As seen from previous posts, this 8K600K route was rerouted several times to finally get a perfect storm of climbing around the scenic and amazing Mount Rainier National Park. Within a couple weeks of the pre-ride, we had to change the course due to a major wildfire on Hwy 12 east of White Pass. Even though the wildfire was all put out by all the rain, we couldn’t change it back to the original route since there was still wildfire danger and closures within a couple days before our pre-ride. I also established three 200K permanents to ride it in 3 days, so we could focus on each section of the route. Thanks to RUSA for approving these 3 permanents in short notice! Rick Blacker and I prerode a portion of the first section to Sunrise. We decided to be safe and not continue riding down off top of Sunrise due to cold and rainy conditions last weekend. We also pre-rode the 214k permanent from Cliffdell to Eatonville and got a lot of information along that section of the route, since there is a lot of stores with limited hours in the small towns. We also pre-drove the last section to also obtain important store hours and road conditions up to Bear Meadows.
This 8K600K is important to prepare for the elements and requires some preplanning on where you will get food on this route. The cue sheet on the RWGPS has been updated to reflect all the store hours in each town or control towns. The first section of the course has 4 major climbs, that includes Cayuse Pass (4000 ft in 24 miles), Sunrise (3,000 ft in 13 miles) , and Chinook Pass twice (3700 ft in 26 miles 1st time from Greenwater and 3300 ft in 25 miles 2nd time from Cliffdell), totaling 15,000 ft of elevation gain in the first 157 miles, with a huge descent into Packwood at the halfway mark. Each of these climbs have a steeper section near the top (8-10 miles with grades of 10% or greater), so its important to take advantage and increase the speed on the lower section of each climb. Each major pass climb also has long descents following them and this is where you can make up a lot of time. Its important to be efficient at controls and while riding in order to keep ahead of the 15kph average speed (guideline cutoff – all noted on the RWGPS cue sheet). There are no intermediate cutoffs on this ride, but its important stay ahead for more sleep at the overnight and more time to relax on the second half in order to finish within the required 40 hours time limit. This ride will be EPP and will include instructions on the Brevet Card, essentially sending your Strava, RWGPS or GPX file to me after the finish.
There are no services after you start at Packwood, so plan on carrying extra food here for the first 2 big climbs. There is a water fountain and restrooms just past the National Park entrance. I plan to be there at Sunrise control for support since the Sunrise Lodge does not open until 11:00 AM. Greenwater has several places to stock up including the Wapiti Woolies amazing huckleberry shakes and sandwiches or the Mt Rainier general store, just down Hwy 410. After making the U-turn in Greenwater climbing up Hwy 410 along the White River, there is the Silver Springs visitor center with food and water, near the base of the steep part of the 1st Chinook Pass climb. Whistlin Jack’s in Cliffdell has a store that closes at 7:00 PM and they stop serving food at the bar at 8:30 PM, so a good incentive to make it here before then since these closing times are right about at the guideline cutoff time. There is water at Pleasant Valley Campground about 16 miles up from Cliffdell up the 2nd Chinook Pass climb. Additional note: Lodgepole campground is closed for the season. Plan on no services for food from Cliffdell to Packwood (54 miles).
At Packwood, we will have a room at the Cowlitz River Lodge overnight control. Please check in at the control first if you are staying at a different place in Packwood. We will have sandwiches and soup. The imaginary cutoff at Packwood is at 0:48, so if you plan on leaving later than this please let me know at the overnight and then text me when you depart Packwood, so we know you are back on course.
The 2nd half of the ride has 2 major climbs, the first is the Skate Creek Road climb (1600 ft in 12 miles), immediately after Packwood. The 2nd major climb is the Bear Meadows climb (3100 ft in 15 miles), with a total elevation gain in 2nd half of about 11,000 ft. So there is a lot of rolling hills (100-300 ft) on the 2nd half and there is a long descent from the top of Skate Creek summit to Eatonville. There is some gravel sections for about 6 miles on the Skate Creek climb so be cautious as this will likely be in the dark. After you summit Skate Creek, it is paved all the way to Ashford. Just watch out of fallen trees or branches along the shoulder!
Store hours are very limited in Ashford, Elbe and Eatonville and should plan that they will be closed if you arrive through these towns between midnight and 6:00 AM, so plan on stocking up food at Packwood to go about 100k. There is a control just past the small community of LaGrande, at the bottom of the hill at Pack Forest along Hwy 7. Then after getting through Eatonville, there is a 50K out and back to the Puyallup River (at Brooks Rd/Orville Rd junction). This section has a few hills along Lake Kapowsin and back up into Eatonville. Kapowsin also has a store that opens at 6:00 AM.
