Cascade Training Series

[MM_QFC!]

Hey Sue,
I think that you and I have e-talked before about some of Cascade's event rides, right? Chilly Hilly and STP ring a bell with me ...at any rate, it's not to say that it's perfect, but I think it's better. Anytime there is a large group of varying interests/abilities, then it takes communication and cooperation to keep things moving in an improved direction. Since I shared my opinions, I've seen plenty of ride leader training information in the newsletter and see the growth of the training ride series too. All that being said, it's up to each participant to not only cooperate, but contribute to the experience by speaking up if they're not having the "advertised" experience or if they see a rider drafting or trying to form pacelines (supposedly not allowed on these rides, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen or that there aren't attempts, right?), riding dangerously or not communicating about stopping or turning, etc...
I hope that you never get "left in the dust" again on any ride - Cascade or not; however, if you do, call or email the office and let them know what happened, so that there is at least a chance of addressing it with the ride leader(s).
Happy trails to all of us!
Mary

[Susan126]

Hey Mary, I think we may have talked! I have done the Chilly Hilly and attempted to do the STP three years in a row but something had always come up that weekend in July. First year it was my parents visit from Pittsburgh! Of all weeks they decided to come that week and I had to show them the sites. My sister came too. The next year my niece got married. She lives in NYC but flew home to Montana for the wedding and we had to go. Last year my husband's family had a huge family reunion in Montana. And of course we had to go to that. I think I'm jinked for the STP so this year I didn't even bother registering instead I am doing the ramrod. I got in by volunteering at last year's ramrod event. But I have done the Chilly Hilly, the Kitsap Color Classic, Flying Wheels, and a Salmon thing 2 or 3 years ago starting from Enumclaw I think?! And I totally enjoyed all of these rides. Oh except that killer climb in the Chilly Hilly! LOL But I made it!

Hey I hope I never get left in the dust either and if so I will say something to the ride leader. After reading your reponse I think cascade is due for a second chance from me. I will do a cascade ride this summer and report back. I hope it will be a better experience this time around.

Cascade is a great organization! They do wonderful things for cyclists and I love them for that. Cascade advocates for cyclists. We need them and I do acknowledge all that they have done.

Again thanks for all your input on this matter! Your efforts are appreciated!

Pedal On!

Sue

P.S. Maybe next year I will try to do the STP . . . four may be my lucky number!

[MM_QFC!]

I agree - Cascade is a good organization and, while I may not choose to do a lot of their daily rides or events very often anymore (had my fill of crowds on bikes and I've done them all multiple times), I renew my membership every year in order to continue to support their outreach and advocacy on my behalf.
When you get right down to it, none of the ride leaders is a salaried employee of the bike club - every bike club like so many other organizations relies on riders who are willing to share their love of riding and knowledge of routes, etc with others, so they are generously volunteering to lead rides and shepherd others along. They're no different than any other rider in the parking lot, save the volunteered-for ride leader responsibilities, so I'm sure that they'd welcome your participation and help at any ride you are interested in joining...have fun!

[lauraelmore1033]

Thanks for the input. Susan, it's good to hear of your experience. I suspect you are in waaaay better shape than I am, so I am inclined to think I will be out of my depth. But then, maybe not, since Mary relates that things are a bit different these days. I am still undecided as to whether I should do it or not (although I need to decide before tomorrow). I definitely need to do some serious training for the RSVP. It wouldn't kill me to be left behind on a training ride either. Come to think of it, one of the fellas who complained about cascade, also complained that OUR group was too fast...

I'll also echo Susan's gratitude to the club as well. Even though I haven't had the courage to show up on the free daily rides, I too have benefitted from Cascade's advocacy, and have enjoyed many organized rides and classes.

[MM_QFC!]

Hey Laura - please don't think that you'll be way out of your element, as Cascade's training series might be ideal for you; it's planned out so as to ramp up so that you get your miles increased with each ride, riding with a group, learning new routes and I'd recommend going! I'm sure you'll do fine and you'll appreciate the benefits for yourself in helping you train for RSVP. That's a beautiful ride and you'll want to be able to ride it w/o a struggle so you can fully enjoy it.
Try out the CTS and let us know how it goes for you, ok?

[Susan126]

Hi Laura, I don’t know about being in better shape (at least these days) but I try. And right now I would have to say that I am out of shape.

I agree with Laura, give the training rides a try and let us know how it goes.

Oh wow you are doing the rsvp this summer?! I have never done that one but I have heard nothing but great things about it. My friend did it 5 years ago and she totally loved it. Again like Mary said, you’ll want to be in great shape for the rsvp so do get out and train! It will be so much more fun and enjoyable when you are in shape for the ride.

[lauraelmore1033]

Thanks for the encouragement. I've missed the introductory rides now--this darn cold I have is taking a long time to go away. I wonder if you can show up for the first training ride without going on the introduction?