November Rides

I just submitted rides to the CBC for the 4 Sundays in November. They should, therefore, appear in the Courier. I submitted Strenuous and Brisk paces, 40-60 miles.

If anyone would like to add a Laughing Group pace to some or all of these rides, that would be appreciated by all. I can probably still edit the description for a day or two, if anyone thinks I should. It's as follows:

"It is said that there are only two types of riders in the Pacific Northwest: the wet and the weak. So stay strong and join us for our winter rides. No rain cancellation. If roads are wet, use fenders with mudflaps or be relegated to the back of the group. We'll be riding the less traveled roads in and around the Snoqualmie and Snohomish river valleys. Route and distance will depend on weather and mood. These rides are challenging enough that we train a little during the week to make them even more fun. We will ride hills, with each group having hilltop regroups. We emphasize safe, cooperative riding. Paceline skills recommended. We meet at 9:00 and start riding at 9:20, riding out of the Redhook Ale Brewery parking lot in Woodinville on 145th St. You must park in the east end of the lot. "

I hear it might rain a little this coming Sunday. No problemo, right? The following Sunday we won't publish, because that's the Kitsap Color Classic, but we will ride as usual.

See you out there.
David

Riding Sunday Sept. 30

In my Ride Report, I forgot to mention the Big News, which is that Dave and Rosanne showed up on the tandem. So she's healed well enough to ride tandem. They didn't ride with us. That would have been a bit much. But they made it down to the Brewery and hopefully, back to Dave's house. Congratulations and further good wishes to Rosanne!

I went ahead and published next week's ride on the Cascade web site. (www.cascade.org) It'll be up after it's approved.

There will be three groups, Strenuous led by YT, Brisk with Orin and Dottie, and Moderate with Bill Pence. I hope that Dave and Rosanne will be there, too.

Here's what the description says:

"Goose Bumps eases into Fall
Please join us for the first ride in our fall ride series. This Sunday there will also be a Moderate group led by Bill Pence. We'll be riding the less traveled roads in and around the Snoqualmie and Snohomish river valleys. These rides are challenging enough that we train a little during the week to make them even more fun. We will ride hills, with each group having hilltop regroups. We emphasize safe, cooperative riding. Paceline skills advisable. We meet at 9:00 and start riding at 9:20, riding out of the Redhook Ale Brewery parking lot in Woodinville on 145th St. You must park in the east end of the lot."

Bikely maps for the two routes:
48 miles:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Woodinville-Snohomish-Duvall-Loop
and 58 miles:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Woodinville-Snohomish-Union-Hill-Loop

I'm of a mind to publish every week from now 'til the end of the year, the idea being that you attract people who want to ride every week by publishing every week. And if we acquire critical mass, we may see some of our old friends back riding with us.

Comments?

See you there!
David

Ride Report Sunday Sept. 23

Sunday's ride went off as planned. We did the whole 71 miles, but the climbing "only" turned out to be 3640. So that's about 50'/mile or about average for a GB ride. We rode the loop above Snoqualmie Falls. Haven't done that one in ages. The coffee at the Falls was OK. Also, I hadn't done Tolt Hill in many years. It was just as steep as I remember, but longer. Too bad there's not a view at the top.

Each of us had our own definition of a "survivable" pace on the climbs so we strung out, but regrouped at each hilltop. We kept the pace down between climbs. Weather was great - no rain, dry roads, cool temperatures. Everyone was still smiling at the Brewery.

Unfortunately everyone and his sister were out riding Sunday, so the Brewery was packed and had a 25 minute wait. So no beer. We're going to have to call ahead and make reservations.

Factoids you were always curious about: It's 520' from the Brewery to the top of Hollywood Hill. Maybe that's why we don't often start with that climb.

Hope to see you next week.
David