C.O.G.S. Ride Archive

2008 Rides Archive

  This page lists rides we did during the year.

Gasworks Wednesday Evening Ride: Fall and Winter Training Series
Ride Days: Wednesday Evenings.
Ride Start: Gasworks Park, Seattle .
Meet At: 6:15 pm, start 6:30pm sharp.
Ride Pace: Brisk.
Ride Distance: 20-35 Miles.
Ride Terrain: Mixed / Hilly.
Ride Leads: Presenting... Arnie, Bill, Bob, Brian, Dan,  David, Howard, Jennifer, Jim, Jimmy, Ken, Louise, Martha, Ron L, Ron T, Tom, et al.
Rain Policy: Heavy rain cancels.
Ride Description: This is a mid-week training ride for those who live or work in Seattle We will vary the routes from week to week and sample Seattle neighborhoods, parks and waterfronts. We will climb at least one or two hills to strengthen our lungs and legs, but the ultimate goal will be to help each other stay active in cooler weather. There will be an optional get-together at the establishment of our choice after the ride.
Ride Coordinator:  Dan Wakefield and Tom Tanner will help organize the ride during the winter, but they need help from others willing to lead.
To stay in touch, please join the Gasworks Ride E-mail List.

________________________________________

    Sunday, December 21.  The COGS 2008 Winter Solstice Ride
Meet: 6pm at Greenlake Community Center, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
Pace: very moderate- I'll be on my commuter bike
Terrain: some flats, some small hills and one big one
Distance: about 15 miles, fewer if weather is crummy
Lights: yes, you must have front and rear lights/flashers
Leader: Louise louise.kornreich@gmail.com
December 21st is the Winter Solstice which means it's the first day of winter and also the shortest day of the year. Why celebrate? Well, that means the days start getting longer on Dec 22 and why not commemorate it by riding into the longest night of the year! We will stop for hot chocolate and snacks and will undoubtedly see some lights from that other December holiday.
________________________________________

 Thursday, December 11th Holiday Party
Join your riding friends at the COGS annual Holiday Party.
Thursday, December 11th.  We have reserved the upstairs Hale's Ales banquet room as we did last year.  We'll have food, a cash bar and of course our white elephant gift exchange.    Mark your calendar and we hope to see you there!!
________________________________________

   Sunday, December 7 Bainbridge Island Studio Tour   Cancelled due to Weather
Ride Start: Myrtle Edwards North Parking lot
Meet At: 8:45 Leave at 9:00 am.  For 9:35 Ferry
Ride Pace:  Social / Moderate
Ride Distance: 31 Miles.
Ride Terrain: Some hills
Ride Lead: Debby Grant debby@jaygrant.com 425 778-5530
Rain Policy: Rain cancels
Ride Description: This is the 25th Anniversary of the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour.  The Tour features the best in local arts and crafts. We'll stop at five studios along the route and pick up lunch or a snack based on group demands. This is a joint ride with BIKES of Everett.
Directions to Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle, WA -
Going south on I-5. Take Exit #167 towards Mercer Street and Seattle Center. Right on Fairview Ave N. Left on Valley Street. Valley becomes Broad Street. Right on Denny Way. Right on Western Ave W and continue as Elliott Ave W. Take right on W. Galer Street (Magnolia Bridge Exit) and STAY LEFT to circle left over Elliott Avenue and train tracks (do not go over Magnolia bridge). Turn right at stop sign and follow signs to lot at north end of Myrtle Edwards Park.

Going north on I-5. Take Exit #165 (Seneca Street). Merge onto Seneca Street. Right on 1st Ave. Left on Denny Way. Right on Western Ave W and continue as Elliott Ave W. Take right on W. Galer Street (Magnolia Bridge Exit) and STAY LEFT to circle left over Elliott Avenue and train tracks (do not go over Magnolia bridge). Turn right at stop sign and follow signs to lot at north end of Myrtle Edwards Park.
________________________________________

    Saturday, December 6th COGS ride.  Ride from Gasworks to  Edmonds , Everett
When: December 6th,  Saturday (hmmm. didn't I just say that?)
Where: Gasworks Park,  8:30 a.m. sharp to beat dusk coming back. 
Ride Leader:  Ken Winkenweder,  rains_in_seattle@yahoo.com
 Speed: Moderate and some brisk (for those who are confident reading my hacked together map.) I'll ride moderate. 
Distance:  Probably 70 miles or so, We will probably have a shorter (about 50 miles option, too).
What: Ride from Gasworks to  Edmonds ,  Everett. Usual way to Edmonds from Gasworks, then on up to Everett via Mukilteo. Somewhat hilly ride.  Lunch at Everett marina.
________________________________________

