Member News

Author

Not yet a Cascade member? Join Wenmei and over 9,500 others who help Cascade to make bicycling safer and more accessible to all!

Read time

2 min read

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The fast five with Wenmei

What do you enjoy about bicycling?
I love moving at a pace that lets me explore – discovering new views, neighborhoods, and routes I’d never notice otherwise. I enjoy connecting with other cyclists, challenging myself, getting fresh air, and staying fit, all while being part of a community I really like.
How did you hear about Cascade?
After doing Obliteride for years, I started looking for other organized rides during the pandemic and found Cascade through their self-supported Bike-n-Brews. I wanted to do STP and tried training on my own, but it didn’t go well. Then I joined CTS (Cascade Training Series), did my first STP, and continued riding the Free Group Rides. I’ve been hooked ever since!
Why did you become a member of Cascade?
I became a member because I value what Cascade does to support cycling and build community in the region. I want to help make sure others get to enjoy those same opportunities.
What do you like about being a part of the Cascade community?
There’s no one way to be a cyclist in the Cascade community. You might be chasing PRs, grinding out tough climbs for fun, or cruising a flat route for pie once a week. However you like to ride – fast, slow, long, short – there’s a group for you, on any day, in every part of the region. And the best part? People are genuinely welcoming. I usually get nervous joining group activities alone, but with Cascade, I feel totally at ease signing up for a ride, knowing I’ll be met with support and good company.
Anything you'd like to share about your experience with Cascade that is inspirational or motivational to potential members?
When I first started riding with Cascade, 25 miles felt like a huge effort. I only did it once a year for Obliteride, with barely any training, and it was rough. Three years later, I’m a regular rider who’s comfortable on group rides and up for any terrain. A 40-mile ride feels pretty standard now. I train for STP (206 miles) every year – it’s my biggest physical challenge – but it’s the weekly Free Group Rides that keep me going. They’re what help me stay strong and feel healthy, mentally and physically.

On the lighter side:

Most useful or favorite bike accessory?
I love gear so it’s hard to choose, but my top two are the Peak Design Out Front Mount and my TriEye cycling glasses with photochromatic lenses and a built-in mirror. The phone mount is rock-solid and easy to use one-handed, and the glasses are a game-changer for safety and visibility. The mirror helps me stay aware of what’s behind me, and the lenses adjust perfectly to the shifting light around here.

Favorite snack?
I can’t eat wheat so it can be hard to find bike snacks. I make rice krispie treats (adding a little protein powder and flaky salt) and those get me through the longest rides!

Favorite book, TV show, or movie?
I’m a voracious reader with a terrible memory so my favorites change week to week. Right now I’m on a Liz Nugent kick and I am happily making my way through her novels.

Meet Josie, Cascade Bicycle Club member

Sara Kiesler — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 22:11:13 +0000

Meet Josie, Cascade Bicycle Club member Sara Kiesler Mon, 07/07/2025 - 15:11

Publication/Release Date

Fri, 09/05/2025 - 13:13

News Category

Author

Not yet a Cascade member? Join Josie and over 9,500 others who help Cascade to make bicycling safer and more accessible to all!

Read time

1 min read

Content Blocks

The fast five with Josie:

What do you enjoy about bicycling?
I like being active and being outdoors. On my bike, I get to take in the beauty of the PNW at a more leisurely pace.
How did you hear about Cascade?
I picked up a zine from Recycled Cycles about Free Group Rides in the Seattle area!
Why did you become a member of Cascade?
I was planning on doing multiple rides (Flying Wheels, STP, and Kitsap Color Classic) with Cascade this year and since members get a discount on ride registration, it made sense for me to get the membership. I really like the supported nature Cascade provides on rides. They take care of food, logistics, and provide mechanical and medical support. It’s also fun to ride with so many other people.
What do you like about being a part of the Cascade community?
I like recognizing folks at rides and out on the trail. I have made friends through Cascade that have encouraged me to ride distances that I wouldn’t have been able to do solo.
Why should someone consider becoming a Cascade member?
I think if you’re planning on doing rides with Cascade it makes sense to become a member. You also get to support the great work Cascades does to improve safety and increase access to bikes.

On the lighter side:

Most useful or favorite bike accessory?
I really like my woodward backpack pannier from North St bags in Portland, OR! It’s stylish and sturdy and has served me well for several years on and off the bike.

Favorite bike hack?
Popping the wheel off the front tire makes bike transport in small cars a breeze.

Favorite snack?
Olives

Cascade Members, Meet Your 2026 Board of Director Candidates!

Admin Example — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:32:58 +0000

Cascade Members, Meet Your 2026 Board of Director Candidates! Admin Example Mon, 11/08/2021 - 16:32

Publication/Release Date

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:50

News Category

Author

Read time

5 min read

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The Cascade Board of Directors represents the voice of its members and is responsible to the membership. Their role is to ensure that Cascade’s resources are being used to the greatest benefit for all members, as well as the larger community.

For 2026, we have four seats up for election. Over the past months, we’ve received great nominations. After review, the search committee is happy to present the following new and returning candidates to the Cascade Board of Directors.

If elected (or re-elected), the board members will serve a three-year term beginning in 2026.

The candidates are:

Demi Allen, Current Director Candidate
Melanie Breitbach, Prospective Director Candidate
Seema Chaudhary, Prospective Director Candidate
Dennis Madsen, Prospective Director Candidate

Bios below

Demi Allen, Current Director

Demi was a corporate lawyer in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry for more than 20 years, commuting to work by bike in Seattle for much of that period. But the time came when he had to do work more aligned with his passions for active transportation and biking. So, he got his MBA in Sustainable Business and took a job as the General Manager for the first bike share system in Seattle. He learned a lot from the Pronto experience and moved on to work with JUMP, the shared e-bike provider that was acquired by Uber. JUMP showed that e-bikes can play a meaningful role in urban transportation and prompted many people to buy their own e-bike after trying the shared bikes.