After returning to Eatonville, you will take the Alder cutoff road back toward Alder Reservoir. At Elbe the route climbs up and over to Morton where there there is a control at Spiffys or the Shell store. Then reminder, the route goes on Davis Creek Road to get off of Hwy 12 for a while. Upon descending into Randle, there is great view of Mt Adams! At Randle, plan on stocking up for the final 65 miles that includes the climb up Bear Meadows. There is water in the Iron Creek campground at some noted campsites on the cue sheet, but might be hard to find at this late stage of the ride, but just made note just in case. NF25 has a lot of cracks in the asphalt, so be extremely cautious when climbing and descending along this forest road.
The NF99 road pitches up steeper for 5 miles but once you get to the summit at Bear Meadows, hopefully you get the view of Mt St Helens. There is a plaque there at the Mt St Helens viewpoint, so take in a few seconds to learn about the Gary Rosenquist famous photographs of the 1980 eruption!
The route then takes a U-turn back down NF99 to NF25, so hopefully you get back down before dark, cautiously descending with the bad cracks in the asphalt.
The route does not return to Randle, and takes the back roads (Woods Way, Cispus Rd and mostly on Cline Rd) along the south side of the Cowlitz River. Then finishes on US12 in the final 6 miles. Another update from the pre-ride is we changed the finish line at the Blue Spruce Saloon, which is open until 10:00 PM on Sunday.
I think you will enjoy this 8K600K (in whatever type fun you see fit) with all splendid “views” of Mount Rainier National Park and Mt St Helens, Hopefully weather forecast will hold but always bring extra clothing just in case. And make sure you remember all your reflective gear and lights! If you have a Spot tracker or other tracking device please send us your website link, so we can track you. I have a Spot for anyone need one.
Good luck!
Thanks to Marcy Moran for driving our drop bag to our hotels and other essential support along the way Thanks to Mark Thomas for all the help in creating this route. Thanks to Rick Blacker for helping with this pre-ride!
This 1000 kilometer route offers a meandering tour of the north Puget Sound, Cascade foothills, and outskirts of south Puget Sound. The overall elevation profile is low for the distance, but the climbing is concentrated, with a few punchy climbs coming right when legs will likely be feeling tender. Except for a 45 km section between Darrington and Concrete, services should be plentiful along the course at most times of day and evening. As such, this will be a fully self-supported ride, with no volunteer presence along the course except for the check in at the start and the finish control. Proof of passage will be accepted via GPS track.
The route was last run in September 2019, with notoriously rainy conditions; riders will hopefully encounter better weather this August 10-13. Each of the course’s three loops starts and ends at the venerable Redmond Inn; other hotel options are available nearby. Riders must make their own arrangements for all accommodations, there will be no staffed control at the Redmond Inn until the finish. Finishers will see this ride count towards the ACP Randonneur 5000 and 10000 awards requiring a 1000 km brevet.
Pre-riders Mitch Ishihara, John Nguyen, and Phil Neff rode the course starting Friday, July 26 in 65 hours 22 minutes; the event will run Saturday August 10 at 4am to Tuesday, August 13 at 7am (75 hour limit). Click here for more info and registration.
The event starts at 4am to offer the potential of reasonable sleep timings at the end of each day’s loop. Note possible presence of construction around the Redmond Inn including scraped pavement and harsh transitions. After exiting the Redmond Inn, cross Redmond Way directly across the street into what looks like a construction site, but is actually a half-block stretch of light gravel. The immediate climb of Novelty Hill will warm up your legs before you drop into the chilly and foggy Snoqualmie River valley, riding north to Monroe and then Snohomish; traffic here should be light in the early morning.
From Snohomish you’ll take the Centennial Trail north all the way to its terminus at the Nakashima Barn. Pre-riders stopped along the way in Arlington for breakfast at Moe’s on Olympic. Exiting the Centennial Trail, take State Routes 9 and 534 towards Conway, turning right on Cedardale Road just before I-5. Watch for views of Mount Baker peeking over the hills to the northeast.
This part of the Skagit Valley is pancake flat farmland all the way north through Bow and Edison, with mellow roads and traffic.
From Edison, Chuckanut Drive offers one of western Washington’s most enjoyable and scenic roads, with rolling hills and sweeping curves hugging the hillside along the Sound. However, the northbound shoulder is narrow, with rough pavement and debris, and Saturday traffic is likely to be heavy. Descend into Bellingham for a quick jaunt through town to the turnaround point at Boulevard Park; services here include the Woods Coffee cafe, restrooms, and water in addition to many other options in town. Watch for an active train crossing at the entrance to the park.
