Flying Wheels is an annual event produced by the Cascade Bike Club as a fundraiser. Here’s an email sent to me the week before the ride:
All you need to know for Flying Wheels on Saturday, May 31
Hi Jerry,
Have you seen the forecast for next weekend? Zero percent chance of rain, 100% chance of great riding.
Whether you’re preparing for the Group Health Seattle to Portland Classic or kick starting your summer of riding, Flying Wheels is a true celebration of summer cycling with scenic routes, a finish line festival and more. We’re so glad to have you riding with us.
Courtesy on the ride
Please remember that as riders of this event, we are visitors and guests to the communities through which we ride. The Snoqualmie Valley is a beautiful place to visit, explore, shop, dine and play. Many of our event riders come on Flying Wheels to discover the beautiful communities through the ride and return later with friends and family. As guests, please bring your best manners and thank our hosts for graciously welcoming us.
Your Bib Number
For those who registered by May 21, your bib has been mailed to you. Please complete the emergency contact information on the back of the bib number before the event.
If for some reason you didn’t receive your bib number, no problem. Just check in at the packet pickup tent at the start line. If friends or family would still like to register, online registration will be open until midnight on May 28.
Start Line
The start line and registration table are located at the parking lot on the east side of the Marymoor Park Velodrome.
Getting there
Driving Directions: From SR-520, take the West Lake Sammamish Parkway exit and enter Marymoor Park through the main entrance. Once in the park, follow the signs to the FREE parking area designated for Flying Wheels participants. Note: There is no rider parking in the East Marymoor Parking Lot. [map]
Save the gas and add some miles. Bike to the start! Marymoor Park is easily accessible by bike via the Marymoor Connector Trail, which connects both the East Lake Sammamish Trail and the Sammamish River Trail to the start line area.
Carpooling: We highly recommend riding your bike or carpooling to the event. WSDOT’s ride-sharing website makes it easy to connect with others headed to the event.
Start Times
Departure times are staggered in order to get those riding longer distances on the course first. This reduces passing and pace conflict and makes the ride safer for all. Please depart at the time appointed for your distance:
6:30 – 7 a.m. for 96-mile riders
7 – 7:30 a.m. for 63-mile riders
7:30 – 8 a.m. for 41-mile riders
8 – 9 a.m. for 23-mile riders
Day-of Registration and Packet Pickup
Your friends who didn’t sign up in advance can still register at the event. It’s fastest if they bring a completed registration form (PDF). We accept cash, check or a credit card to pay for the $60 day-of registration fee (there’s a $5 discount for Cascade member).
Day-of-event registration closes at 9 a.m.
About the ride
Route options
Each route will take you through rural scenery and great rest stops. Those who want hills should ride the 41-, 63- and 96-mile loops. For those looking for an easier, less hilly route, the 23-mile loop has only a few.
>> Cue sheets, maps and more route info
The course closes at 4:30 p.m. so remember to give yourself enough time to complete the route you choose.
Safety
Remember, the roads on the Flying Wheels route are open to ALL traffic, and riders must follow all the rules of the road.
We encourage all riders to Ride SMART
STAY ALERT – watch for cars, other riders, and hazards – momentary inattention is the number one cause of accidents. Never ride with earphones or earbuds. Pull off and stop when using a cell phone.
MOVE OFF THE ROAD WHEN STOPPING – pull completely off the road or trail to let cars and riders pass; do not block driveways or intersections.
ACT LIKE A CAR – OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS – Stop at stop signs, and use hand signals. Yield to pedestrians and keep a straight line.
RETAIN SPACE BETWEEN YOURSELF AND OTHERS – leave enough room to dodge obstacles.
TELL OTHERS WHEN PASSING AND PASS ON LEFT.
Emergency contact
While we have plenty of support on route, you may need to reach us. The day of event emergency contact number is (206) 841-9665. For all serious medical emergencies that need transport on route, please call 911. The rest stops and support cars will have first aid kits for minor injuries.
Mechanical Support
Mechanical services will be provided on course courtesy of Performance Bicycle and Montlake Bicycle Shop.
Rest Stops
Rest stops will be stocked with snacks including Kind bars, fresh fruit, bagels, granola bars, cookies, water and Nuun.
Finish Line Festival
Cap off an amazing ride at the Flying Wheels Finish Line Festival with food vendors, live music, massages from the Washington Sports Massage Team and the Schooner Exact beer garden.
Schedule
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Food booths and the Schooner Exact Beer Garden open
1– 5 p.m. Massage and sponsor booths
5 p.m. Finish line festival closes
Cascade Booth
Stop by the Cascade booth to purchase event t-shirts or become a Cascade member. Remember, members get discounts on all Cascade events, and membership fees support Cascade programs that make bicycling safer and more accessible to all.
Thank you to our sponsors!