The sunshine has finally arrived, and we hope your training for the 2010 ride is going well! We have a few updates for you as the event draws near.

REFUND DEADLINE

The deadline to return a RAW registration is fast approaching! Any rider who wishes to take advantage of the refund policy has until June 30 at midnight to return registration. That's this Wednesday, folks!

EVENT PARKING

Due to summer construction projects, we are not able to park vehicles at Magnuson Park during event week. We have therefore moved the Seattle staging area to University of Washington parking lot E5, about 2 miles south of Magnuson Park. Please print a map (PDF) for directions.

Parking will be offered at the subsidized rate of $10 per vehicle for the week. Please BRING CASH to pay a RAW representative on July 31. No reservations are necessary. We have been told that the lot is very safe; however, please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. The University of Washington and Cascade Bicycle Club are not responsible for any property losses or damages.

There is no charge for dropping off or picking up riders in this lot.

ROAD SUPPORT

RAW has always prided itself on great road support, and the 2010 event will be no exception. We have a new support plan in effect. Instead of small rest stops every 8-10 miles, we will provide three large, well stocked SAG stops per day. These stops will be listed on the cue sheets that riders receive each morning, and will have guaranteed food, water and bathrooms. Additionally, we will have three roving SAG vehicles.

This new plan will cut back on the number of vehicles on the road and offer riders official mid-morning, lunch and afternoon stops to enjoy. However, it also means that riders may need to carry more water than usual, so please bring two large water bottles with you (or a hydration pack).

RAW JERSEYS

RAW jerseys are on sale! Order now for delivery six weeks after the event. Online ordering will remain open until August 10, 2010 for post-ride orders.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Finally, we are still looking for a few good volunteers, including a team to help out with the lunch stop. Please contact Diana Larson if you have a friend, family member or spouse who would like to attend the event with you. In exchange for helping out, volunteers get free room and board and the option of riding at least one day during the week.

Thanks for your support. We look forward to seeing you on July 31.

Peter Verbrugge
Event Director
Cascade Bicycle Club