In Bellingham and around Whatcom County there are plenty of Events and Races (see Basecamp Bellingham) to choose from every month of the year. To help prepare for these events or just to connect with active locals- check out these groups and gatherings around the county. Below is a list of groups to join for Running, Paddling, Swimming, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Adventure Racing, Road Biking, Skiing and Social Groups.
Fairhaven Runners - Located in the heart of Fairhaven (across from Village Books) you'll find plenty of resources to connect with like-minded runners and walkers at Fairhaven Runner Events.
Klicks Running and Walking - Nestled in bustling downtown Bellingham, Klicks Running and Walking Events will put you on the right path to fun and fitness. Every Wednesday @ 5:30 meet at Wander Brewing - 1807 Dean Avenue. Get your hand stamped before the run and receive $1 off post-run pints!
Bellingham Trail Running Club -The BTRC will help you have fun, socialize, and achieve your trail running goals whether you are new to trail running, an old pro, an ultra runner, or a roadrunner with an adventurous streak. Check out the BTRC Group Run Schedule.
Whatcom Association for Kayak Enthusiasts - Dip into their Paddle Calendar to get out safely on the water with WAKE Members."Wednesday nights at Lake Whatcom" - This is an informal (but rather serious) gathering of local paddle racers. There is a list serve to sign up for- but you have to show up to get on the list in the first place! These are competitive boats that are over 20' long and 19" wide. If you are sitting inside your boat, then you probably shouldn't show up- at least to race. You can spectate all you want though! Get OUT THERE and paddle on Lake Whatcom.
Local LORE: It's a piece from the past and has gone by the wayside, but in its day this was a blast! Tall Boy Ride.
Want exposure to Adventure Racing? Join the Quest Adventure Race Club to hone your outdoor adventure skills.
What is Adventure Racing? Read this informative Overview of Adventure Racing article.
Take your pick:
Tuesday Evening Summer Ride: Tuesday evenings, meet at 5:45 pm, ride starts at 6:00 pm April through mid-September. Meet at the Whatcom Community College northeast parking lot - just off Eliza and Kellogg Road, north of the soccer fields.
Wednesday Group Workout Ride: Road ride, race pace. The group splits into moderate to fast pace (16-18 mph) plus faster pace (18+ mph), 30-mile distance, meet at 5:45 pm, leave at 6:00 pm from Boundary Bay Brewery at Railroad Avenue.
Thursday Going Up The County Ride. The ride starts at Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot. This is a half mile north of Lawrence from Nugent's Corner (Lawrence - Hwy 9 - the Mt Baker Hwy).
Sunday mornings: The Long Slog Ride starts at 9 am from Boulevard Park, near the bike racks behind Woods Coffee. This is a group ride for slower riders who want to build strength and endurance.
NOTE: The following rides not sponsored nor insured by the MBBC, but also open to everyone to try out. Visit Mount Baker Bicycle Club Rides for more details and contact info
Sunday Fairhaven "Rabbit Ride" has been going on every week of the year since 2011. Details are below but to be safe, check on the Fairhaven Bike Rabbit Ride webpage.
Tuesday North-Side Social Ride: starts from Pioneer Park in Ferndale, 30-40 miles, 13-16 mph route varies. 10 am start time, may be altered by weather in winter. The route is chosen based on where the riders want to regroup for lunch.
Tuesday Hot Laps Ride: 30-40 miles, race pace. Training ride departs from Kulshan Cycles at 6pm to a practice road race course. Summer months only.
Thursday Night Ride (TNR), begins at Fairhaven Bike at 6:00 Thursdays. Fast road ride.
Saturday Donut Ride: 25 to 50 miles, race pace, departs from Kulshan Cycles, 7:30 am October through February, and 7 am March through September. Goes to Ferndale and return, or if you wish to continue to Birch Bay and return. Get your weekend miles behind you before most people get out of bed on Saturday! This ride has been a Bellingham tradition forever. Every week of the year!!
Saturday Recumbent Ride: Everyone is welcome to come out and ride with the recumbents - even you upright riders. Second Saturday of the month at 10 am. 14-mile intown course begins at Kulshan Cycles. This is a very relaxed social ride (avg 10 mph) with a lunch stop.
Woods Giant Redwood Challenge Summer Ride: August 30, 2015. If you choose the challenge, you'll ride your own self-guided tour to all 14 Woods Coffee locations in Whatcom County, for a total of 60-70 miles. More Information about this caffeine-fueled tour is here!
Northwest Ski and Recreation Club - "If you're a fun-loving adult who likes outdoor activities and wants to meet people and make new friends in the greater Bellingham area, you are in the right place! We don't have meetings, but we do have Club Nights on the second Thursday of the month. Club Night is our monthly social gathering where members can catch up with friends, meet new members, have a drink and a bite to eat, and sign up for activities. Stick around afterward for dinner and keep the party hopping!
There are no regular meetings -- just fun events all year 'round. These include monthly Club Nights at local restaurants and watering holes; Ski Trips to various destinations in winter and spring; and other activities throughout the year including cycling, camping, river rafting, golf, tennis, cruises, wine tasting, and more!"
