HIGHLIGHTS: 6 July 2018
· Mt Rainer Bike Ride to from Longmire to Paradise Visitor Center, Packwood, Skate Creek and back to Longmire.
· July 13th, Friday – ride is midweek to minimize exposure to cars on the mountain roads.
· This is a variation “repeat” attempt of the ride that Bob Arima initiated for this year that was cancelled due to poor weather. Ride start is at Longmire Parking Lot and proceeds up to Paradise Visitor Center and down and around through Packwood, up Skate Creek Road and back to start at Longmire. About 60 miles and 5500 feet of climbing. This is an iconic/classical Pacific Northwest bike adventure!
· Drive to Longmire parking lot (drive time from Park Entrance to Longmire is about 20 minutes). Plan to arrive at Longmire NLT 9:30am. We will start riding at 9:45 am!
NOTE/Weather: Presently long rang weather forecast is favorable. If weather forecast changes to bad, ride will be cancelled/rescheduled the night before the ride by email. Watch your email the night before.
DISTANCE/ELEVATION: Route is roughly 60 miles and 5500 feet.
MEETING LOCATION: Longmire Parking lot in Rainier Park. Meet NLT 9:30 am. Ride will depart at 9:45 AM. There are bathrooms at the parking lot.
MEET TIME/CAR POOLING: Plan to leave Seattle no later than 7:00 am to ensure you will be at Longmire NLT 9:30. It is long drive during commute hours…. don’t under estimate the time it will take you to make the drive.
Let’s try to car pool. Speak up if you need a ride or are willing to give a ride.
If you are late in arriving, we will leave without you. The cue sheet is straight forward with the only tricky part being finding the unmarked back way into Longmire camping area off Skate Creek road.
WHO IS COMIMG ON THE RIDE: Register at the COGS website if you plan to participate. Note there is no cell service on the Mountain.
PACE: Anywhere from moderate to brisk riding skills are needed. Everyone will climb and descend at their own pace. This is a stay together ride – not that we ride together up the hills and down but that we “hang together” and provide mutual support as we enjoy the day as a group. We will regroup as indicated below.
DESCRIPTION OF ROUTE: Depart Longmire Parking Lot; ride up to Paradise Visitor Center and regroup and eat a snack; bike through Stevens Canyon (Box Canyon) and regroup at east Park entrance. Proceed to Packwood for lunch/regroup; bike up Skate Creek Road to gravel road on right (between mile marker 9 and 10) and regroup; then proceed into back side of Longmire camp grounds on dirt/gravel road for short distance back to Longmire Camp grounds. CUE SHEET: Print out and bring it with you if you want one. No copies will be provided. http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4941370.
EQUIPMENT: Suggest you bring rain and some cold weather riding gear. The weather on the mountain can and occasional does change without notice. Also bring money for Park entrance fee and for lunch/pie. Also bring some energy foods to fuel yourself during the climbing. Two water bottles should be sufficient as we will be able to obtain water at Paradise and Packwood. Spare tubes, pump and other biking gear to make you self-sufficient are also necessary. Expect a cold descent off Paradise.
RIDE ORGANIZER: Tom Tanner. Cell is 206/384.9400 or home is 206/298.0225. Call if you have questions or want help organizing a car pooling option.
Thanks. Tom
PS: PIE STOP AFTER RIDE ON THE WAY HOME AT ICONIC PIE RESTARUANT (whose name eludes me) FOR THOSE WHO CAN NOT RESIST!