After a final role working on deploying charging infrastructure for electric bikes and scooters (also known as light electric vehicles or LEVs), Demi retired. He is now focused on travel and exploration with his wife Cezanne, as well as advocating for better bike facilities on Bainbridge Island (his home) and elsewhere. He enjoys hiking and swimming along with biking and recently added a mountain bike to go with his gravel/commuter bike. He is pleased with the improvements in Seattle’s bike infrastructure over the past 10 years and looks forward to seeing even more safe places for people of all ages and abilities to ride for transportation or fun (or both!).

Melanie Breitbach, Prospective Director Candidate

Melanie is a two-time UW Husky (Mathematics and Master in Teaching) and has lived in the Northwest all her life. She is retired from both Microsoft and teaching high school math, both careers that she loved and excelled at. She rode (and ran) off and on over the years, but she left teaching in 2021 to bike across the country with her husband and hasn't stopped pedaling since. She believes the best way to see a new state or country is by cycling across it, so that continues to be a top priority.

Melanie is no stranger to Cascade. Besides participating in rides (including Flying Wheels, the Ride for Major Taylor, and RSVP), she has volunteered in the operations center for STP and RSVP, worked in the office, helped deliver bicycles through the Let's Go program, and represented Cascade as an ambassador at many community events. She is a regular volunteer for the Pedaling Relief Project and loves seeing its impact firsthand. She has also volunteered with Bloodworks Northwest and Cycling Without Age.

Always passionate about education for all ages and safer and expanded cycling infrastructure, Melanie is very proud of her connections with Cascade Bicycle Club and is enthusiastic about contributing to its continued progress and success.

Seema Chaudhary, Prospective Director Candidate

Seema Chaudhary is an accomplished Asian Indian professional whose career and civic engagement reflect a deep commitment to community building, cultural enrichment, and active lifestyles. She holds degrees in Architecture (University of Bombay), Landscape Architecture (SUNY Syracuse), and Executive Development (Foster School of Business, UW). Her professional experience spans strategic branding, growth, and international market expansion, currently leading Alliances and Sales across the Americas for Harbinger Systems Inc.

In civic leadership, Seema served two terms as Arts & Culture Commissioner for the City of Redmond, where she championed master planning of Redmond downtown, inclusive public art, and cultural representation. She continues to nurture her creative side as an urban sketcher, capturing everyday moments in her sketchbook.

Seema’s passion for bicycling was reignited in 2015 with her first Seattle to Portland (STP) ride. Since then, she’s participated in RSVP, Flying Wheels, the Tulip ride, Tour de Lavender, and Kitsap Color Classic, and is a regular rider on local roads and trails. Her enthusiasm led her to volunteer with Team Asha Biking, where she mentors over 50 riders each season, develops training programs, leads rides, and raises funds for Asha for Education. With her Alliances experience, she’s helped expand the program through strategic partnerships and media outreach, including collaboration with Cascade.

She also hikes and summits, having completed Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, with another Himalayan trek on the horizon.

Seema views bicycling as both a personal passion and a platform for impact – advancing empowerment, wellness, inclusion, and community. As a Cascade board member, she brings a multidimensional perspective, cultural richness, and a strong network to strengthen partnerships, elevate volunteer engagement, and expand the social resonance of Cascade’s mission.

Dennis Madsen, Prospective Director Candidate

A lifelong resident of Seattle, Dennis grew up in West Seattle roaming far and wide on a used Sears JC Higgins 26” one speed with a coaster brake. It was a great first bike except for one detail: his legs were too short to touch the ground! Cycling has been a passion ever since.

For many years, Dennis has ridden with friends and family on organized rides including STP, RAMROD, and tours in Europe. For the last several years, his riding has focused primarily on in-city commuting and forest service gravel roads and Rail Trails.

Dennis has been very involved in the cycling community both professionally and as a volunteer. For nearly 20 years, he served on the Bicycle Alliance Board. Professionally, he served on the Performance Bicycles Board and worked for REI Co-op for 39 years, starting as a stockboy and retiring after being CEO for five years. He has also served on the boards of Alaska Airlines, Islandwood, Forterra, and Western Washington University.

If elected to the Cascade Board, Dennis believes his background and experience in governance and HR systems could be useful as Cascade continues to grow its impact in the region.

To vote

Electronic voting will be available to all Cascade members on Nov. 17, 2025 via email. Keep your eyes out for an email from Cascade Bicycle Club with your personalized voting link, and review your cascade.org account to keep your email address up to date. Please contact Cascade if your membership is active and you did not receive your personal e-ballot.

Cascade Members, Meet Your 2025 Board of Director Candidates!

Admin Example — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:32:58 +0000

Cascade Members, Meet Your 2025 Board of Director Candidates! Admin Example Mon, 11/08/2021 - 16:32

Publication/Release Date

Thu, 10/31/2024 - 07:22

News Category

Author

Read time

10 min read

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The Cascade Board of Directors represents the voice of its members and is responsible to the membership. Their role is to ensure that Cascade’s resources are being used to the greatest benefit for all members, as well as the larger community.

For 2025 we have nine seats up for election. Over the past months, we’ve received great nominations. After review, the search committee is happy to present the following new and returning candidates to the Cascade Board of Directors.

If elected (or re-elected), the board members will serve a three-year term beginning in 2025.

