Cascade Bicycle Club

What Cascade Bicycle Club does

Cascade Bicycle Club is a Seattle-headquartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1970 that builds, operates, and advocates for bicycling across Washington State, Oregon, and British Columbia. Its operational core is a calendar of 20+ annual mass-participation cycling events, anchored by the 206-mile Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (5,600+ riders, 44th edition) and the cross-border RSVP ride from Seattle to Vancouver. Around these signature rides, Cascade runs a 12-week Cascade Training Series with four pace groups, a 365-day Free Group Rides program supported by certified Ride Leaders, a multi-tier cycling education class catalog, and outreach/equity programs including the Major Taylor Project, Women & Nonbinary Program, Let's Go statewide school education, and the Pedaling Relief Project.

The digital platform is a Drupal-based website (cascade.org) that handles memberships, event registration, donations, and content, with Stripe providing Level 1 PCI-compliant payment processing for recurring memberships (over 70% auto-renew), one-time event registration, and tax-deductible donations, and Google Maps embedded for route and rest-stop waypoints. Distribution is direct-online plus in-person at event start and finish lines (UW Seattle for STP departures, Holladay Park Portland for finish), supported by a network of corporate, lodging, and bicycle-shop partners (Alaska Airlines and Kaiser Permanente as STP title sponsors, plus 10+ member-benefit brands including Trek, Showers Pass, and Ride with GPS).

Monetization combines a five-tier annual subscription membership (Individual $60, Family $90, Limited-Income Individual $15 and Family $30, Champion $1,000), priced event registrations, merchandise sales via a co-branded gear shop, corporate partnerships, and 501(c)(3) tax-deductible donations. The ~9,500-member base is broadly distributed across recreational cyclists, families, endurance athletes, students, and equity-program participants, and the organization reinvests all revenue into advocacy, education, and free community programming.

Name

Cascade Bicycle Club

Legal name

Cascade Bicycle Club

Website

https://cascade.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cascade Bicycle Club is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1970, that runs mass-participation bike rides (STP, RSVP), cycling education, advocacy, and equity programs for ~9,500 members across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cycling Community and Recreation Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Cycling Events (Road Races, Gran Fondos, Sportives) (MPAKAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Endurance & Running/Cycling Training (HSADAAAG), Cycling, Mountain Biking & E-bike Adventures (THAJABAF)

Keywords

• Cycling event organization
• Bicycle education programs
• Cycling advocacy services
• Bicycle community rides
• Endurance cycling training

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees including individual ($60), family ($90), limited income individual ($15), limited income family ($30), and Champion membership ($1,000). Revenue supports bike education, advocacy, and community work. Over 70% of members opt for auto-renewing memberships.
2. Ride and Event Registration: Fees for registered rides and events including major multi-day rides like Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP), Cascade Training Series ($185 members/$225 non-members), and various tour events. Online registration required.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of Cascade branded gear and merchandise through the shop, including helmets ($15), co-branded items with partners like Cleverhood.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate partnership programs offering visibility and brand association with cycling community, including event sponsorships.
5. Donations and Charitable Giving: Tax-deductible donations as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 91-2165219). Accepts check payments and offers various giving options.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Cascade Bicycle Club is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that produces supported multi-day and single-day bicycle rides (including the flagship 206-mile Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic), runs a 12-week paid Cascade Training Series, organizes free community group rides across the Puget Sound region, delivers in-person cycling education classes, and advocates for safer cycling infrastructure and equitable access to bicycling in Washington state.

