Beautiful Lake Ballinger

We’re halfway through Bike Month and still the bike seat is dusty.  You thought about going on a ride two weeks ago but it seemed to be too fast paced.  You thought about one last weekend but the miles were too few to bother with.  So why not try the Interurban Interlude ride?

With less than 30 miles, this ride to Everett is long enough to get some great exercise without leaving you hobbling all week. Plus, the ride will follow the  interurban trail, which means there will be little traffic to deal with and, unlike the Burke-Gilman, it’s not completely flat so there will be a few hills to challenge you without leaving you feeling like you just climbed Mt Rainier.

So put your excuses aside and join Jan Johnson and the Friday Riders on Friday, May 17, at the ball fields by Ballinger Lake Golf Course, 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace.  The ride takes off at 10 a.m. and there will be frequent regrouping, so you won’t be left behind.

Visit the Cascade Daily Rides Calendar for details or call Jan at (425) 672-0617 if you have questions.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents. 

Guest Blogger:  Mary Remoaldo

You’re out riding and–WHOOSH–those fast riders whiz right by.  Who are they, you ask? It may just be Per Sunde and his group, training for some big summer rides.  Whether you’ve got STP in a day, RSVP or High Pass Challenge on your goals list this summer, the Ramrod Training Series is for you.

Come join Per on Saturday, May 11, for RTS #5, a 65-to-70 mile extremely hilly ride on the East side.  The route is designed for experienced riders who are comfortable following a cue sheet and riding independently.  There’s no re-grouping and no sweep, but there will be great vistas from the top of all those hills you’ll climb!  Check the Daily Rides calendar for start location and ride details.

This one too fast for you?  Check the Daily Rides Calendar for ride paces and distances that work for you. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents.

Guest Blogger:  Mary Remoaldo

Join ride leader Mike Nelson for a weekday workout like you’ve never had before.  It’s “only” 10-to-15 miles but this moderate-paced ride will be very challenging.  See what you’ve got in your cross-training tank as Mike will take you to see many of the wonderful street-ending stairways.  Yes, this means you’ll have to carry your bike up those stairs so get ready for a full-body workout!

Cycling shoes with recessed cleats or flat shoes are STRONGLY recommended since you’ll be on your feet a lot.

Meet on Tuesday, April 16 for a 6 p.m. departure from the Leschi Starbucks.  Steady rain cancels.  Get the full scoop on the ride on the Daily Rides website.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents. 

By guest blogger Sandie Smith 

The annual Skagit County Tulip Festival has arrived. Prepare to be dazzled by fields of brilliant blooms in blazing hues of red, orange, yellow, pink and more.  Join David Chatham and me this Saturday, April 13,  for a fun day frolicking through the fields.

We’ll meet at the Ash Way Park and Ride in Lynnwood at 8:30 a.m. to organize carpools and drive to Mt Vernon.  We’ll park at Roozengaarde and start the day with a walk through the fields there.   The entrance fee of approximately $5.00 will be money well spent.  Be sure to bring your camera!

Once we have all thoroughly enjoyed the gardens, we’ll jump on our bikes and ride the big loop through the countryside, passing by fields of daffodils and tulips.  This flat and easy ride will range between 12 and 20 miles.

After the ride we’ll stop for food at an eatery along the drive back to Ash Way P&R.

Showers will cancel this ride so hope for sunshine – you will not want to miss it!

Got questions?  Call me at 425-463-9780.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents.

Guest Blogger: Sandie Smith

One of the best kept secrets in Seattle is that it only costs a buck to bring along your bike when you walk on the ferry.   That’s right, just one dollar. Betcha they’ll even take four quarters!

Washington State Ferries allows walk-on passengers with bikes on almost all routes.  Some ferries even have straps so you can tie you bike to railings on the car decks, but it’s a good idea to bring an old strap or twine with you just in case.

And the roads to pedal when you get off the ferry are just magnificent.  Among these places is beautiful Port Orchard, Washington. This Friday, April 5, ride leader Michael Moreland invites you to join him on a scenic tour of Port Orchard. The moderate-paced cycling adventure begins at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle  at 9 a.m. Once off the ferry in Southworth, you’ll ride to lunch in Port Orchard via a beautiful route along Sinclair Inlet. You’ll return will be via Long Lake for the completion of a 35-mile loop.

Steady rain will cancel this ride. For more information, visit the online Daily Rides calendar.

Looking for more riding opportunities? All Cascade free daily rides are published online. Everyone is welcome, but if you’re new, please read through our information for newcomers and parents.