History
Cascade Bicycle Club was formed by brothers Mike and Rick Quam in 1970. The membership fee was $2; meetings were at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island. The first newsletter, The Freewheeler, was produced that year. In 1972, Cascade began lobbying for Burke-Gilman Trail. In 1975, Cascade hosted the third annual Chilly Hilly ride on Bainbridge Island. In 1979, the Club established the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. The next year, when the eruption of Mount St. Helens canceled STP, it created a ride to Vancouver, B.C.-later renamed from STV to Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP). The 185-mile ride is limited to 2,000 riders.
Specialties
Cascade Bicycle Club, the nation's largest statewide bicycle nonprofit, is 17,000+ members and 40-staff strong, and serves bike riders of all ages and abilities throughout the state of Washington. With a mission to improve lives through bicycling, we teach the joys of bicycling, advocate for safe places to ride, and produce world-class rides and events. Our signature programs include the Seattle to Portland, Free Group Rides, Basics of Bicycling and the Major Taylor Project. Learn more at cascade.org.