Head back south along the pedestrian boardwalk and through neighborhoods along the bluffs, back to Chuckanut Drive, where southbound conditions should be more comfortable, with wider shoulders and several scenic viewpoints where you can pull out for a photo op or to let cars pass. Watch for car doors and pedestrians at trailheads.
Descend back towards quaint Bow-Edison, with lots of food options; pre-riders enjoyed the reuben pizza and DIY root beer floats at Terramar Brewstillery.
Continue south along the Salish Sea coast towards La Conner; windy conditions are likely here.
At Conway, turn southbound onto the Pioneer Highway paralleling I-5. From here through Marysville, pre-riders encountered heavy end of week rush hour traffic, aggravated drivers, and inhospitable road conditions on rural highways and busy suburban roads. Put your head down and pedal through it; hopefully traffic conditions will be better here on a Saturday.
In case you’re still having fun, the Ebey Slough route into Everett at SR 204 is one of the most hostile and confusing “bike paths” in the state, with a wrong-way entrance on a highway off-ramp and plentiful glass and debris. See this step by step guide for navigating it if you’re unfamiliar or need a refresher. After this the pain continues with punchy climbs through downtown Everett, often with busy intersections mid-climb. The climbing doesn’t let up through Mukilteo, Edmonds, and Shoreline, but some fun descents and amazing views of the evening Puget Sound make up for it. Exercise caution on the Mukilteo Speedway and late night descents including NE Perkins Way.
MukilteoEdmonds
Entering Seattle, head south to Mercer Island via the Burke-Gilman Trail, largely following the familiar Lake Washington Loop route, with a deviation avoiding the Lakeview Park switchbacks. Pre-riders stopped along the way for dinner at Shake Shack in University Village; the Eureka! restaurant here is also open until midnight on Saturdays. Cross the I-90 Bridge and Mercer Island, climb Factoria, and roll north on the Lake Sammamish Trail to the finish. Again, be aware of construction involving minor detours on Mercer Island, some harsh transitions at road crossings on the Lake Sammamish Trail, and rough roads around the Redmond Inn. Get some sleep and prepare to do it all over again.
The route’s second loop starts off with a jog through Marymoor park to the Sammamish River Trail, exiting at Wilmot Gateway Park in Woodinville. Pre-riders opted for an early stop for bagels sandwiches at Woodinville Bagel Bakery before the climb up NE Woodinville Duvall Road, following the familiar route through Maltby and Broadway Avenue to Snohomish. A very short stretch on the Centennial Trail leads to a back roads route to Granite Falls, with multiple punchy climbs in store. Jordan Road out of Granite Falls and into Arlington is rolling and pleasant, if you can ignore the traffic. Pre-riders found themselves rolling at a significantly slower pace through this point of the route, with a slow start after the previous day’s effort.
Jordan Road terminates at Oso Slide Memorial Highway; take the right onto the shoulder and continue for some 40 kilometers of highway riding eastbound into the foothills of the north Cascades.
The shoulder is mostly generous except for a narrow and degraded stretch through the town of Oso itself; just outside of town, note a memorial and the remnants of the deadly 2014 landslide on the hillside to your left.
Approaching Darrington, the glaciated peak of Whitehorse Mountain looms to the south.
Darrington offers services including stores and restaurants; pre-riders again chose to eat at Moe’s Darrington (lunch service was a bit busy, pre-ordering online is an option both here and at Moe’s on Olympic in Arlington: https://moescoffee.com/). Note that this is the last option for services for at least 45 km until Concrete (a short ride off course); or 80 km to the general store in Clear Lake (on course, no restrooms; other services are available off course in Sedro-Wooley and further on in Mount Vernon).
From Darrington, turn north on Highway 530 and follow the Sauk and Skagit Rivers on a long, slow descent back into the valley via the South Skagit Highway.
The river views on your right, hills on your left, and dappled shade make for very pleasant, but potentially hypnotic riding.
Stay alert, enjoy the shade, and keep pedaling! After about 80 km, pass under and then merge onto the shoulder of Highway 9 for a short stretch. Services are available in Clear Lake as mentioned above. Take Mud Lake road westbound; a series of rural roads leads into the north end of Mount Vernon, with many options for services (pre-riders veered off-course to Safeway for resupply; one suffered a close encounter with a bathroom with no toilet paper).