 Saturday, November 29th: South Lake to Cougar
Meet At: 9:30 am. Leave at 9:45 am
Start Location: Mercer Island Community Center
Ride Pace: Moderate to Brisk
Ride Distance: about 50 miles, with option for 40.
Ride Terrain: A bit of everything, with one good climb.
Ride Leads: Jim Stewart rides@cyclistsofgreaterseattle.org
Queue Sheet: Posted on Bikely.
Rain Policy: Heavy rain or freezing cancels.
Ride Description: From Mercer Island, we go clockwise around the South end of Lake Washington, then into Maple Valley, and climb gradually to May Valley (past my 1959 first grade classroom), Newcastle and Cougar Mountain, returning via Newport way. There is an option to cut about 10 miles and skip the final 1 mile climb up Cougar.
________________________________________

 Friday, November 28 Day after Thanksgiving Ride
Ride Start: Top Foods at N 175 and Aurora in Shoreline
Meet At: 9:45 am. Leave at 10:00 am
Ride Pace: Moderate
Ride Distance: 40 Miles.
Ride Terrain: Fairly flat
Ride Leads: Mary Jo and Mark P.
Rain Policy: If it rains we may reschedule for Sunday.
Ride Description: Work off some of those Thanksgiving calories and ride the Interurban Trail from Shoreline to Everett and spend some time chatting with your fellow club members.  We will stop for lunch in Everett and on the return we will get off the trail for a bit for some different scenery.  After the ride we can enjoy some adult beverages at a nearby Pub.
________________________________________

 Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Day Ride With The Big Turkey
Ride Start: Gasworks Park, Seattle .
Meet At: 9:30 AM.
Ride Pace: Moderate.
Ride Distance: 25 - 30 Miles.
Ride Terrain: Mixed / Hilly.
Ride Leader: The Honorable COGS Past President Dan Wakefield
Rain Policy: Heavy rain or Ice & Snow cancels.
Ride Description: We will do a Seattle neighborhood loop with some hills and views to
work up an appetite!
Stay together with regroups and corners as needed.
________________________________________

 Wednesday Nov 26th EVERETT - THREE LAKES LOOP
Meet at: 1:45 at the Everett Transit Center (33rd St and Smith Ave)
Start at:  2:00 pm
Leads: Steve Linari, Bob Nyberg 206-795-1363
Distance: 34 miles
Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Hilly in places
Regroup: as  needed
Rain will Cancel
To view route: log on to: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Everett-Three-Lakes-Loop. Bob is leading this ride in connjuctions with our friends from the B.I.K.E.S. of Everett.
________________________________________

 Ride: EARTHDREAMS: Sammamish
Start Time: 8:45am
Start Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Start Location: Marymoor Park (East Parking Lot)
Distance: 60-70 mi
Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Extremely Hilly
The Eastside Ride The Hills DREAM Series (EARTHDREAMS) explores various circuits in the Redmond/Bellevue/Sammamish/ Issaquah area. It is designed to help Brisk paced riders develop into Strenuous pace ability or for Strenuous pace riders to maintain their fitness. During the potentially wet season the rides are designed to take us no further than 20-30 mins from the start at the furthest point. Legal riding and common sense are emphasized on this ride. Cue sheet will be provided though we will regroup at the top of longer climbs. Climb at your own pace, or try to keep up with the stronger riders for a challenge or to develop your hill climbing abilities. Rest/Water stops every 12-15 miles. Please be self sufficient for fixing flats. NOTE: If you are not able to keep up with the advertised pace and broader group, please consider using the supplied cue sheet/map to complete the ride on your own.
________________________________________

Sunday Oct. 19, MC COLLUM PARK TO REDMOND
Directions: From I-5 Take Exit 186, 128th St, head east 1/2 mile to P & R lot at Mc Collum Park.
Meet: 9:10
Start 9:30
Distance: ~60 miles
Pace: 15 to 18 mph on flats.
Terrain: Hilly in places.
Lead: Bob Nyberg 206-795-1363 bobnyberg@msn.com
Food: Lunch break at Larry's Mkt in Redmond.
No Map.
Ride details: A stay together ride no drops. Will regroup periodically and at tops of climbs. Restroom break at half way point going and returning. Volunteers sweep and corner monitors are alway welcome. Rain will not cancel        but may shorten the ride.
________________________________________

August 23 - 24 Rapsody
________________________________________

August 3rd
1/2 Century Ferry Ride to Seabeck 52 miles - Tandems welcome!
________________________________________

