| Ride Leader |
Thatcher Hubbard |
| Contact Info |
thatcher.hubbard+cogs@gmail.com | 206.234.8059 |
| Pace | Dist. | Elev. | Terrain |
Moderate+ (9-11mph) | 42mi | 4663ft | Gravel |
| Route |
GRiT - Snoqualmie Pass (multiple options) |
| Start Location |
Crystal Spring Sno-park |
| Check in | Start |
08:50am | 09:00am |
If you're interested in doing some gravel riding, please join us for a beautiful and challenging trip to Snoqualmie Pass.
We'll be doing the course from The GRiT Adventure Gravel ride, which gives us the option of three different lengths from the same starting point, and also allows for easy food and water refills by passing through the parking area multiple times. Ride 31, 42 or 63 miles depending on how you feel.
The course is challenging largely because of the distance and elevation gain, it's not terribly technical. There isn't any single-track, most of it is gravel road with a couple sections that might better be described as double-track. While there are a couple of places where you might find yourself putting a foot down, there's no real hike-a-bike due to either grade or surface conditions.
I have done the route multiple times and been comfortable on 45mm gravel tires, though if you're experienced a 40mm would probably be fine. If you're unsure and you have a mountain bike, neither the pace of the ride nor the terrain will put you at a disadvantage if you choose to ride one.
Parts of the course are somewhat remote, and you would not want to have to walk out, so a selection of ways to fix a flat and some basic backcountry repair tools are a good idea (e.g., quick link, allen wrenches, Dynaplugs, spare tube).
The weather can also be variable and temperatures can swing a lot between the low and high points of the route, so you'll want a way to layer up. You'll also burn a lot of calories doing this much climbing, so make sure to bring some high-carb snacks, and a a way to carry enough water.
We'll plan on regrouping at the top of each of the big climbs, and each time back through the starting point. Phone coverage is variable on the route, so jumping ahead to the next regroup is fine, but at no point should anybody leave anyone else to ride solo at the back.
I'll plan on bringing a couple of large water coolers to refill from, and we can stop at Dru Bru on the way home if we're feeling up to it.
Things you'll need:
- A bike you're comfortable riding on gravel roads that in places can touch a 13% grade
- A couple of ways to deal with a flat tire
- Two bottle cages or another way to carry ~1.5L of water
- Plenty of on-the-bike snacks and some extras to refill with
- Clothing to cover what can be quite a difference in temperature between the top and bottom of the route
- Sunscreen!
Note that average speeds are going to be quite a bit lower than on a road ride, even a hilly road ride, so even the 31 mile course will likely take us nearly three hours, so this is not going to be a short day.
If you are interested but have questions, please feel free to email me.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- All riders must register. Helmets are required. No earphones or headphones.
- Rides may be open to non-members. Please check us out. Non-members are limited to one “free” ride as our insurance requires they become a member.
- Riders are expected to be self-supporting with spare tubes, pump, water, snacks, and capable of fixing their own flats. Use of flashers, visual enhancers and rearview mirrors is encouraged. Weather conditions can and will change, be prepared. In addition, please also bring safe riding skills and good road manners.
- Cancellation for rain, smoke, etc. to be sent no later than 7 AM day of ride.