Product overview

Cascade Bicycle Club is a nonprofit cycling organization offering a platform-plus-programs model consisting of major supported rides, training programs, community rides, education classes, and advocacy/outreach initiatives. The core products are major multi-day rides including the flagship Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP, 206 miles), RSVP (Seattle to Vancouver, ~200 miles), and regional tours like Lake Chelan and San Juan Islands. Supporting these are the Cascade Training Series (12-week paid training program with four pace groups), Free Group Rides (365-day free guided rides across Puget Sound), and cycling education classes. The club also operates outreach programs including the Major Taylor Project, Pedaling Relief Project, Let's Go (school-based education), and Women & Nonbinary Program. Membership provides benefits including priority event registration, exclusive discounts from partner retailers, and access to the Member Benefits Portal. Additional offerings include the Cascade Gear Shop (merchandise) and advocacy for bike infrastructure and safety policies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP) A premier 206-mile, two-day supported bicycle ride from Seattle (UW Seattle, Parking Lot E-18) to Portland (Holladay Park) with one-day and two-day registration options, baggage transport, food stops, mechanical and medical support, and 5,600+ annual riders.
• Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP) A multi-day international ride from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia (August 22-23) covering approximately 200 miles through the Cascade range, Skagit Valley, and the Salish Sea, with scenic finish through BC greenways.
• Cascade Training Series (CTS) A twelve-week paid training program preparing riders for endurance events like STP and RSVP; offers four pace groups (Red 10-12mph, Yellow 12-14mph, Green 14-16mph, Blue 16-18mph), progressively longer rides with elevation gain, Fix-a-Flat training, cross-training guidance, and virtual seminars.
• Free Group Rides Complimentary guided bicycle rides available 365 days a year across the Puget Sound region, led by certified Ride Leaders offering various locations, paces, and terrains for cyclists of all skill levels.
• Lake Chelan Tour A multi-day supported tour covering 154 miles with 9,900 ft elevation gain through the Lake Chelan region, scheduled September 25-27, 2026.
• San Juan Islands Tour A multi-day tour covering 124 miles with 7,550 ft elevation gain through the San Juan Islands, scheduled August 4-7, 2026.
• Lake Union Family Ride A single-day family-friendly ride covering 6.9 miles around Lake Union, scheduled September 13, 2026.
• Revel Revolution A cycling event for women and nonbinary riders with route options including 60-mile, 27-mile, and 15-mile distances, party atmosphere, and commemorative gear.
• Classes and Bike Education Comprehensive in-person cycling education programs covering bike maintenance, riding skills, and safety instruction across beginner through advanced levels, with categories including Getting Started, Advancing Your Skills, Becoming Independent, and Class Instructor training.
• Annual Membership Program Annual membership program with tiered pricing: Individual ($60), Family ($90), Limited Income Individual ($15), Limited Income Family ($30), and Champion ($1,000). Members receive priority event registration, exclusive partner discounts, and supporting Cascade's education, advocacy, and community programs; over 70% of members opt for auto-renew.
• Cascade Gear Shop Online merchandise store offering Cascade-branded cycling apparel, gear, and accessories, with co-branded items available through partner collaborations.
• Washington Bike Walk Roll Summit Annual statewide summit convening cycling and pedestrian advocacy stakeholders for education, networking, and policy discussions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9,500+ active members supporting the organization's mission
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Portland Bicycling ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Portland Bicycling Club to arrange pre-ride bus transportation delivering riders and bikes from Portland to Seattle for STP start line. Bus tickets available as add-on purchase through Cascade registration.
• Washington BikescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization sharing advocacy mission for bicycling in Washington state. Collaborates on policy initiatives including helmet decriminalization, protected bike lane cleanups (Ride in the Rain), and Vision Zero safety goals.
• Alaska AirlinesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. Provides Layover Lounge packages at midpoint (Centralia College) with various amenity tiers.
• Kaiser PermanenteflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic presented by Alaska Airlines.
• Gold Wing Touring AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPatrols the Lewis and Clark Bridge during STP, providing escort support and safety direction for riders during bridge crossing.
• Therapeutic Associates Physical TherapyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts recovery station at STP midpoint rest stop (Centralia College) for rider recovery services.
• Montlake Bicycle ShopcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-time STP partner near UW start line offering bike shipping/building services and rentals. Arranges pickup of rental bikes from UW bike corral after ride.
• Recycled CyclescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBike rental partner offering flat rate $65 weekend rentals for STP riders including pickup from UW bike corral. Discount code provided through Cascade upon STP registration.
• BikeFlights.comminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial bike shipping partner for STP. Built custom Seattle to Portland Shipping Guide with easy-to-pack boxes, packing videos, and customer support.
• Bike WorksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSTP riders receive 15% off bike repair labor through March 31 at Bike Works shop in Seattle's Columbia City neighborhood and Tacoma's 2nd Cycle community bike shop.
• Cycle UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDean of Cycle University provides STP training guidance and expertise for rider preparation programs.
• Centralia CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial midpoint stop for STP offering tent camping, indoor gym camping, semi-private rooms, and RV parking. Proceeds benefit student athletic programs.
• Lloyd Athletic ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides shower facilities near STP finish line at Holladay Park for $20 day pass with day use lockers and towels.
• StripecoreTechnology or IntegrationPayment gateway provider processing credit card transactions. Certified Level 1 PCI Compliant with encrypted data security for membership renewals, event registrations, and donations.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel PortlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial STP finish line hotel adjacent to Holladay Park. Offers special rates for STP riders and serves as bus/bike truck loading location.
• Hyatt Regency Portland HotelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial STP hotel south of finish line with discounted pricing for riders and complimentary secure bike storage in guestrooms.
• Seattle Neighborhood Greenways (Central Seattle Greenways)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of Helmet Law Working Group formed to address disproportionate ticketing of Black cyclists. Collaborates on data analysis and policy advocacy for decriminalizing helmet use.
• Real ChangeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Helmet Law Working Group addressing racial disparities in helmet law enforcement and supporting decriminalization efforts.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Rapha Cycling Club: Global premium cycling community and apparel brand with organized group rides and membership tiers. Comparable in monetizing cycling community through membership benefits and rides, but a for-profit commercial brand rather than a nonprofit.
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: National nonprofit focused on converting rail-trail corridors into active-transportation infrastructure. Comparable in the advocacy and active-transportation mission space, with a national footprint and policy influence that Cascade aspires to.