 
SATURDAY – August 2, 2008  – Tour De Whidbey 130 MILE LOOP
 Date: Saturday, August 4, 2007
Start Location:   Eastern parking lot (free) near the Whidbey Island Ferry. 
Meet by:  7:00 a.m.
Start at:   7:30 a.m. sharp - that is when the ferry leaves. Total fare is $4.95 including $1 bike surcharge. Cue sheets will be on my the windshield of my Green Subaru Outback - Bike Plate 1379
Pace:  15-18 mph avg or so. Climb at own pace and regroup on top of hills.
Regroup:  From time to time per cue sheet, leader's direction and on top of hills
Ride Distance:  About 130 miles
Ride Leaders: Gary Strauss - prefer email contact at garystrauss@gmail.com (day of ride cell 206-948-9024; day phone during week 206-816-1300; home 206-937-1852).  Ed Razon - ed_razon@comcast.net cell ( 206) 235-1372. Some of you have offered to help co-lead. Please confirm via email and preferred pace to lead. If enough riders show up, we may have a faster and a more moderate group. If you want to co-lead, you must agree to follow the entire cue sheet and not "do your own thing!"
Rain Policy:  Really bad weather cancels. We will go if it is sprinkling. If weather turns bad, we will consider turning around. 
Terrain:   Very Hilly. Lots of climbing!
Cue Sheet:   Yes.
Ride Details:  We are leaving on the 730 a.m. ferry, so get there at least 30 minutes early to get your ticket. I will leave cue sheets on my green Subaru Outback. This is the classic century plus. We are doing this route clockwise - so bring money for the ferry. The ride heads north up Whidbey, crosses Deception Pass, and then travels from La Connor back to Mukilteo. A very challenging, hilly and beautiful ride. Be prepared for weather changes and to do a lot of climbing. This ride is not being offered for beginner riders, someone not in shape to ride 130 miles or those who feel a club ride is a race. You are welcome to pick up a cue sheet and do the ride on your own. However, if you join the group, the leader expects you to stay in touch with the group. If you are unable to keep up within about 5-10 minutes of the leader at regrouping spots, you will be dropped. Bring at least 2-3 new tubes, tire levers, a patch kit, and a pump or CO2 cartridges. Have plenty of food and water with you, but we will stop from time to time to regroup and to eat. Recommend using a camelbak on this ride. Please check your tires and bike condition before leaving home. Don't fail to replace your tires if it is time to do so or if you have had 2 or more flats. There is little support on the Island. This ride will take most of the day, depending upon conditions, group size, length of breaks, etc., so please do not join us if you are under a lot of time pressure.
________________________________________

Saturday – August 9, 2008 – Annual Mt. Baker Climb
Date:  Saturday, August 9, 2008
Start Location:   Kendall School Parking Lot, 7547 Kendall Rd, Maple Falls, WA 98266
Directions to Start:  Take I 5 North to Exit 255 in Bellingham, WA. Turn right onto Mt. Baker Hwy (SR 542) - travel 23 miles - turn left at Kendall Road(SR 547)- School is about a block on your left after you turn.. The start is about 100 miles from downtown Seattle. You can also take SR 9 and turn right on SR 542.
Meet by: 8:30 am.
Start at:  9:00 a.m. sharp
Pace:  Up to you - you are on your own.
Regroup:  None planned. Nice to see a few of you at the Artist Point Summit when I finally get there.
Ride Distance:  About 69 miles
Ride Leader: Gary Strauss - prefer email contact at garystrauss@gmail.com (day of ride cell 206-948-9024; day phone during week 206-816-1300; home 206-937-1852). Volunteers welcome to help out.
Rain Policy:  Bad weather cancels. We rode last year when it was too wet. Won't do that this year.
Terrain:  Lots of climbing - it's a mountain - go figure!
Cue Sheet:  Yes - not much use because route is out and back.
Ride Details: A very challenging beautiful ride that rises to the top of Artist Point past the Mt. Baker Ski Area for a climb of around 6000 feet total (4800 to the summit approximately). This is one of the really great climbing routes in Washington. Be prepared for mountain weather changes. Bring at least 2-3 new tubes, tire levers, a patch kit, and a pump or CO2 cartridges. Have plenty of food and water. Unless you stop at or around the small towns on the way up or back, not much food or water. Consider using a camelbak on this ride. Please check your tires and bike condition before leaving home. Everyone is pretty much on his/her own. Consider carrying a camera - on a sunny day, the views are unbelievable on this ride - like being in the Alps.  We start around 440 feet and ride to about 5080 feet if you trust the DeLormo Topo map.
________________________________________

