Walla Walla Weekend - Springtime Edition (Steady/Moderate/Br­­isk/Strenuous)

Come join us for our springtime trip to beautiful Walla Walla. The fields will be starting to grow and scenery shall be a site to see. We have coupled this weekend with the annual Balloon Stampede in which private owners from all around the country come to bring their hot air balloons for lift off. It's truely interesting to watch.

We will ride each day -- Friday (9:30 AM), Saturday (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/151737082/) (8:30 AM), and Sunday (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/151738132/) (9:45 AM). Please arrive 20 minutes prior to the ride start time. Routes are being planned, so stay tuned. My plan is to ride between 35-90 miles with a mid-length route on Friday, long route Sat, and shorter route Sunday.

Paces offered will be steady (12-14 on flats), moderate (14-16 mph on flats) and brisk (16-18 on flats). We may recruit additional ride leaders for additional paces if there is interest, so please stay tuned.

Steady Ride Leaders: Joni Griffis and Jen Korten

Moderate Ride Leaders: Jenny Anderson, Robert Onishi, Matt Wong, Paul Soreff

Brisk Ride Leaders: Alexa Volwiler, Frieder Mack, Tim Thomas, Paula Froke

Strenuous Ride Leaders: Bob Dennis and Timothy McCarthy

Friday Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4028181

Cue Sheet: Link (http://files.meetup.com/3386582/Walla_Walla_Day_One_50914.pdf)

Cancellation Policy: Steady Rain Cancels as well as Ice/Snow. Please RSVP so you will get weather updates as we get closer.

These rides are not supported. We will provide short rest stops along the route, but please come prepared with your own food and beverages. Hotel accommodations are to be handled by riders individually as needed. Please email the Ride Director with any questions/concerns.

General information on Free Daily Rides can be found here (http://www.cascade.org/EandR/Daily_Rides.cfm). Please arrive 20 minutes early to ensure you are ready to roll at the posted time.

RSVPs are strongly encouraged (they help us plan accordingly).

Ride Director: Alexa Volwiler (alexa.volwiler@gmail.com) 360-303-0526

As customary for all Cascade rides, please make sure you wear a helmet and have necessary gear and knowledge to fix any flats you might get along the way. The group will not stop for flats or mechanicals, but our sweeps will ensure you have a cue sheet to continue the ride.

More information to come as we plan. Please RSVP so you stay informed on ride happenings.

Check out the informational packet for more information about the rides and the weekend festivities here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzD00aD930E3eldQRDNuUnA1WDg/edit?usp=sharing).

Hotel Information: Many are staying at the Red Lion. If that is full, the Super 8 at $90, Travelodge at $93, America's Best Value at $97, La Quinta at $114, and Hampton In at $137 are all options. The Travelodge is almost next door to the Red Lion on Main Street. The Quinta and Best Value are right at the main WW highway exit and 3 blocks from Main Street. Super 8 is out towards the Comm College and Hampton Inn is closer to Day 1 start. Also, there is a new Best Western Plus in Dayton that still has rooms starting at $107 -- 30 minute drive from WW. Neat little town we will explore on Day 2.

Wheatland Wheelers: The local bike club will be joining us for rides. They were very instrumental in helping to plan this event last year. Look for them on the rides this weekend! Check out their website (http://www.wheatlandwheelers.com/).