CHEW - Eastside Ride #11- Multipace: Steady to Strenuous

Climbing Hills - Eastside Wintertime “CHEW” Series

The CHEW Series will be held Sundays beginning January 10th - through March 27th 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 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 notes, 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 safety briefing.

Please also register for the ride here: https://www.cascade.org/node/24352/register

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.

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 or ride notes.

Equipment: A good taillight is 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: 52 miles and 4000' elevation

Routes will be finalized the weekend before each ride

Route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12456977

Steady Lite Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12593656

The weather prediction is getting ugly. Here are a few bailout alternatives just in case needed:

25 mile, turning right at the bottom of 154th in Renton: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12726848

38 mile option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12785649

52 miler, not much shorter but avoiding many of the hills and shortening the time on bike: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12726879

Ride Director: David Fisher

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