Behind the scenes: Cascade’s major event riding season is over...or is it?

It’s November. We’ve wrapped the Kitsap Color Classic, our final major event of the year, back in September. Our events team can finally relax. 

Sort of. 

The truth is, our major riding events may have wrapped for the year, but the work on the 2018 riding season has just begun! 

So what’s next? After a well deserved breather, Cascade’s events staff is back at work planning our exciting 2018 season—and that starts with a comprehensive review of 2017. Event planners dutifully examine registration procedures, timelines, food orders, rider feedback, calendars and so much more. 

There are so many considerations that go into the creation of a successful events season. Each major riding event has its own unique set of opportunities and challenges, and Cascade event planners start early to guarantee that everything comes together on time. 

What does planning look like? Cascade’s events team is busy with all of the behind-the-scenes steps that bring each riding event together. This month you might find them:

• Setting dates
• Securing finish line hotels
• Applying for city and county permits (most permitting requires a year’s notice)
• Working with designers to develop ride logos and other event artwork
• Updating ride details on our website
• Fixing equipment, cleaning the storage warehouse and ordering new supplies
• Researching new routes

And much, much more. 

Many of our major rides involve in-depth planning with community partners and local governmental jurisdictions. To plan the 2018 Chilly Hilly, for example, our staff is working with the Washington State Ferries system to prepare for the morning when riders will excitedly ferry over to Bainbridge Island. They’re also working with the City of Bainbridge Island, the local police department, the parks department and various local nonprofit groups to help coordinate the finish line and annual chili feed, which benefits other Bainbridge Island community groups—and feeds lots of hungry riders!

There’s a very similar narrative forming for the Emerald Bike Ride, STP, RSVP and many others. So no matter which major ride you’re planning to enjoy in 2018, rest assured that Cascade staff is already planning to make it an epic riding adventure. 

Feeling the cooler weather excitement of Chilly Hilly just around the bend? The ride takes place February 25, 2018, and registration for Cascade members AND the general public opens on November 27, 2017. As a bonus, anyone who registers for Chilly Hilly before December 31 will receive free packet mailing ($5 savings) and an entry into the drawing for a choice of one free STP or RSVP registration! 

Other early registration openings include the Cascade Season Pass and Summer Fun Pass. See our website for details about each opportunity. 

Stay tuned for more information about registration openings, and see our major events webpage for more details.