards will be provided for bike parking, and bike clothes are welcome at the service.

Donations
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Gary may be made to:

  • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance – Family Assistance Fund
  • Herzl-Ner Tamid – Emergency Assistance Fund

Posted in Club news, Daily Rides | No Comments »

Weekend rides

Friday, July 8th, 2011 by M.J. Kelly

If you’re not riding to Portland this weekend with the 10,000 other people, here are a few recreational rides — from super strenuous training rides to leisurely jaunts about town — that might be of interest.

Are you new to Cascade Daily Rides? Be sure to read through the Newcomers information so you know what to expect on your first ride.

SATURDAY, JULY 9

Rock Paper Cycles

45 miles, steady pace
Departs at 9 a.m. from the Myrtle Edwards Park parking area (16th Ave W)
Steady rain cancels
Leader: Jeff Stewart, 206-356-6755

Tour of Rock ‘n Roll Landmarks including Hendrix childhood address and grave, Edgewater Hotel, and Cobain home by way of Lake Washington South loop. Coffee Stop in Renton near Jimi’s Grave. The “Paper” part of ride title is not Zigzags but a brief 5-10 minute stop/display of the Cascade banner while we do leader-arranged community park litter pick up or senior citizen’s personal residence recycle stop to move recycle to front yard for pickup. Tote bags will be furnished for short haul to recycle/garbage drop, if needed. Optional lunch stop at Hard Rock Cafe afterwards.

Ballard Days Seafood Fest

20 miles, leisurely pace with some hills
Meet at the gravel parking lot at N 110th Street and Fremont Ave N. start of the paved section of the Interurban Trail. Departs at 10 a.m. Steady rain cancels.
Leader: Vicki Isham, 206-363-9579 

This ride is a mix of trails, bicycle lanes and streets. We’ll take the Interuban Trail, streets and Burke-Gilman Trail to Shilshole Bay. Breath the salt air and then pedal to the center of Ballard and the Festival. Lots of craft and food booths. Bring a sandwich or better yet money for a salmon lunch before we head up 8th NW to the parking lot. We wait at the top of hills for all riders. Maybe you can even talk up that Missing Link project while you’re there.

Spokespeople West Seattle edible garden tour

~20 miles at a leisurely pace with some hills
Ride departs at 10 a.m. from the South Seattle Community College Horticulture Center, 6000 16th Ave SW
Leaders: Stu Hennessey, 206-938-3322 and John Reardon, 206-762-2411

Join Spokespeople West Seattle on the West Seattle Edible Garden Tour. This leisurely ride will take us into some or all of the gardens offered on this year’s tour to share information and the shear beauty of backyard (and front yard) edible gardens of West Seattle. The ride length will be approximately 20 miles to be determined when the tour route information becomes available. The ride will feature short bike trips with frequent stops at the variety of gardens and should last all day or until the tour closes at 4 p.m.

Ramrod Training Series: Ride #14

This will be a super strenuous ride at a brisk pace over 100-110 miles of extremely hilly terrain
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Challenger Elementary, Issaquah. Steady rain cancels
Ride leader: Per Sunde, 425-392-1347

This series was created to assist riders in their preparation for RAMROD and other big events. These self-paced rides will be held every Saturday starting on 3/26/11 to 7/23/11 (except for May 28 & July 4 weekends). The routes will increase in distance and elevation every two weeks. Starting locations will rotate every week or every two weeks with a new route used each week. All riders are welcome, but note, this ride does not regroup nor does it have a sweep. The routes are designed for the experienced rider who is comfortable following cue sheets and riding independently. We stress safe and cooperative riding. Weather–Rain Cancels: The decision to ride or cancel will be made from the starting location. Ride leaders will always be at the start of the ride. If the ride is officially canceled, cue sheets will still be available for those hardy souls that wish to train in any condition. Also, routes may be altered or shortened due to weather conditions. Ride leaders for this series are: Per and Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Francis Gan, and Ken Kato. Today’s route has 5,200-6,000 feet of climbing. From I-90 take Highlands Dr Exit # 18 (follow signs towards Sammamish) for 3.5 miles, turn right on SE Klahanie Blvd for 1.2 miles, school is on the left.

SUNDAY, JULY 10

Unfold your bike and tuck away a donut

15 mi at a leisurely over hilly terrain
Departs at 9:30 a.m. from the east end of the Gas Works Park parking lot
Leader: Scott Kralik, 206-523-6042

Bromptonauts, Dahonians, Birdyites, and folderators of any and all other stripes, join us for a leisurely, not-too-hilly jaunt to bakery heaven, the intersection of Top Pot Donuts and Grateful Bread. After a morning of wandering the back streets, we’ll return to Gas Works Park in time for lunch at Essential Baking Company for anyone who’s of a mind for still more baked delights. Rain means we skip the ride and go straight to Essential.

West Seattle/Farmers Market/White Center

15-20 miles at a leisurely pace over hilly terrain. No map, group will stay together
Departs at 10 a.m. Jack Block Park, Harbor Ave SW, West Seattle
Steady rain cancels
Leader: John Reardon, 206-762-2411

See the best of West Seattle on a quiet traffic day. This Sunday ride includes climbing the north end of California Ave SW, the Farmers Market, Longfellow Creek, White Center (maybe stop at Full Tilt Ice Cream). There are several hills on this stay-together, leisurely ride.

Georgetown Garden Walk

25 miles of leisurely biking over rolling hills, plus some walking
Departs at 10 a.m. from Gas Works Park
Rain showers cancel the ride
Leader: Norm Tjaden, 206-525-2366

We’ll be going from Gas Works through downtown and Airport Way to Georgetown, which means this is an urban ride with traffic. Pick up a map for a free self guided tour of some 30 gardens. One of the gardens on the tour was featured in the Seattle Times Pacific Northwest magazine on July 3. Bring a lock and walking shoes.

Posted in Around town, Daily Rides | No Comments »

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