Training ride #2 for the Tom Schaefer Annual Century Ride on 15-JUN-2025. We will need to put in some miles if we are going to ride a century.
Join us for the full loop & Tacos... or, if you are not feeling it, you can take a short cut at 520 or I-90. Either way you get a ride in for the day.
We will ride a 15mph pace until we get to the 520 trail. After that, more than likely, we will pick up the pace.
Bring some snacks. 1st short break at Marina Park in Kirkland (mile ~20). Optional 2nd short break at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (mile ~33).
Tacos in Renton (mile ~35).
After the ride, for anyone interested, we may ride 10 - 20 more miles... Because we will be riding a century soon enough!
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
This easy route includes Greenwood, Maple Leaf, Ravenna, Burk Gilman, Fremont, Ballard, Sunset Hill. If 19 miles is not satisfying, we will make a loop around Blue Ridge.
Coffee & pastries at Coyle's Bakeshop.
No public parking at Alice Ball Park. There should be plenty of parking on side streets.
The COGS Board of Directors will meet at Burke-Gilman Brewing Company at 6:00 PM to discuss routine business.
Members are encouraged to attend, especially if you've ever considered volunteering for an officer or director position or have served in the past and would like to return.
We have rides on Wednesday evenings year round. We don't usually let rain cancel a ride, but we often wait until Monday or even Tuesday to post the ride specifics if rain is threatening.
Adventure Cycling Association promotes Bike Travel Weekend the first weekend of June each year. This year I would like to offer a bike camping trip that weekend that will be a triangular route from Bellingham for a 3 day/2 night weekend trip. This is a moderate bike camping experience and good for those who want a nice multi-day introduction to bike camping.
I am posting this as a dual club event that will have 6 openings for both MBBC (Mount Baker Bicycle Club) and COGS. I have made campground reservations for 2 sites side by side at Washington Park and Rasar State Park. If necessary we will use hiker/biker sites at each campground if the two sites don't provide enough room for everyone.
The pace will be roughly 10-12 mph depending how you do with a loaded bike. Individuals may ride at slightly different paces so we will regroup along the way. These are fairly flat routes but includes some hills. See the RWGPS listing for elevation profiles.
For full details check out RWGPS COGS Bike Camping Trip and look at tabs for Overview, Daily Plan, and Resources.
Ride Leader: Peter Krippner
Contact: pkrippner@comcast.net : 206-271-1470
NOTE: Bring Cash for camping costs and showers. Camping will be $12/person per night or less.
If you're interested in doing some gravel riding, please join us for a beautiful and challenging trip to Snoqualmie Pass.
We'll be doing the course from The GRiT Adventure Gravel ride, which gives us the option of three different lengths from the same starting point, and also allows for easy food and water refills by passing through the parking area multiple times. Ride 31, 42 or 63 miles depending on how you feel.
The course is challenging largely because of the distance and elevation gain, it's not terribly technical. There isn't any single-track, most of it is gravel road with a couple sections that might better be described as double-track. While there are a couple of places where you might find yourself putting a foot down, there's no real hike-a-bike due to either grade or surface conditions.
I have done the route multiple times and been comfortable on 45mm gravel tires, though if you're experienced a 40mm would probably be fine. If you're unsure and you have a mountain bike, neither the pace of the ride nor the terrain will put you at a disadvantage if you choose to ride one.
Parts of the course are somewhat remote, and you would not want to have to walk out, so a selection of ways to fix a flat and some basic backcountry repair tools are a good idea (e.g., quick link, allen wrenches, Dynaplugs, spare tube).
The weather can also be variable and temperatures can swing a lot between the low and high points of the route, so you'll want a way to layer up. You'll also burn a lot of calories doing this much climbing, so make sure to bring some high-carb snacks, and a a way to carry enough water.
We'll plan on regrouping at the top of each of the big climbs, and each time back through the starting point. Phone coverage is variable on the route, so jumping ahead to the next regroup is fine, but at no point should anybody leave anyone else to ride solo at the back.
I'll plan on bringing a couple of large water coolers to refill from, and we can stop at Dru Bru on the way home if we're feeling up to it.
Things you'll need:
Note that average speeds are going to be quite a bit lower than on a road ride, even a hilly road ride, so even the 31 mile course will likely take us nearly three hours, so this is not going to be a short day.
If you are interested but have questions, please feel free to email me.
Smith Cove Park EAST of Elliot Bay Marina Parking Lot
Safe and Easy entry level ride designed for fun, social. Anyone is welcome. No egos allowed. Expect easy pace and flat safe course with few interactions with cars. These rides are early in the day so we have quieter routes. This is the first of our intro to group rides series this summer.
Note our insurance allows ONE introduction ride to NON MEMBERS. Additional rides require membership. Membership is inclusive, simple and inexpensive.