Take Freeway Drive south along I-5 and cross over the Skagit River, following its North Fork through farmland, crossing the river again at Best Road in a short repeat of a section from yesterday’s route into Conway for the climb back up to Lake McMurray and the Centennial Trail trailhead at Nakashima Barn (note the trailhead gate will be closed after dusk).
Ride the full length of the trail back to Snohomish; be aware of root bumps in the dark. Just off the trail, the 7-Eleven in Arlington is open 24 hours. The route out of Snohomish is the traditional Springhetti to Broadway approach. One final late night roller coaster awaits after Maltby as you climb Paradise Lake Road to reenter Redmond the back way via Avondale Road.
That’s loop two finished. After a tough start to the day, pre-riders found that our pace picked up as the day went along, but we still finished the second day in only an hour less than the first day’s time, despite the shorter course. Rest up and prepare for a relatively easy final stretch..
Pre-riders started day three with a hearty breakfast at the Family Pancake House adjacent to the Redmond Inn (opens 6:30 am) before starting out southbound on the Lake Sammamish Trail.
Transition onto NW Gilman Boulevard and take the right onto Front Street, becoming Issaquah-Hobart Road. Climb steadily on the narrow shoulder; Monday morning traffic should largely be in the opposite direction. Ravensdale Market at the junction with Kent Kangley road is a good stop for supplies; continue to Kanaskat Kangley Road SE and make a left turn onto Cumberland Kanaskat Road SE.
Wind through Palmer towards Enumclaw, with many options for services. In Buckley, join the Foothills Trail briefly at Wally’s Drive-In, a great potential stop for lunch or a shake.
Re-join the road at 112th and turn left onto Mundy Loss Road and then right onto Pioneer Way East, bypassing the washed out bridge on the Foothills Trail. In South Prairie, re-join the Foothills Trail for about 10 km before hopping back onto Pioneer Way across from Patterson Road East; there are a few spots to exit the trail onto the road here. Pioneer Way becomes SR 162.
Turn left onto Orville Road East for the gentle 14 km climb up to Kapowsin.
Here you can resupply at Kapowsin Grocery or stop in at Kapowsin Ale House & Grill, a biker joint with excellent tavern pizza.
Turn back the way you came and descend Orville Road East to SR 162, turning left into Orting. Hop back onto the Foothills Trail, which will take you most of the way to Sumner. At Shaw Road, cross over a busy railroad bypass and turn right on East Main, which becomes Traffic Avenue.
Carefully cross oncoming traffic onto the Sumner Link Trail near 142nd Avenue East. After about 5 km, the trail ends unceremoniously in a section of gravel with some deep patches before crossing the White River on a mixed use pedestrian bridge that dumps you into a grungy commercial park at 16th Avenue E. Continue straight for a few blocks, crossing railroad tracks, then turn onto Valentine Avenue SE and Milwaukee Boulevard S through Pacific and Algona.
Enter the Interurban Trail at the Algona Trailhead. The next 19 or so kilometers of the Interurban offer an object lesson in “suspension loss due to rider fatigue” as badly deteriorated, bumpy pavement and railroad crossings test your remaining capacity to avoid obstacles and cushion impacts. Be careful of multiple potentially busy traffic crossings. In Tukwila, exit the trail at Longacres Way and continue through the abandoned racing track parking lot and commercial parks into Renton.
Wind through downtown Renton towards Lake Washington Boulevard East. Cross left onto the Eastrail mixed use path just after the Seahawks Practice Field/Virginia Mason Athletic Center; after about 5 km, exit the trail right onto the Lake Washington Trail, and then join 118th Ave SE, being careful of oncoming and following traffic. At I-90, cross left onto the I-90 Trail and continue to Mercer Island. Construction obstructs the I-90 Trail at various points on Mercer Island, follow detour signs to North Mercer Way, rejoining the trail to cross the I-90 Bridge. Pre-riders stopped on Mercer Island at Hap’s Burgers & Taps (open until 8pm Monday) for our last milkshakes of the brevet.
Exit the I-90 Trail just before the East Portal Viewpoint, drop into your low gears for the short, steep climb up to Lake Washington Boulevard South. Continue north as the road winds down towards Leschi, watching for bumpy pavement and possible oncoming traffic at the intersection with S Frink Place/S Jackson Street.
Follow the clockwise Lake Washington Loop north on Lake Washington Boulevard, turning left to climb Madrona Drive to Madrona Place East; from here, you’re repeating the first night’s route in reverse as you skirt the Arboretum on side streets and join the Burke-Gilman Trail northbound across the Montlake Cut (be aware of potential construction impacts in Montlake).
