Spring Winthrop Gravel Tour

Join COGS for a 3-day hub-n-spoke gravel bike tour and adventure in Winthrop. We had a great time the past two years riding some of the best gravel terrain in the state.

Friday we will ride a route that is really a collection of Winthrop Greatest Hits. We start out on a trail looping around Pearrygin Lake. After climbing to Cougar lake we descend past Campbell Lake and through the scenic Pipestone Canyon. A climb up and over Balky Hill Road takes us back to the pavement. Here we have a choice. For those riding the 29 mile, 2500' shorter route return up a gentle paved road along the Methow River back to Winthrop. Those interested in the 41 mile, 3600' longer option will stop in Twisp for lunch before heading up Twisp River Road to Elbow Coulee followed by a beautiful descent down Patterson Lake Road to return to Winthrop.

Saturday will be a 42 mile, 3600' loop up Cub Creek over Banker Pass and down to the Mazama Store for lunch.  We return via the Methow Community Trail and Wolf Creek Road.

Sunday will be a shorter, half day ride leaving us time to drive home afterwards. We'll ride 14 miles, 1600' past what should be some of the best spring flower viewing in the valley.

What to bring:

• Large tires for the gravel sections. 40’s are probably a minimum. Narrower tires will decrease control while increasing both discomfort and the chance of flat tires.
• Lots of water. There will be a lot of climbing with no options for refilling.
• Clothing for for rain and cold weather. We'll get almost up to 5000' elevation.
• GPS & maps to navigate on your own.
• Spare tubes, pump, tools and other biking gear to make you self-sufficient are also necessary. We will be out of cell coverage for portions of the ride.

Lodging:

Event headquarters: North Cascades Mountain Hostel.  We have stayed at the hostel the past two years.  There is a kitchen and a open room for socializing.  Some of the riders prepared their breakfasts in the kitchen.  In the past, we checked out in the morning before our final ride, left our cars in their lot, and retuned to shower before departing. It would be good to confirm upon arrival if interested in repeating this pattern.

There are several other options for lodging nearby including Hotel Rio Vista, Virginian Resort as well as camping at Pine Near Park and Pearrygin Lake State Park.

For more info, read the report from an earlier ride: Winthrop Gravel Hub & Spoke Tour 2024