North side of Fremont Bridge
This is intended as an easy day to stretch your mileage limits. Easy cruise along the waterfront trail and Duamish trail to Renton. A quick stop at El Kiosko for amazing fish tacos. Along the lake to join "Bicycle Saturday" for closed to cars Lake Washington Blvd. Climb back to UW/Fremont.
Our dear friend Tom Schaefer was famous for doing at least one century ride every month. Year round. This ride will be the third annual group century ride to honor Tom. In 2025 we return to the Tour de Manure route, this time including the Ben Howard road that was closed by construction in 2023.
RAIN DATE: Saturday, June 14th is our backup ride date. If the weather forecast for June 14 is substantially better than the 15th then we will switch to the earlier day. When a decision is made it will be announced here and all registrants will be notified.
We will start together at 7:30am sharp. A 104-mile century ride makes for a very long day. It is highly likely that the ride will split into two or more groups and singles as we proceed. Be prepared to navigate and ride on your own. Be prepared to fix flat tires on your own.
Riding a century burns a lot of calories, so bring plenty of snacks and water. That said, we have some good options to refuel along the way:
The Ultimate Cookie: Snohomish, coming at about 40 miles, has many good options for coffee and food. Tom, a cookie connoisseur, loved to stop at the Snohomish Pie Company for the Ultimate Cookie. They also have tasty soups, sandwiches, and of course, pies. The Snohomish Bakery and several other options are within a couple of blocks.
Lunch/Afternoon Food Stop: - In Monroe (~48 mi), there is an optional food stop at either Starbucks or Route 2 Taproom. The Taproom has a large fenced patio perfect for bikes. - In Sultan (~56 mi), the Sultan Bakery is a popular stop for sandwiches with nice outdoor seating.
Ice Cream: The Snoqualmie Ice Cream Scoop Shop in Maltby (~78 mi) is a highly recommended stop on a warm afternoon. There is also a Snoqualmie scoop shop in Snohomish, on the same block as the Snohomish Pie Company.
Magnuson Park (Magnuson Cafe and Brewery): Let’s share a meal and celebrate our efforts after the ride. The century riders will complete the ride at approximately 5:30pm (plus or minus 30 minutes). Those who choose a shorter route or opt not to ride at all, please stop by and have a meal with us at the Magnuson Café & Brewery.
Metric Century Option: It is possible to ride a metric century (actually about 67 miles, and 2600’) route that starts at Magnuson Park and goes through Snohomish and Monroe but shortcuts the roads out to Everett and Sultan. If you choose the shorter option, you will be on your own unless someone volunteers to lead the shorter route. The route for the metric century: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50606068?privacy_code=F5kqpvwRzAZnrOETg39ksKRh638vfjuB
These are the final, or near final, routes. You may want to check back shortly before the ride day to download the final route(s) in case of minor changes.
All riders must register. Helmets are required. No earphones or headphones. Rides are open to members and non-members. After the first ride, due to our insurance, non-members must become members for additional rides.
Riders are expected to be self-supporting with spare tubes, pump, water, snacks, and capable of fixing their own flats. Use of flashers, visual enhancers and rearview mirrors is encouraged. Weather conditions can and will change, be prepared. In addition, please also bring safe riding skills and good road manners. Cancellation for rain, smoke, etc. to be sent no later than 6:30 AM day of ride.
UW Triangle (aka, Montlake Triangle)
Join us for the full loop (or take a short cut at 520 or I-90).
1st short break at Marina Park in Kirkland (mile 18+). 2nd short break at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (mile 31+). Bring some snacks.
Planning an end of ride meal/snack/coffee at Belle Epicurean on Madison Street (mile 45+).
UW Triangle between Burke Gilman trail and Husky Stadium
Safe and Easy entry level ride designed for fun, social. Anyone is welcome. No egos allowed. Expect easy pace and flat safe course with few interactions with cars. These rides are early in the day so we have quieter routes. This is the second of our intro to group rides series this summer.
UW Triangle
Meet UW. Casual across 520, Kirkland, Juanita. The work starts here. Will climb Juanita, Simmons, Norway and Perkins. Ride ends at Coyle's Cafe on Greenwood for well deserved treats/coffee.
Note this ride starts at the end point end time of the June 28 New Riders Casual ride that morning. Come to both if you like a long warm up.
Safe and Easy entry level ride designed for fun, social. Anyone is welcome. No egos allowed. Expect easy pace and flat safe course with few interactions with cars. These rides are early in the day so we have quieter routes. This is the third of our intro to group rides series this summer.
< Leaving UW Triangle immediately after the COGS beginner ride. Across 520 to Redmond, Along Lake Sammamish, Up and over Newport to South Bellevue. If the cross Mercer Trail is open we will do 190. Otherwise count on riding North thru Bellevue to 520 then home.
Come on both rides if you want a long warm up
Leschi Starbucks
A traditional ride around Lake Washington on Independence Day. We might see local parades (e.g., Kirkland) on the way. You can join us en route if you prefer that to the group start. More details to come.