Emerging players

• Strava: Leading digital cycling and running community platform with subscription tiers, route discovery, and local-club functionality. Adjacent peer that competes for the same rider engagement time and could disintermediate Cascade's group-ride community function.
• Pedalheads: Commercial children's bike education and camp operator with a Cascade member-discount partnership. Comparable in delivering structured bike-education programs, but for-profit and youth-focused rather than a multi-segment community organization.

Direct peers

• USA Cycling: National governing body for competitive cycling in the US, organizing races and membership programs. Comparable to Cascade in producing cycling events and managing a member base, though focused on sanctioned competitive racing rather than recreational mass-participation rides.
• Washington Bikes: Sister statewide bicycle advocacy organization partnering with Cascade on helmet law, Vision Zero, and bike-lane policy. Directly comparable as a mission-aligned advocacy peer in the same geography with overlapping donor and policy interests.
• PeopleForBikes: National bicycling industry trade association and advocacy organization. Directly comparable to Cascade's advocacy and community-building work, with a broader industry-supporter base and federal policy focus rather than event-driven programming.
• League of American Bicyclists: National bicycling advocacy and education organization operating as a 501(c)(3) with member clubs across the US. Directly comparable to Cascade in combining advocacy, education, and event programming for cyclists, but at a national rather than regional scale.

Others

• Outdoor Industry Association: National trade association for the outdoor recreation industry, including cycling. Comparable in nonprofit membership-based advocacy and corporate partnership model, but representing a broader industry rather than a single activity.

Regional players

• Bicycle Colorado: Statewide bicycling advocacy and education nonprofit serving Colorado. Highly comparable model to Cascade—membership, education, advocacy, and community rides—but in a different US state without direct competitive overlap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/CascadeBicycleClub
• Facebookfacebook.com/CascadeBicycleClub
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cascade-bicycle-club
• Instagraminstagram.com/cascadebicycle
• TikToktiktok.com/@cascadebicycle
• Xx.com/cascadebicycle

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cascade Bicycle Club