Update: See “Dates and registration set for 2011 STP, RAW and RSVP”
Jan. 22, 2011 — Cascade to offer new ride in 2011 — RSVP 2
Because of the huge demand for Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP) in recent years, the Cascade Bicycle Club announced it will host a second identical ride in 2011 — dubbed RSVP 2 — that leaves one-day later.
RSVP is probably the most popular ride on the Cascade Bicycle Club calendar. It reaches its 1,400-rider limit within hours of the beginning of registration.
Cyclists on RSVP 2 will follow the same route as RSVP and enjoy the same overnight and rest stops. It also will be limited to 1,400 cyclists. It will leave from Seattle to Bellingham on Aug. 6, and arrive in Vancouver on Aug. 7, returning by ferry to Seattle on Aug. 8.
The major difference is that, unlike the first-come first-serve registration process of RSVP, the new RSVP 2 ride will be based on a lottery system for Cascade members. Registration for the RSVP 2 lottery will be available in mid-February.
More details at the Cascade website, or check the BikingBis August Bike Ride Calendar.
He who hesitates is lost. That proverb is ringing true for some Cascade Bicycle Club members who discovered available spaces for the 2010 RSVP bike ride filled up quickly this week.
Members-only registration for the Seattle-based bicycle club's eight bike rides in 2010 opened at 9 a.m. Monday; Ride from Seattle to Vancouver BC and Party on Aug. 13-14 was booked before the end of the day.
Based on past experience, I'd expect Ride Around Washington, which visits the “forgotten corner” of northeast Washington for a week of bike touring from July 31 to Aug. 7, to sell out of spaces next. It was 75% sold out the first day.
The members-only, online, advance registration for Cascade events lasts the entire month of January. Registration for the general public begins at 9 a.m. Feb. 1. Cascade membership costs $35 and is available online.
Warned
Cascade warned members to renew by Dec. 18 so their membership numbers would be on-file by Jan. 4.
On Monday, people who joined up or renewed after that December date discovered their memberships weren't being honored for the early registration until they phoned the Cascade office.
Others who didn't have personal access to a computer until later in the day on Monday also were boxed out of reserving space for RSVP, which filled up faster this year than ever before.
Refunds
Cascade says it may reopen registration within 29 days of the Aug. 13-14 RSVP ride if there are a lot of refunds.
A new refund policy this year allows for 75% refund (not including the 6% online fee) up to 30 days before an event. Cascade is not allowing any registration transfers. Check out the new refund policy.
Other rides
Here's a list of other Cascade bike rides for 2010:
Chilly Hilly – Feb. 28
Flying Wheels Summer Century — June 12
Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic — July 17 – 18
Ride Around Washington — July 31 – Aug. 7
RSVP (sold out) — Aug. 13 – 14
High Pass Challenge — Sept. 12
Cascade Spawning Cycle — Sept. 19
Kitsap Classic — Sept. 26
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