The candidates are:

Roxana Gomez, Current Director
Stephen J. Hall, Jr., Prospective Director Candidate
Allison Handy, Current Director
Eric Jensen, Prospective Director Candidate
Gina Kavesh, Current Director
Matthew Latimer, Prospective Director Candidate
Mark Mercado, Prospective Director Candidate
Michael Payne, Current Director
Kai Shih, Current Director

Bios below

Roxana Gomez, Current Director

Roxana Gomez (she/her) is a first-generation American and the proud daughter of Honduran immigrants. She was born in Seattle and raised in South King County, and learned early in her life that where you live heavily affects your health outcomes. This awareness pushed her to study the social determinants of health at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a BA in Public Health. She later took her knowledge of impacted communities and lived experience to politics, where she served as a Legislative Aide to Council President M. Lorena González. She now works at the ACLU of Washington, where she works to advance their legislative agenda in Olympia.

Roxana first took up cycling as a form of exercise (and as a way to get out of her UW dorm). Soon enough, she was going on long rides almost every weekend on the Burke Gilman. Now, she doesn’t ride outside as much as she would like to, but when she does, she’s reminded of the liberation that cycling provides her.

Of course, not everyone feels this freedom. Roxana acknowledges that communities of color, in particular those in South King County, need greater investments in infrastructure before they feel safe riding their bike on the road. She’s hoping to bring this passion and awareness to the Cascade Board!

Stephen J. Hall, Prospective Director Candidate

Stephen draws on extensive experience in business and environmental advocacy to support community initiatives. His career spans from marketing roles to founding and later selling a specialty printing company.

An avid bicyclist, Stephen has ridden the Seattle to Portland (STP) and has owned multiple bicycles, including: an old racing bike with sewn-up tires as a teen, a tandem for camping, multiple road bikes, multiple mountain bikes, and e-bikes. Today, he rides everywhere for everything on greater Seattle’s amazing bicycle infrastructure.

His connection to the outdoors has shaped his work, including service on a co-op board and founding a nonprofit focused on recreation. These efforts have helped expand trail access and outdoor facilities throughout Washington.

Today, he serves as a volunteer mentor to business owners, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey and expertise in sustainable practices. His approach integrates sound business principles with environmental responsibility.

Stephen's leadership in both corporate and nonprofit settings has refined his skills in governance and strategic development. He continues to apply this practical experience to foster business growth and advance conservation efforts in his community

Allison Handy, Current Director

Allison has enjoyed cycling since childhood but started riding seriously in 2007 in Chicago. Since then, she has done triathlons, cyclocross races, and biked across Colorado and all over Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Since moving to Bainbridge Island in 2013, she has been a year-round bike (and ferry) commuter to her job in Seattle and enjoyed the 2018 RSVP. Allison rides regularly with her husband and two kids on Bainbridge, the Olympic Peninsula, and wherever else they can find the opportunity.

Professionally, Allison is the Co-Chair of the Corporate & Securities Practice at Perkins Coie LLP. She counsels public and private companies on corporate governance practices, disclosure issues, and capital markets transactions, such as equity offerings, debt offerings, and tender offers. She is also a leader of the firm’s Environmental, Social, and Governance advisory team, and co-founder and frequent contributor to the firm’s Public Chatter blog. Allison also serves as a trustee of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute.

At Perkins, Allison is active in connecting with other bike commuters in the Seattle office, especially those who are just starting in bike commuting and looking for guidance on safe routes and office amenities that make bike commuting easier.

Eric Jensen, Prospective Director Candidate

Eric grew up in Bremerton and attended the University of Washington and Tulane University, where he received a Masters in Hospital Administration. Eric worked as a rural hospital administrator and CEO in Washington for over 30 years at hospitals in Central Washington, the Olympic Peninsula, and in the Puget Sound area. He is currently semi-retired living in Bothell and working in Governmental Affairs for a small health care system.

As a hospital CEO, Eric has worked with nonprofit and hospital boards and brings in-depth experience in financial planning, strategic planning, legislative advocacy, and fundraising to Cascade’s Board of Directors.

Eric’s involvement in cycling spans six decades, including many years of membership to Cascade Bicycle Club as time and geography has allowed. As a triathlete living in Reno, his first training ride was around Lake Tahoe, not appreciating the extent of the vertical elevation. Throughout the 2000s, Eric has been an avid Cascade Bicycle event participant riding STP and RSVP 3 years each. He has also participated in numerous other rides over the years including Chilly Hilly, Kitsap Color Classic, MS ride, and Vashon Passport to Pain.

Throughout his career, Eric has served on numerous nonprofit boards including Clallam County United Way, the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts, the Kittitas County Board of Health, and Astria Toppenish Hospital, to name a few. Eric is excited to bring his passion for cycling and experience in board governance to the Cascade Bicycle Club’s Board of Directors.

Gina Kavesh, Current Director

Gina is a Seattle native but found cycling during the few years she lived in the Bay Area. She has been a Cascade member for over 25 years and has participated in the majority of Cascade’s rides – STP, Chilly Hilly, RSVP, Flying Wheels, Kitsap Colors Classic, and many others. Along the way, Gina created several cycling clinics including a women’s only clinic in Redlands, Calif. with an average attendance of more than 100 women.

Gina has been involved in cycling governance at the national level through USA Cycling and at the local level with the Washington State Bike Association. She also served as the Executive Director of The WAVE Foundation which is best known for Cycle the WAVE. She is excited to be able to spend her energy as a Cascade Board member to support all the critical work Cascade is undertaking to ensure cycling in the Pacific Northwest is accessible and safe.

Professionally, Gina has been a retail business owner, a nonprofit executive director, and is now self-employed as a business consultant focused on working with small businesses to improve their operational functions.

