Triathlon Club Membership Not Required

You do NOT need to be a club member to join! We encourage membership, but we want you to try it out and learn about the club before committing. Before your first ride, you’ll need to sign a liability waiver (club members have already signed this). We'll have this at the ride. Learn more about the club here: https://bellinghamtri.org/

Ride details and FAQ

Ride Details

- When: Wednesdays at 6 PM
- Where: Meet at the North Parking Lot of Lake Padden
- Route: Out-and-back along the north side of Lake Samish (due to the bridge closure)

Two Ride Options

1. Time Trial: Riders leave approximately every minute and ride to the intersection at Nulle Road before turning back. A great way to test your speed.

2. Social Group Ride: A no-drop ride (~40 minutes total, 20 minutes out and back). This is a relaxed, social ride focused on building confidence and endurance—not racing. Amy will be leading this group.

Choose your own adventure! Join the social ride one week and the time trial the next—whatever fits your goals.

What is a No-Drop Ride?

A no-drop ride means no one gets left behind. We ride at a steady, manageable pace, regroup as needed, and focus on good riding skills and camaraderie—not being champions. This is a great way to get comfortable riding in a group in a low-pressure setting.

What to Bring

- A roadworthy bike in good condition
- Helmet (required)
- Bike repair essentials:
- Spare tube (one that fits your tires)
- Hand pump or CO2 cartridge
- Tire levers
- Multitool (recommended)
- Chain lube/grease (optional but helpful)
- Lights and reflective gear (even if it's light out please bring if you can)
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and snacks for after the ride

Don’t have the gear for repairs? Don’t let that stop you! A ride leader will likely have tools and be able to help, but it’s worth investing in these basics.

Optional Brick Run

After the ride, we’ll have an optional brick run (run off the bike) that will continue through the season (loop around Lake Padden). If you plan to run, bring a heavy-duty chain or U-lock for your bike, or have a way to secure your bike (we won’t provide storage or security, and bike theft is very common in Bellingham - the triathlon club is not liable or responsible for your bike during the brick).

FAQs

1.) Do I need to be a triathlon club member to join this event?
No! Everyone is welcome—just show up ready to ride. You will need to sign a liability waiver before participating. Triathlon Club members have already signed this.

2.) Can I switch between the social ride and time trial in the season?
Absolutely. Ride socially one week, test your speed the next, or stick with what feels right for you.

3.) What if I’ve never done a group ride before?
No problem! We’ll review group ride etiquette before rolling out so you feel comfortable.

4.) What happens if I have a mechanical issue?
We recommend bringing a spare tube, pump, and multitool so you can fix minor issues. The social group will stop to help, but time trial riders should be prepared to manage issues on their own. If you don’t have repair gear, don’t worry—reach out to Amy with any questions, and a ride leader will likely have tools to assist.

5.) What if it’s raining?
We’ll still ride unless conditions are unsafe (check the Bellingham Triathlon Club social media for updates). Dress accordingly!

This is a great ride for anyone training for the Lake Padden and Lake Whatcom Triathlon or looking to improve their cycling in a fun and supportive environment.