Cascade Training Series
- Training for STP or other Cascade Events?
- Wish you could join your friends who ride long distances?
- Looking for friends who like riding long distances at your speed?
- Want to comfortably ride a century?
- Want to learn group and safe riding skills?
The 10th Annual Cascade Training Series could be for you! This free, weekly, multi-paced training series is designed to prepare you physically for STP, RSVP, RAW or your own personal riding goals. We planned this program to help you meet new cycling friends and improve your riding skills. The Cascade Training Series starts on March 20 and 21 and goes through July 10.
Prior to the start of the series, our Education Department will again offer a Group Riding Skills Clinic (GeaRS). It is designed to give newer riders the basic such as lane positioning, braking, scanning to the rear and communications, all essential skills for group riding. See the Daily Rides calendar for details. The first ride days, March 20 and 21, include an orientation in CTS procedures followed by a single pace ride.
 Cascade Training Series (CTS)
Designed for the returning or newer rider, CTS offers three paces: 11-12 mph, 12-14 mph, and 14-16 mph. These are stay together rides with frequent regroups and include a map and cue sheet.
Cascade Advanced Training Series (CATS)
CATS is faster (16-18 mph, 18-20 mph, and 20+ mph) for those riders with higher fitness or riders who want to push themselves harder. CATS rides will be longer and more challenging.
CTS and CATS groups will start at different locations each training ride. Start locations rotate around the greater Seattle area. The mileage increases by 5-10 miles per week. The program builds to Flying Wheels (June 12) and then to a flat century on July 3, two weeks before STP. All of the rides offer an exciting menu of routes from classics, like the Lake Washington loop, to destinations, such as Black Diamond and beyond. All rides are led by trained Cascade ride leaders and sweeps. Cascade membership is required to participate.
All CTS and CATS ride information is posted on the Daily Ride Calendar and the Schedule shows the entire season.
All rides subject to change: see the Daily Rides Calendar or the Cascade Courier for updated info and start times)
Ground Rules
- Read the CTS Newcomers instructions
- Carry adequate food and TWO water bottles, rides include water/rest stops but no food stops
- Be prepared to deal with your own flat tires and mechanical problems
- Have a personal plan for getting home in case of a minor accident or mechanical problem
- Carry cash, spare tubes, tools, pump and useful phone numbers.
- Come prepared to deal with inclement weather, especially early in the season - we don't want anyone becoming hypothermic.
- Never ride with earphones or earbud(s). Pull off and stop when using a cell phone.
Steady rain usually cancels these rides. Check the Cascade Training Series Forum on the Message Boards for weather cancellation information.
Suggested Requirements
If you are not yet in condition to ride 30 miles or more at an 11 mph or faster pace, or aren't comfortable riding in a group, try some of the Leisurely- or Steady-paced rides listed in Cascade's Daily Rides Calendar before trying the Training Series. We also recommend taking a class to improve your group riding skills through the Cascade Education Foundation or Cycle University.
The Cascade Training Series was designed as a way to prepare for Cascade events such as STP. First time STP riders should still attend one of the free STP Training Seminars.
Questions
Email cts@cascadebicycleclub.org or post your question/comment on our CTS Message Board
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