Matthew Latimer, Prospective Director Candidate

Matt is a Chief of Staff for the OneDrive and SharePoint team at Microsoft in Redmond. He holds a BS in Business and an MBA from Indiana University. He has lived in the Seattle area since 1995 with his wife (Karen) and two daughters (Hannah and Olivia).

Matt has been an active cycling enthusiast since buying his first 10-speed at age 13 and has participated in numerous Cascade events, including STP, RSVP, Flying Wheels, Bike`n’ Brews, and Emerald City Ride. In 2009, he was introduced to Cascade and STP by a friend who convinced him (in March) that he could train for and ride STP (2 days) by July. He bought his first road bike (GT Series 3) and spent most of the next 4 months training and ultimately having a fantastic experience. Nine more STPs and one new road bike (Specialized Roubaix) later, Matt is aiming to ride STP annually and accumulate 30 total STPs.

That first STP was a catalyst that awakened a love of cycling, which has provided numerous unique life experiences since. Cycling has enhanced (and created) some of his closest personal relationships, improved his fitness/health, and enriched his life in profound ways. Matt has long admired Cascade as a member and rider and is grateful for the door opened 15 years ago. He appreciates the opportunity to contribute to an organization that he knows has a profound impact on every community member it serves.

Mark Mercado, Prospective Director Candidate

Son of immigrant parents from Puerto Rico, Mark grew up in the Los Angeles suburbs and attended college near Chicago. Today he is a career public school secondary science teacher.

Like many former runners, he switched to spandex and cycling. Now, he loves the breeze on his face and the joy of seeing scenery at the pace of a bike.

He’s ridden all Cascades major rides and especially gets a kick out of seeing all the bikes on ferry decks before Chilly Hilly and Kitsap Color Classic. He enjoys the physical challenge and synergy of riding with others. During the summer he regularly rides with Cascade's NERDS Free Group Ride group out of Lynnwood. He especially enjoys the post-ride beer, potluck, and conversations.

Two summers ago, he bike-toured fully loaded with panniers from Anacortes, WA to Bar Harbor, ME on the Northern Tier route, with some assistance from Amtrak.

Mark is passionate (and impatient) about protected bike lanes that make it safe for everyone to ride. He wishes the USA was more like Holland, where everyone from young to old rides and bikes have priority over cars.

He is active in his church as a volunteer and sings in the choir.

Michael Payne, Current Director

Michael has been engaged in cycling advocacy throughout his adult life and is excited to help Cascade Bicycle Club grow. He is particularly eager to see Cascade strengthen its partnerships with regional and national organizations and unite more cyclists for greater impact.

Over the last decade, Michael was the first Executive Director of Houston’s bicycle advocacy non-profit (BikeHouston), and served six years on the board of Safe Routes to Schools. He is currently on the board of national bike advocacy organization the League of American Bicyclists, and also chairs Inkomoko, a microfinance nonprofit that supports refugees in Africa.

He brings experience leading organizations ranging from start-ups to nonprofits to large corporations. Having lived in multiple cities across six countries, including 15 years in the Netherlands, he is a big believer in benchmarking and adapting best practices to meet local needs. He is fortunate to have experienced best-in-class cycling infrastructure and wants to help Washington get there as soon as possible.

Before getting his MBA from Northwestern, he spent seven years as CEO growing and ultimately selling a technology startup. During this time he served on the board of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. Before shifting to nonprofit work, Michael spent 17 years in the wind energy industry managing large-scale project development in Europe, Asia, and the US.

He has completed his League Cycling Instructor (LCI) as well as his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and enjoys riding for recreation, fitness, and transportation. This summer he survived and enjoyed his first self-supported bikepacking adventure riding 340 miles from Whidbey Island to La Push and back. He is extremely grateful to all people who support bicycle advocacy!

Kai Shih, Current Director

Kai was the last kid in his neighborhood to ditch training wheels: he was too afraid to even try. As a parent, he wants his kids to be so much better than he was. He wants biking to teach his kids to brush off that scraped knee, to feel the joys of independence and the thrill of accomplishment, to get exercise, and to help the environment. When his 10-year-old suggested they bike STP, Kai said "let’s try" even though none of them had biked more than 15 miles. The family started on group rides; his wife and two older kids have now ridden Major Taylor and Chilly Hilly together, and all had a wonderful experience. His view is these experiences will be formative, and a ride like STP will be a lifetime memory for them.

However, Kai still hasn’t seen many families or people of color participate on Cascade’s rides. He would like to join the board to push for a greater emphasis on family-oriented programs, and for increased access to biking for people of color and underserved communities. Kai believes kids, people of color, and the underserved can enjoy a lifetime of positive impacts from biking with some encouragement and support. He would like to see programs like supported rides for families (training wheels welcome!), and medals for your first ride, and for kids.

As for Kai, he’s the president of the board of the Denise Louie Education Center, which provides early childhood education to underserved communities around Seattle. He’s also the founder of Shih Investments, a financial services firm. He holds graduate degrees from Stanford and MIT.

To vote

Electronic voting will be available to all Cascade members on Dec 1, 2024 via email. Keep your eyes out for an email from Cascade Bicycle Club with your personalized voting link, and review your cascade.org account to keep your email address up to date. Please contact Cascade if your membership is active and you did not receive your personal e-ballot.

Meet Doug, Cascade Bicycle Club member since 2022

Sara Kiesler — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 22:11:13 +0000

Meet Doug, Cascade Bicycle Club member since 2022 Sara Kiesler Mon, 07/07/2025 - 15:11

Publication/Release Date

Mon, 08/11/2025 - 13:13

News Category

Not yet a Cascade member? Join Doug and over 9,500 others who help Cascade to make bicycling safer and more accessible to all!