A 42-mile gravel ride that starts at the UW Triangle. We head east on the 520 Trail and north on the Cross Kirkland Corridor through Totem Lake. There is a restroom option at Totem Lake Park (mile 11). Next we make our way to Tolt Pipeline Trail. Don't worry, we are skipping Heart Attack Hill (18%). We will do that another day. We will make our way though the Redmond Watershed Preserve and have lunch at PCC (mile ~26). After lunch, we head west on the PSE Trail. After the gravel we make our way back home via the 520 trail or Bridle Crest Trail.
I want to credit Best Side Cycling, a local YouTuber, for sharing his Woodinville Gravel ride. I modified it to start from the UW and took out Heart Attack hill. I enjoy his channel, and he needs more subscribers. It is worth checking out.
Centralia Washington
Plan to drive to Centralia very early Friday. I have room for myself plus 3 people and bikes. (tight fit) I'm leaving my car in Centralia. We will ride from Centralia back to Seattle. 100 miles. If you are feeling spicy, you could do STP the next day then ride BACK to Centralia on Sunday or Monday. Contact Tony D if interested and we can make a more concrete plan.
Fauntleroy Ferry, West Seattle
Join us on July 12th for a challenging ride from Southworth to Gig Harbor to Vashon and back to Fauntleroy. It's going to be a long day. We will start on the ferry to Southworth, ride down to Gig Harbor, continue to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and then make our way to Point Defiance to take the ferry to Tahlequah. After the north bound ferry to Vashon, we will make our way to the Vashon Island North Ferry and take the ferry back to Fauntleroy. This ride ends at Fauntleroy.
We will make a quick rest & coffee stop at the Devoted Kiss Cafe (mile ~21). Lunch is near Point Defiance (mile ~33) at the Antique Sandwich Company. If needed, we can make a rest stop at Vashon too.
Ride brief will be on the 8:30 AM ferry out of Fauntleroy. Arrive early enough to park, ride to the ferry and acquire your ticket at the KIOSK at the end of the pier. Do not go to the automobile ticket both. If you have an ORCA card, the ticket taker on the dock will scan your card. No need to go to the KIOSK.
Park at the south end of the first parking area for Lincoln Park you come to when driving south on Fauntleroy Way SW. DO NOT park in the smaller parking lot to the south of the larger lot. This lot has time limits on parking. Ferry is a short downhill ride from the parking lots. Go directly to the end of the pier to the bike holding area.
It will be a long day. Bring bars/snacks to get you to the finish line.
Optional shortcuts:
Note: The original plan was to take the fast ferry from Coleman dock to Southworth. However, the first ferry is too late in the morning for it to work. The ride starts and ends at the Fauntleroy ferry dock.
This easy route includes Greenwood, Maple Leaf, Ravenna, Burk Gilman, Fremont, Ballard, Sunset Hill.
<UW Triangle, Gasworks, Alice Ball Park, etc.>
< Add additional information about your ride: details about meet up location, parking, carpooling, description of route, food stops, rest stops, plans for regrouping, under what conditions ride may be cancelled, etc.>
Join us for the full loop around the lake... & Tacos. Or, if you are not feeling it, you can take a short cut at 520 or I-90. Either way you get a ride in for the day.
This easy route starts in Greenwood and includes Shoreline and Maple Leaf. Coffee & pastries at Macrina in Maple Leaf.
UPDATE1: The North Cascades Mountain Hostel is booked on the weekend of 19SEP2025. By the end of June 2025, the ride leader will confirm a new weekend for this event.... Currently, we are looking at SEP 25-27.
[Planning in progress.]
For more info, see last year's ride: Winthrop Gravel Hub & Spoke Tour 2024
Liam Parnell
209 Castle Ave, Winthrop, WA (NCMH)
Join COGS for a 3-day hub-n-spoke gravel bike tour and adventure in Winthrop. Each day has a primary route and an alternate. If you only want to ride 2 days that works too.
NOTE: This will be a challenging ride. Be prepared to navigate on your own. Bring lots of water each day and/or a water filter. Bring lunch and snacks. Bring wet weather gear. If it rains or snows at higher elevations, you will be glad you did. If it does not, then you will be glad that you did not have to worry about it.
Friday, ??-Sep-2025
6pm | Old Schoolhouse Brewery | 155 Riverside Ave | 509-996-3183
NOTE: Old Schoolhouse does not take reservations. We will go early (5:30pm) to the restaurant and let them know we have a group of ??.
Saturday, ??-Sep-2025
Sunday, ??-Sep-2025
Route
TBD
Lodging:
Event headquarters: North Cascades Mountain Hostel. The ride leader has made reservations at the hostel and will be checking in on 19SEP and checking out on 22SEP. The address is 209 Castle Ave, Winthrop, WA, 98862.
Other Lodging Options:
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