CHEW - Eastside Ride #7 - Multipace: Steady to Vigorous

Climbing Hills - Eastside Wintertime “CHEW” Series

CHEW CHALLENGE WEEK: THIS IS THE HARDEST RIDE OF THE SERIES IN TERMS OF ELEVATION. There are several bail out options if needed; see below.

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:

Route link: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6461941

Routes will be finalized the weekend before each ride

Cue sheet: http://files.meetup.com/3386582/2015_CHEW07_Summits_of_Bothell_final.pdf

There are 3 bail out options for adverse weather or rider fatigue:

1.) At mp 36.2, turn right on to 100th and stay on all the way back to the marina. Cuts off ~4.5 miles of the downtown Kirkland area and 400 feet of elevation: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6959238

2.) At mp 28.5, turn left on to 100th and stay on all the way back to the marina. Cuts off the Finn Hill neighborhood climbs, and all of the downtown Kirkland area, about 12 miles and 1100 feet of elevation: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6959247

3.) At mp 24.5, turn right instead of left on to Riverside Dr. Follow through Blythe Park, exit trail at Wayne’s Golf Course, and take 100th all the way back to the marina. Cuts off Norway, all of the Fill Hill climbs, downtown Kirkland, and about 14 miles and 1,500 feet of elevation: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6959256

Ride Director: Sandi Navarro

Rest Stops: Starbucks coffee at mp 22.4 across the street from Home Depot