Author

Ed Kim

Read time

2 min read

Content Blocks

The fast five with Doug:

What do you use your bike for?
I use my bike for everything! Commuting to work, grocery store trips, concerts, dinner with friends, dates with my partner, beach trips, weekly gay dodgeball games, doctor’s appointments, vacations, and of course lots of recreation around the Puget Sound.

Image
What do you enjoy about bicycling?
The freedom and ease of getting around the city when I want to. I don’t worry about traffic or parking, and I feel so comfortable with Seattle’s awesome bike network. It’s amazing to see so much of our region by bike, and to truly experience, observe, and interact with the people, places, and small things that make up our world. You just can’t appreciate the same from inside a car. I also save so much money, time, and carbon by biking, and I prevent extra stress and worry in my life.
Why did you become a member of Cascade?
I was signing up for the 2022 Seattle Queer History bike tour [hosted by Free Group Ride Leader Bob Svercl], and so I decided to become a member at the same time. I appreciated that Cascade supported the Queer community, and I wanted to get more involved in the bicycling community in Seattle.
What do you like about being a part of the Cascade community?
There are so many passionate people who truly care about creating a better region for people on bikes, and figuring out ways to make more people a part of that change.
Why should someone consider becoming a Cascade member?
Cascade is the catalyst for so much of the physical bike improvements in our region, along with the morale and organization of the cycling community. We always need new and diverse members to broaden our coalition and help create more change!

On the lighter side:

Most useful or favorite bike accessory?
Redshift slide-in, battery-powered, flipable, pedal lights! You are always safe even if you forget your other lights. I learned about them from another rider at Cascade's Chilly Hilly ride.

Favorite bike hack?
I love decorating my bike for Pride every year. I always put a little pride flag on the rack and have done colorful pipe cleaners on the spokes. It got so much attention that my bike made it into a professional photoshoot for one of the largest global sportswear companies.

Favorite snack?
Cara Cara oranges

Favorite book, tv show, or movie?
The book, Martyr

Meet Cascade Members Jen and Adam

Sara Kiesler — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 22:11:13 +0000

Meet Cascade Members Jen and Adam Sara Kiesler Mon, 07/07/2025 - 15:11

Publication/Release Date

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 16:13

News Category

Join Jen, Adam and over 9,500 other members who help Cascade to make bicycling safer and more accessible to all!

Author

Ed Kim

Read time

3 min read

Content Blocks

With the 46th annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP) presented by Alaska Airlines and Zenni Optical right around the corner, we kick off our brand new “This Is What Membership Looks Like” series by introducing Jen and Adam.

While this working couple is busy raising two young children, they’ve made time for their growing passion for bicycling. Along the way, they found camaraderie and a welcoming community at Cascade.

“Our very first Cascade event was the 2024 Woodinville Wine Ride, it was at the beginning of our new biking journey.”
-Jen

It all started with a search for local biking events. “Cascade was the first link I clicked on,” says Jen, thinking back to that day in 2024.

“It was the Woodinville Wine Ride that got us to sign up for our first Cascade ride. Twenty miles sounded like a lot, but the combination of riding and wine was too tempting for us to pass up.”

Neither Jen nor Adam could have predicted that the Woodinville Wine Ride experience would start them on a path toward riding STP this July 12-13.

“As newbies, we felt completely welcomed at our first event, and there was such a wide range of riders,” Jen added. “We continued to ride on our own and decided to make riding STP our goal in 2025. But we knew we weren’t anywhere close to being in shape to ride 207 miles over two days, so we joined Cascade to hone in on our commitment to ride STP.”

With Jen leading the initial charge, Adam quickly jumped on board. “This year, we’ve participated in Getting Ready to Ride (a Free Group Rides series), CTS (Cascade Training Series), and an STP 101 session to prepare for STP,” says Adam.

“I also attended a Fix-a-Flat class which helped me overcome the intimidation of not knowing what to do in that situation. The timing of that class couldn’t have been any better because I fixed Jen’s flat on our CTS ride just two days later!”

“Cascade is very accommodating to all riders, from those who have been cycling at various events for years, to those of us just getting started on this journey.”
-Adam

“We’ll definitely continue on with Free Group Rides and CTS in the coming years,” Adam says. “We’ve gained a strong support group of fun and friendly riders we can learn from. Especially riding with our CTS group, the support and determination of everyone around us has been a huge motivator. Plus, all this bicycling is great for our health!”

Jen recently celebrated a major milestone – her first century ride. “Riding 100 miles was such a great personal accomplishment. During that ride, our CTS group kept encouraging me, then showered me with high-fives when we reached the finish! Adam and I have had such a blast doing CTS and riding with others in the Cascade community.”

Jen is quick to give her ringing endorsement of a Cascade membership. “You’ve got nothing to lose. Cascade makes it very easy for all to join, and participate at your own level and pace. If you’ve read this far, then consider this your sign to join!”

On the lighter side:

Most useful or favorite bike accessory?
Jen: I love my drop bar mirrors!
Adam: Navigation and ride stats are a breeze with my QuadLock phone case and mount.

Favorite bike hack?
Jen: Pretend it’s your first time getting a flat and someone will change it for you =P

Favorite snack?
Jen: PB&J or HI-CHEWs
Adam: Nature Bakery Fig Bars and Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

Favorite book, tv show, or movie?
Jen: Friends
Adam: Breaking Bad

Find out more about the Cascade rides and classes referenced in this blog:

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Cascade Members, meet your 2024 Board of Director candidates!

