CHEW - Eastside Ride #1- Multipace: Steady to Vigorous

Climbing Hills - Eastside Wintertime “CHEW” Series

Please read the pre-ride notes here (http://files.meetup.com/3386582/CHEW%20Series%20Overview%202015.docx).

The CHEW Series will be held Sundays on January 4 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/213061882/), 11 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214163252/), 18 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214163822/), 25 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214163932/), Feb 1 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214163992/), 8 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214164312/), 15 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214164432/), March 1 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214164632/), 8 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214165052/), 15 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214165432/), 22 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214165612/), and 29 (https://www.meetup.com/cascaderides/events/214165892/)at various starting points on the east side. These will be climbing routes on local hills which will progress from ~ 30 miles and 2500’ of elevation gain to 50+ miles and 4500’ elevation gain. There will be five paces offered -- steady (13 on flats), moderate (15 on flats), brisk (17 on flats), vigorous (19 on flats) and (after Chilly Hilly) strenuous (21+ on flats). All pace groups will use a common route each week.

Please RSVP to Meetup for ride updates and to help us determine the appropriate number of ride leaders. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start time to hear the route briefing, safety presentation, and sign the waiver form for an on-time departure. You will NOT be allowed to ride if you do not show up in time to hear the SMART briefing.

Mechanicals/Pace: Riders should be able to sustain the appropriate pace for their selected group, know how to read a cue sheet, change a flat tire (and have the requisite equipment to do so) and have a positive attitude. Ride Leaders and Sweeps will not stop long for flats or mechanical issues due to group safety.

Faster riders are welcome to join but for them the ride becomes self-guided.

Cue Sheets: A limited number of cue sheets will be available at the ride start so please print your own just in case. The final route and cue sheet will be available on Meetup.com the weekend prior to each ride. Rest stops will be planned as noted on the route cue sheet.

Equipment: A good headlight and taillight are recommended. Long fenders are required for a chance of rain above 0%. Helmets are required to ride.

Regroup policy: This is a training series so we will ride with the best interest of the group in mind. We will regroup at the top of hills for a reasonable amount of time as well as at major turns. Stops will be brief. Riders may need to fall back to a slower pace group if they fall behind. If you are riding in the last pace group, the ride leaders will make sure you have a cue sheet and feel comfortable to finish the ride or will stay with you as need be. We want everyone to ride hard but to have fun and get back safely.

Please print your contact information clearly on the waiver form in case we need to reach you for any reason.

Cancellation Policy: Hard steady rain/ice/snow or otherwise unsafe riding conditions will cancel. In the event that conditions are as described for cancellation, ride leaders may not come to the ride start. Ride cancellation will be posted in the Comments section in both the Cascade and Meetup postings for this date at least two hours prior to the ride start in the event that ride leaders will not come to the ride start. Series Director (Alexa) will be available by phone should you have questions.

This week's route: We will do the classic climb from Marymoor up Redmond Way to Sahalee, skirt the neighborhoods on the Sammamish Plateau and return to Redmond via Union Hill Road. We'll finish with a climb up 116th before heading back to Marymoor. Rest stop will be at mp 24 - Starbucks at the base of the 116th hill.

Route link: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6257444

Routes will be finalized the weekend before each ride

Cue sheet: http://files.meetup.com/3386582/CHEW01_01042015_MM_Samm_Loop.pdf

Ride Director: Alexa Volwiler (360-303-0526)