What to expect
-
Is this your first time riding in the Snoqualmie Valley? Or are you a regular QOM in the area? Regardless of your experience, we are so stoked to have you join us for one of our COTM rides!
Whether you’re interested in our extra spicy Monday group, one of our Femmes Fridays (women-only) rides, our beginner-friendly and super popular Wednesday Arête Rides, or any of the monthly Saturday rides we offer, we have a ride where you’ll fit right in.
Our Strava Club is the best way to stay up to date on what rides are happening and (usually) what the route will be. For some of our smaller rides, like Mondays, there’s more on-the-spot spontaneity and discussion about the route once the coffee kicks in.
-
Monday Morning Rides : This is our namesake ride and the one that started it all. What began as a few friends determined to explore gravel and singletrack, usually with a heavy pour of underbiking, is still basically just that. Except now we have matching kits.
The pace is brisk, and the choice of terrain and route can be questionable. With this small group (10-15 riders), we still regroup at key points, but expect intermediate attacks and solo breakaways. This is the way.
—————
Wednesday Arête Rides (monthly, May - September) : This is it. The party. We’re not kidding. There can be upwards of 60 folks who travel from around Western Washington to rip some gravel and clink glasses with the squad, and we love it.
With bigger numbers like these, there are two pace groups and two slightly different routes, to help all riders get back to Arête around the same time. Because what is cycling if you’re not hanging out in your Lycra after a ride? #chamoistimeistrainingtime
A Group | Fast Pace | 18 - 22 mph : Speeds will vary but expect to sweat. A lot. For this group, you should be comfortable riding in a tighter group, can maintain a good pace up climbs, and comfortable on trails (e.g., descending Deep Creek). If you've joined a Monday morning ride, expect to see glimpses of that flavor in this group. Although the group leaders will regroup at key points, if the pace proves unsustainable, there will be options for riders to drop back to the B group to finish out the ride. We like to say this is a level 8-10 (maybe even 11) ride.
B Group | Intermediate Pace | 14 - 18 mph : Feeling like Goldilocks? Join the B group. This is an intermediate pace perfect for those looking for more than a social pace but not ready for or feeling like doing race pace. If you’re unsure, give this group a try, you can always fall back to the Cs or try to bridge up to the As. This is the sweet spot; a level 4-7 ride.
C Group | Beginner / Social Pace | 10 - 14 mph : This is the group for everyone, especially beginner riders. We do our best to keep everyone together, and make a point to regroup several times throughout the ride. Ride leaders will be at the front of the group, zipping (riding around the middle), and sweeping (no rider left behind!). If you are a newer rider, this is a great way to learn riding etiquette, how to ride safely and comfortably with a group, and identify skills to improve on. We ride in beautiful places, so expect some photo-snapping in this group as well! This is your level 1-3 ride.
Note : If you’re not sure what pace group to join, start with our C Group, so you can get a feel for the COTM vibe and you can always work your way up.
For the 2026 Wednesday rides we aim to have a childcare option available. More details will be posted here.
—————
Middle Fork Shootout Rides (June - September) : This is a fast-paced drop ride. If you’re looking to push your limits and see how long you can hold a wheel, this is the one. We roll at 5:30 PM sharp, so please arrive a few minutes early to get prepped; we won't be waiting for stragglers once the clock hits the half-hour.
The ride begins with a controlled, easy group roll to Middle Fork Road. Use this time to find your rhythm and chat with friends, because once we hit the pavement on Middle Fork, the leash comes off and the pace will accelerate significantly. We will charge all the way to the Middle Fork Campground Parking Lot before turning around to head back. We will ride at most 2 abreast and follow the rules of the road.
Please be aware that this is an extremely fast ride meant to challenge everyone. It is a true drop ride – if you lose the group, you are on your own. Make sure you have the route downloaded – especially if this is your first time riding the route! Groups should form naturally based on speed, so find a pack that pushes you and stick with it. Of course, you are more than welcome to turn around at any time if you’ve hit your limit or just need to get back early.
Despite the intensity, this is going to be an awesome time with a great crew. Once the dust settles, we’ll all be meeting up at Arete for some well-earned social time. Whether you stayed at the front of the pack or took a more scenic pace, come grab a drink and hang out with the group after.
—————
Femmes Friday Rides : This is a social, intermediate-paced, no-drop gravel ride designed for women (“femmes" in French) and anyone who identifies as such! We bring together female cyclists from around the Snoqualmie Valley for a fun morning on two wheels. We're not afraid to push it up a climb but we like to chat, regroup regularly, and make sure everyone is included.
—————
Saturday Arête Rides (monthly, all year round) : Can’t make the mid-week ride? Looking for a weekend mini-adventure? Wanting the Wednesday ride feel but with more miles? Well, look no further. Our monthly Saturday rides have a similar flavor to Wednesday night rides with extra miles and the potential to be a little bit spicier. This is a great opportunity to ride longer and farther without the pressure to get home on a school night (it’s also a chance to grab a post-ride beer and lunch at Arête or Volition)!
Note : We will split into three groups and follow the COTM A, B, & C Pace Group protocol.
-
Most COTM rides meet at our favorite spot, Arête Coffee inside Pro Ski. If you drive, please do not park in the spaces directly across from Arête / Pro Ski. We want to save those spots for their customers to easily come and go. Please park in the gravel parking lot behind the bank or on a side street. We recommend showing up 20-30 minutes before the ride departs, to make sure your bike and gear are dialed in, you have the route downloaded, and we have the necessary waiver and land permit from you. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get some pre-ride food and coffee!
Our ride leaders (look for pink armbands and COTM Rapha kits) will be walking around ready to help anyone get sorted out. Don’t hesitate to grab us if you have a question before the ride.
Before we head out, expect a short pre-ride announcement from the ride leadership team, discussing the route, rider etiquette, any post-ride plans and other updates. For our larger rides, look for these ride leaders (remember, pink armbands) at the front, middle, and back of each pace group.
What you need :
Signed Waiver : Everyone MUST complete the Event Participant Waiver & Media Release waiver before participating in any Case of the Mondays rides. The waiver only needs to be signed once. This waiver helps protect both you and the organizers in the event of unforeseen incidents during our rides, allowing us to continue offering these events. The waiver can be found here: www.bit.ly/COTMwaiver
For Every Ride : Practice these essential guidelines when joining any Case of the Mondays ride.
Wear a helmet. It’s required in King County.
Be prepared with food, water, tools, and supplies to deal with mechanicals.
Know where you’re going. If there’s an official route, download it onto your phone or bike computer.
See and be seen. Use a rear red blinking light and if you’re riding around dawn or dusk, use a white front light.
Riding in Campbell Global :
Recreation Access Permit : Just out the back door of the Snoqualmie Valley is the Campbell Global recreational area north of town. It’s essentially a mecca for riding with hundreds of miles of gravel roads and a spattering of single-track trails. This is private property so it’s a privilege for us to have access.To ride in this area, a Recreation Access Permit is required. This is a MUST for you and anyone you bring into this area. Step-by-step instructions for purchasing a day or annual (valid April 1 – March 30) permit can be found here: www.bit.ly/cgpermit