Admin Example — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:59:24 +0000

Cascade Members, meet your 2024 Board of Director candidates! Admin Example Wed, 11/01/2023 - 12:59

Publication/Release Date

Wed, 11/01/2023 - 05:59

News Category

Author

Read time

7 min read

Content Blocks

The Cascade Board of Directors represents the voice of its members and is responsible to the membership. Their role is to ensure that Cascade’s resources are being used to the greatest benefit for all members, as well as the larger community.

We have six seats up for election. Over the past months, we’ve received great nominations. Each candidate has been vetted and reviewed by the Board Governance Committee and is recommended for your vote. We're happy to present the following new candidates to the Cascade Board of Directors.

If elected (or re-elected), the board members will serve a three-year term beginning in 2024. Members will have until Dec. 20 to finalize their ballot and submit their vote.

The candidates are:

Eugene Cho, Prospective Director Candidate
Luke Distelhorst, Prospective Director Candidate
Marlene Druker, Prospective Director Candidate
Mary Hoshizaki, Prospective Director Candidate
Hanoch Yeung, Prospective Director Candidate
Nick Zylkowski, Current Director Candidate

Bios below

Eugene Cho, Prospective director candidate

Eugene grew up and went to school in the Chicago metro area, where he was utterly dependent on his bike and public transit to get around in a place where parking lots often move faster than freeways. He moved to the Seattle area in 2004, where he quickly found kindred spirits in Cascade Bicycle Club members. Currently, he lives in Seattle and works in Tacoma.

He's a daily, year-round mixed-mode cycling commuter, has volunteered as a Cascade Outrider since 2015 (you may have seen him on rides in Outrider uniform, with his signature full-sized floor pump strapped to his back -- Pump Guy!), and has participated in gigantic recreational cycling events all over the world. He loves the idea of cities shutting down traffic and celebrating their love of cycling. Through the process of all that traveling plus the disassembling and reassembling of bicycles, he picked up the hobby of building and upgrading bicycles. He has built or revamped 40 bicycles that are used on the road by himself, friends, and family.

Eugene is excited to bring enthusiasm and energy to the Board from a rider/volunteer perspective, to help spread awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of cycling, and to work with others to make that safer and more appealing to everyone. Off the bike, he's a surgeon with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. His real love is teaching, and he serves as the Tacoma campus Chair of Graduate Medical Education and teaches actively in their General Surgery Residency and Advanced GI Surgery Fellowship programs.

Luke Distelhorst, Prospective Director Candidate

Luke Distelhorst is a Senior Community Engagement Planner at King County Metro who lives in Edmonds, Washington. Prior to Metro, he previously worked at Community Transit in Snohomish County and spent 10+ years doing corporate communications. Luke also serves in various community volunteer roles with Leafline Trails Coalition, the Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO), and the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.

After growing up cutting his teeth (and shins) on the BMX dirt jumps of Lower Woodland in north Seattle, Luke lived abroad for 10 years and had a long break from regular bike riding. Returning to Snohomish County and two wheels in adult life, his passions are now focused on advocating for safe and accessible bike-walk-roll infrastructure to create better transportation options in communities across Washington state.

Luke can most often be found around town on his Tern GSD e-cargo bike, sometimes with a precarious amount of groceries bungee strapped down. Outside of the city, he enjoys long gravel rides in the mountains and visiting Washington’s many landscapes.

marlene druker, Prospective Director Candidate

Marlene Druker rides a bike and believes the world would be a better place if everyone did.

Some of Marlene's happiest times as a young adult in her hometown of Montreal were spent commuting and exploring on her mint green Peugot with downtube shifters and white handlebar tape. The first time someone explained the concept of a century ride to her she wondered why anyone would ever do that, but since her first one in 2015, she has done several a year, including STP, RSVP, and Flying Wheels. Her current main bike is a Specialized Diverge with all the bells and whistles and she also still takes her less fancy Fuji Newest touring bike on short trips.

Marlene is a graduate of the McGill School of Architecture and a Washington State Registered Architect who has adopted her husband's hometown of Gig Harbor. Her local volunteer work includes chairing the design committee for the Downtown Waterfront Alliance, serving on Pierce Transit's Citizen Advisory Group, and serving on the board of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation.

Having seen how people's lives and their communities can be made happier and healthier when more people get around outside of private motor vehicles, Marlene strives to help others discover and develop their love of cycling. Being a Cascade Free Group Ride Leader and an Outrider providing on-bike support for Cascade events is an effective -- and fun -- way to support that goal. Marlene is grateful to the club for providing these opportunities and aspires to continue to help Cascade fulfill its worthy mission.

mary hoshizaki, Prospective Director Candidate

Mary can bring much accounting and auditing advice to Cascade after 45 years as a CPA. She has experience with small businesses and more recently with biotech companies. She is well-versed in managing government grant accounting and compliance. Early in her career, she was an auditor for many nonprofit clients. She is very familiar with cashflow management, budgeting, forecasting, and taxes.

Around 2009, Mary rediscovered bicycling by participating in Cascade's Free Group Rides program and the Cascade Training Series. Since then, Mary has ridden RSVP and STP many times, as well as Chilly Hilly, Kitsap Color Classic, and Flying Wheels. She has also enjoyed many Cascade Tours such as Lake Chelan and Walla Walla. Her vacations are often spent doing bike tours with her partner on their tandem.

Mary is a long-serving member of the Free Group Rides Committee, keeping our riders and ride leaders safe and our rides free and inviting to all. She has been the series director for the Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS). MEETS rides are arguably the most popular and well-attended rides within our program, serving 1,800 riders.

