GR2R - Seattle #1 (Leisurely & Steady, 21 Miles)

Are you new to bicycling or just been off your bike for a while? Is 2016 your year to get active, begin commuting, take part in the Free Group Rides, or maybe even tackle your first century, the STP or another personal challenge? Are you a bit unsure about your capabilities, riding in groups, or during winter?

If so, then maybe the Getting Ready to Ride Series (GR2R) is for you. GR2R is an early season, eight-week progressive series that begins with a very doable first ride and then adds a bit of elevation gain, distance or technical difficulty each week. GR2R will help you to:

• increase endurance and confidence.
• build hill climbing skills.
• make new friends in the cycling community.
• gain confidence in riding safely with groups.
• get ready for the Cascade Training Series, beginning in April.

GR2R rides are free and open to any rider. You will ride with others who share your pace level and your enthusiasm for riding. And, all rides will be led by Cascade Ride Leaders, experienced volunteers who enjoy riding, are knowledgeable about bike safety and the rules of the road, and who know the routes.

On the Seattle series, in addition to becoming familiar with bicycling and gaining fitness, you will learn group riding skills while exploring different neighborhoods (often with great views) from north to south and east to west. Each week, the ride will start from a different location and take you to a different place. This will be a social, stay-together ride with waits at the top of hills and all critical turns along with photo-op stops along the way. Please check back here for updated route information.

In addition to steady rain, ice/snow and any other hazardous conditions will cancel a ride. If a ride is cancelled due to hazardous conditions, it will be posted here in the comment section by 9:00 a.m. and ride leaders will not be waiting at the start.

Notes: There is a bathroom at the start. We can also make a restroom stop at the half way point if needed. All riders should come equipped to deal with their own mechanicals and bring food/water. Waiting for mechanicals will be at the discretion of the ride leader. Please come early enough to get yourself ready and sign a waiver. 11am is a roll-out time!

The route is here ---> at http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11835006 (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11835006)

And, the cue sheet is here --- http://files.meetup.com/3386582/GR2R1_Matthews_to_Wilmot_Gateway%20%282%29.pdf