Saturday August 2, 2008 Tour de Fat
Ride start: Parking area at North end of Myrtle Edwards Park
Start time: 9:30 AM
Distance: 35-40 miles
Pace: Moderate
Description: We will ride around the area and then head to Gas Works to spend some time enjoying the Tour de Fat.
Grab your bike and slip into your alter-ego because New Belgium's philanthropic cycling circus Tour de Fat is coming back to Seattle! Costumes and decorated bikes reign supreme as the participants come for a casual ride, good music, good food and lots of great and varied entertainment. Amid the hoopla and fun, Tour de Fat also raises money for the Bicycle Alliance and Bike Works. Admission to the Tour de Fat is free.
Ride Leader: Mary Jo 206-546-0645.
________________________________________

Birch Bay Weekend July 25-27  Come spend 2 or 3 days biking the rural roads of Whatcom County. We will be staying in beautiful Birch Bay where we will ride along the bay, have Dutch pastries in Lynden and visit the Peace Arch Park. Evenings can be spent walking along the beach and enjoying the sunset.
 
Both Social and Moderate pace rides
________________________________________

June 28 First Annual Barlow Pass/Monte Cristo Climb
 
 
Start Date/Time:      6/28/08, 09:00 a.m.
Start Location:        Granite Falls High School, 1401 Burn Rd/1401 100th St N.E.
Ride Leaders:          Gary Strauss and Howard Strickler
Contact Phones:      206-816-1300 Gary Day
Contact Phones 2:   Gary cell 206-948-9024 and Howard cell (206) 669-4917
Contact Email:        garystrauss@gmail.com and hstrick@serv.net
Distance:                 ~70-71
Terrain:                   Hilly
Cue Sheet Available:  Yes
Regroup:                 None/NA
Weather:                 Steady rain cancels
 
Ride Description:   The Mountain Loop Experience Committee invited CBC to help support its celebration of the reopening of Mountain Loop Hwy. This is a tri-cities effort by Darrington, Arlington and Granite Falls. We will climb from Granite Falls, elevation 452 feet, to the end of the newly paved Mtn. Loop Hwy at Monte Cristo over Barlow Pass at 2,361 feet above sea level. Barlow Pass was named for J.Q. Barlow who surveyed a route up the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River for the Everett & Monte Cristo Ry in 1891-92. This was also the site of the Barlow Pass Ranger Station. If you wish, at your sole option and responsibility, you can hike the trail to the Old Monte Cristo town site, a 4-mile dirt road to Monte Cristo that mountain bikes can traverse. The road follows the old railroad grade so it is an easy family walk. We will begin the ride at the brand new GF High School. Depart SR-9 on SR-92 heading East; turn left (NW) on 84th St NE [Getchell Rd], and then turn right (N) on 163rd Ave NE and right (E) on 100th St NE [also n/a Burn Rd]. We will leave promptly at 9:00 a.m. in order to get to the ribbon cutting ceremony by 12 noon. You will ride at your own level, and there will be no sweep. This will not be a stay together ride, but you will be provided a cue sheet. Be at the start by 8:30 a.m. If you feel you need to start even earlier, I will provide you a cue sheet and sign in at 8:30 a.m., as MLEC and CBC want to encourage you to do this ride. The ride is an “up” and “down” route, with some side roads to/from the High School. Since there is no set pace, you are welcome to join us if you are comfortable doing a fairly long climb up not that steep a road. Be sure to come prepared for weather changes in a mountain environment and bring food. There will be fun activities in the area on the day of the ride. Information about the event will be posted on MLEC’s web site when it is ready. Background about the Mountain Loop Hwy can be found at http://www.visitoldgrowth.com/ MtnLoopHiway.htm.
 
________________________________________

Saturday, June 28th Hills of Ramrod.
Ride start:  Greenwater, on Hwy 410.
Start time:  9:00 a.m.
Distance:    80 Miles or so.
Terrain:     Two or three really big hills.
Park at:     Ski shop just east of Greenwater. 
Ride Leader:  Ken Winkenweder winkie@netos.com
Ride Description:  This is an SBC Training Series ride. It follows the route of the 2007 Ramrod, although doing only about half the distance (but most of the climbing). We'll ride up to Sunrise, then back to the highway and up to Chinook. On the way down, an option for those who want to is to ride up to Crystal ski area. Ken claims he will be too worn out to do that, but no one can recall actually seeing Ken worn out.

Here are three reasons to do this ride - Because it's an out-and-back route, you can choose to do one or two or all three climbs, as you feel inclined. The Sunrise climb is spectacular, and is not to be missed. Greenwater is a great start point - it's close to the mountain, yet far enough away from Sunrise to get warmed up, and only about a 90 minute drive from Seattle.