Mary has also been instrumental in helping develop our Women and Non-Binary program. She has recruited ride leaders to help lead rides specifically created for women and non-binary folks and has also helped organize social hours and classes for women and non-binary riders at Cascade.

hanoch yeung, Prospective Director Candidate

Hanoch is a Canadian-born Chinese cyclist, coder, commuter, climber, and content creator. He leads Cascade Free Group Rides, commutes to downtown Seattle on his e-bike, goes grocery shopping with his Brompton, unironically loves going up Zoo Hill, and does all he can to get more people rolling by making videos for his YouTube channel "Best Side Cycling".

It wasn't always this way, as cycling is something that entered his life only recently. After moving to Seattle as a college grad, he relearned how to ride a bike on the Burke-Gilman Trail. Starting as an unathletic beginner on a hybrid bike, he learned often through trial and error. Yet he got hooked after experiencing the freedom and joy of two wheels. The 2018 STP ride served as an illustrious goal for him to work towards. Pedaling his first road bike with the support of amazing volunteers, he miraculously made it to the finish on the second day. These beginnings were made possible by Cascade. He has now participated in most of Cascade’s offerings and even completed the “Everesting Challenge''. Bicycles have now become a huge part of his everyday life and he wants everyone to experience it as well in a positive way.

Hanoch is passionate about creating community and wants to be people's friendly guide to Seattle cycling. For the past couple of years, he has been sharing local routes, the latest bike infrastructure updates, and personal adventures to inspire his viewers to ride. He hopes his experience in engaging with the online community and his first-hand knowledge of our bike infrastructure in the region will be a great asset to this board. He welcomes anyone to connect with him!

nick zylkowski, current Director Candidate

Nick is a Senior Portfolio Manager for Russell Investments. He holds a BA in Economics and Mathematics from Pacific Lutheran University. Nick is currently serving as the Finance Chair on the Cascade Finance Committee. He has a strong background in finance and analytical perspective and will continue to bring this expertise to Cascade and the Finance Committee.

Nick has been an active cycling enthusiast for over a decade and has participated in numerous Cascade events including STP, Chilly Hilly, and Emerald City Ride. Twelve years ago, he was introduced to cycling on a dare from a friend: ride the STP in one day. The problem was he had never really ridden a bike further than 10 miles and had three months to train. That summer opened his eyes to a love of cycling, which has provided countless enjoyable, and at times painful, hours of his life since. Cycling has brought him some of his closest personal relationships, taken him on adventures around the world, and enriched his life in ways that are hard to express. He will be forever grateful that STP and Cascade were there to open that door 12 years ago, and Nick appreciates the opportunity to contribute to an organization which he knows has a profound impact on every community member it serves.

To vote

Electronic voting will be available to all Cascade members on December 1, 2023 via email. Keep your eyes out for an email from Cascade Bicycle Club with your personalized voting link, and review your cascade.org account to keep your email address up to date. Our new website will launch on Nov. 28 and you may need to reset your password. Please contact Cascade if your membership is active and you did not receive your personal e-ballot.

Cascade Members, meet your 2023 Board of Director candidates!

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The Cascade Board of Directors represents the voice of its members and is responsible to the membership. Their role is to ensure that Cascade’s resources are being used to the greatest benefit for all members, as well as the larger community.

We have two seats up for election. Over the past months, we’ve received great nominations. After review, the search committee is happy to present the following new candidates to the Cascade Board of Directors.

If elected (or re-elected), the board members will serve a three-year term beginning in 2023. Ballots will be emailed one month from today on Dec. 2, and members will have until Dec. 16 to finalize their ballot and submit their vote.

The candidates are:

Demi Allen, Prospective Director Candidate
James Dorsey, Prospective Director Candidate

Bios below

Demi Allen, Prospective director candidate

James Dorsey, Prospective Director Candidate

James Dorsey is President and CEO of College Success Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to coaching and supporting students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare for and graduate from college as transformational leaders in order to forge a just and equitable society. In this role, James oversees all aspects of the organization that has supported more than 11,000 underserved students to graduate from college. As Cascade expands its bike education programs statewide, James will offer a critical perspective in growing the organization sustainably.

James has dedicated his career to education reform and leading national, statewide and campus-based programs to improve educational equity for underserved students. James holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from California State University.

To vote

Electronic voting will be available to all Cascade members on December 2, 2022 via email. Keep your eyes out for an email from Cascade Bicycle Club with your personalized voting link, and review your cascade.org account to keep your email address up to date. Please contact Cascade if your membership is active and you did not receive your personal e-ballot.

Titanic Explorer, Submarine Commander, Croissant Lover: Jeff Powers Lives to Ride and Volunteer

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Titanic Explorer, Submarine Commander, Croissant Lover: Jeff Powers Lives to Ride and Volunteer Admin Example Fri, 01/14/2022 - 11:33

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Volunteer opportunities at Cascade abound. Just ask 2021 Volunteer of the Year Jeff Powers.

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Flying and smiling during Flying Wheels, and with Karin in Italy atop this post.

Jeff Powers, Cascade Bicycle Club’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year, has led a life of adventure both on and off his bike.

As a Navy officer and submariner, Powers descended to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean to explore the wreckage of the Titanic in 1986. As a submarine Executive Officer, he traveled to the North Pole to conduct scientific experiments in the Arctic Ocean.

Upon retiring from the Navy, Powers bicycled solo across the United States, stopping to explore many national parks.

As a Cascade volunteer, Powers’ is a bonafide superhero. He leads 30-40 Free Group Rides annually, chairs the Rides Committee, assists with the Cascade Training Series (CTS), and more. In the early days of the pandemic, Powers helped the 10-member Rides Committee develop its COVID-19 safety protocols that helped Cascade begin hosting rides and events safely again.

“Jeff is an incredible person,” says Cascade’s Rides Program Manager Davíd Urbina, who works closely with Powers. “He shows up because he cares about every single Cascade rider having a good experience. We couldn’t do what we do without volunteer superheroes like him.”

