The Seattle area cycling community has plenty of teams and team rides. But what happened to the fast training rides? I remember a few years ago when you could hang around Pert’s Deli in Leschi and NW Legends like Glen Buns & Mick Walsh would roll up together on a tandem. As they pulled up with a smirk on their face everyone else had that, “oh, crap this is going to be hard look.” It was a challenging ride that, if you finished with the front group, you had a feeling of accomplishment and a great day of training. Most group rides in Seattle are team rides and if you ride “hard” you’re frowned upon. So you are relegated to riding at your out-of-shape teammates pace. How do you get better and challenge your fitness on a group ride like this?
If you’ve ridden in So-Cal or Tucson in the winter then you’ve probably heard of, or ridden, Swami’s, Montrose, Rose Bowl Ride or the Shoot-Out. These are classic rides that don’t have team affiliation and are open to all. Fast is encouraged and fun is guaranteed. You can ride as hard as you want and settle into the appropriate group. These type of rides give you a chance to catch up with friends on other teams, test your fitness, ride with local pros and turn the screw on your teammates without being impeached.
Well I present to you, the Rocket Ride. Seattle’s answer to the Shoot-Out, Swami’s, etc. There will be pros getting a good day of training in, CAT 3’s trying to get a taste of a CAT 1/2 race, CAT 4’s looking to gain pack experience, Triathletes dropping the hammer and getting handling experience, non-racers looking for a challenge, retired racers trying to get the weeks training in before lunch with their spouse. Challenge yourself…be there.

-Rocket