Become a Cascade Volunteer!

We are highlighting Powers’ story as part of a campaign to encourage more individuals to Volunteer for Cascade and give back to all that bicycling has given to them. Powers says volunteering is a way to spread his love of cycling and get more people onto bikes. “It gives you a sense of purpose,” he says.

Volunteer opportunities abound. You can lead Free Group Rides, teach and empower youth with bicycling and leadership skills as part of our Major Taylor Project, or deliver and rescue food + essential supplies as part of our Pedaling Relief Project.

Touring in Glacier National Park.

Events and major rides offer opportunities to volunteer at food stops, aid stations, and start and finish lines. Some volunteers prefer to stuff registration packets that are mailed to our ride participants. Want to advance bike advocacy initiatives and push for more bike infrastructure? Volunteer with our policy team. The development team has opportunities to help with fundraising events, and the communications and marketing team is always looking for talented photographers and videographers.

There are perks. Volunteers earn credits that they can spend on event registrations and membership renewals. Volunteers also get swag and free cycling gear at Cascade’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Party.

“It’s not just about riding,” Urbina says. “A few years ago our Volunteer of the Year didn’t ride a bike, but she enjoyed making friends and seeing other people riding bikes.”

Cascade asked volunteers why they donate their time. Here are a few responses:

“To get more people riding bikes instead of using cars. For public health, equitable transportation, and to reduce global warming.”
“I love cycling and want to help others love it, too. Volunteering at CBC is one of the best ways I can do that.”
“To help the community, and to have a good reason to ride.”

Riding with Cascade in Walla Walla.

Cascade’s Free Group Rides program hosts more than 2,000 rides per year, and it is one of the most common entry points for new volunteers. Due to attrition during the pandemic, Cascade is seeking new volunteer ride leaders from diverse backgrounds to create and host unique rides. Volunteer ride leader Bob Svercl, for instance, enjoys creating themed cultural and historic rides, including his “Rise Up and Ride Up” queer history tour of Seattle.

“I like doing Free Group Rides that stop at bakeries,” Powers says. He and his wife, Karin, frequently explore Seattle by visiting new bakeries. Last year, he pedaled across the city to find the best butter croissant–a bike adventure that was featured on TV station King 5.

Exploring the Titanic and Bicycling on a Submarine

Before he was a volunteer, Powers was a lifelong bike commuter. He rode bikes since childhood, pedaling to school and college, and from his home to work once he entered the Navy.

In 1986, while a young Naval officer, he got the opportunity of a lifetime. “My captain asked, ‘Hey Powers, do you want to go see the Titanic?’ I thought it was a joke.”

It wasn’t. Chosen to be part of a three-person crew in a deep-water submersible, Powers traveled two-and-a-half miles down to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, which had been discovered the year before.

“The submersible was cool because it had three windows, so I had my own window. On a regular submarine there are no windows,” he said. He saw an ocean floor littered with artifacts from the luxury liner, which sank in 1912. “We saw champagne bottles, plates and cups, and lots of coal because it was coal powered.”

When Powers was given command of the submarine USS Florida, stationed on the Kitsap Peninsula, he brought his bike onboard. But first he had to remove the wheels and seatpost so it would fit through the hatch.

How do you ride a bike on a submarine? Very carefully. He set up the bike on a stationary trainer in his cramped, 64-square-foot room so he could stay fit while at sea.

Powers fell in love with recreational road riding when stationed in Italy, where he explored the scenic countryside with Italian friends. When stationed in Hawaii, Powers joined the local bike club, Tradewind Cycling Team, and went on many group rides.

Powers, third from right, with riding buddies in Pearl Harbor.

“As a naval officer, I had to move every few years, and using a bicycle was a great way for me to explore my new location,” Powers says. “I’ve learned so much about Seattle from bicycling.”

Powers became aware of Cascade in 2000, when a friend encouraged him to ride the 206-mile Seattle to Portland. He has since done STP 11 times, even flying to Seattle from Hawaii to complete the ride during his time living there.

In 2012, Powers moved to Seattle and began joining Cascade’s Free Group Rides to explore the city. The next year he became a Cascade ride leader and started leading his own rides. That led to joining the Rides Committee, and three years ago he became the committee chairperson.

With wife, Karin, and kids Rachel and Dillon during Emerald City Ride.

As head of the 10-person Rides Committee, Powers spent countless hours developing COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure the rides were safe and met all local, state, and CDC guidelines. Though the protocols shifted frequently as guidance was updated, Powers and the committee adjusted procedures as necessary and were able to host safe rides throughout the pandemic.

Those protocols helped inform Cascade’s own COVID safety guidelines that have led to numerous bike events, including the 2020 Chelan Tour Lite and last year’s 800-plus-person Flying Wheels. “We have learned that outdoor activity is pretty safe, and people need that exercise and time outdoors for their overall wellness.”

When not volunteering for Cascade, Powers likes to explore destinations near and far by bike. In 2017, he completed a 4,300-mile solo cross-country bicycle trek from Seattle to New York City.

“Working with the Cascade staff is great, and the cadre of people who like to ride bikes is fantastic. Bicycling energizes my life,” Powers says.

Volunteering Resources

Eager to give back to bicycling? Sign up today at the Volunteer link on the website.
Want to learn more about volunteering? Join our Volunteer Lunch and Learn on Tuesday Feb. 1 from noon to 1 p.m. Zoom link here.

Already volunteering and want to connect with other volunteers to learn about their work? Join our Volunteer Happy Hour information session on Tuesday, January 25 at 5:30 pm. Zoom link.

Cascade Members, Meet Your Board of Director Candidates!

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