From here, all that’s left is to push through the BGT and Sammamish River Trail to Marymoor Park and a 1000K finish. Chapeau!
We headed out at 6 am Saturday, encouraged by the dry roads and lack of rain, unlike what the forecast had predicted. As soon as you leave the hotel and are riding east on NE 70th Street, stay in the right-hand lane as you approach Redmond Way/WA-202. Aim for the big gravel pile on the other side of the road. Go straight across and jog slightly left to cross the sidewalk and ride through some gravel to get over to 180th Ave NE and turn left. The gravel has some potholes, but otherwise is completely rideable. The ride then goes north on familiar roads to Snohomish and Marysville.
About the time we got a bit north of Marysville, the weather got real and we pulled off to don our matchy matchy Gore Shake-Dry jackets. The climb up to Lake Ki got us warm and we were careful not to miss the turn just beyond the top of the hill. Keep a close eye out for this one as it’s easy to miss and you don’t need any bonus hills on this route!
We were so wet and cold by the time we got to Stanwood, that we decided to make an early stop at the QFC where we were very disappointed to find out that the deli does not have any hot food or soup until 11 am on Saturdays. However, the SBUX inside the store does and there are plenty of other stops in Stanwood if you need to fuel up or get warm and dry.
The skies cleared up a bit after Stanwood, and we made the loop around the hilly northern half of Camano Island. We got to the INFO control at Utsalady Point Vista Park and finding the answer made us smile. This is not a ride-by control and you will have to get up close to the sign in order to find the answer. The next INFO control at Elger Bay Grocery was well stocked, especially with the restaurant inside serving hot food. We were still well nourished from our stop in Stanwood so we got our control card filled in and headed north and back to Stanwood.
The ride north to Conway and La Conner was pretty straightforward, except of course for the wind, which seems to be ever-present. May the gods and goddesses be kind and grant you a tailwind! We stopped at the Whitney Shell INFO control, crossed Highway 20, and were approaching Bay View. We were surprised to see a big “BRIDGE CLOSED 2.6 MILES AHEAD” sign that required us to take a right turn onto Josh Wilson Road over to Farm to Market Road and then north into Edison. There’s a bit of a hill going up Josh Wilson Road and even though there’s not much of a shoulder on Farm to Market Road, the traffic seemed reasonable, even on a holiday weekend. Follow the detour signs and you’ll be fine.
There are plenty of food choices going through Edison and Bow so fuel up if you feel like you need it to get up and over the Chuckanut Drive climbs. While there are plenty of uphills through here, they all come with downhills and some nice views. Once you’re in Fairhaven, make sure you catch the INFO control right at the turn onto Old Fairhaven Parkway! There are some places to stop along this road for food, but we opted to go north a couple blocks off route for the Haggen Foods market at the corner of 12th Street and Larrabee Avenue. There are plenty of other food choices in that part of town as well. Don’t fill up too much though as the route now climbs steeply, sometimes at 12.5% grade, stair stepping its way up about 600 feet in 3.5 miles. The route then follows beautiful roads along Lake Whatcom, where you’ll find a small shopping center with a market/deli and pizza place in Sudden Valley around 238K. We didn’t stop there, but a Google search claims that the pizza place is open until 9 PM and the market/deli, until 10 PM.
Rather than going all the way past Lake Whatcom out to Highway 9, the newer version of this route now turns south onto Cain Lake Road and down through Alger to Burlington, a much nicer route IMHO. There are plenty of food choices in Burlington, but if you need something beforehand, the Glenhaven Country Store is open until 10 PM at about 245K. As you cross the Skagit River around 277K, there may be heavy traffic. Use caution to get into the right-most left-hand turn lane in order to turn left onto Pacific Place shortly after descending from the bridge.
From the Burlington/Mount Vernon area, the route is pretty straightforward through the valley over to the “Conway hill climb.” However, take caution around 290K when turning left from E Stackpole Road onto Cedardale Road. There is a large hedge there that obscures the fast-moving traffic coming from the left. The 76 gas station at Cedardale Road and Highway 534 just before the climb is open 24 hours. Once you climb the hill, get yourself over to the Centennial Trail and make your way south to Snohomish where there are plenty of food choices. After the Broadway climb, the route takes familiar roads to Woodinville where you’ll find a 24-hour Arco station at 156th Ave NE and NE Woodinville Duvall Road if you need food or drink to get you back to the finish. Head down the hill and then hop on the Sammamish River Trail back to the overnight at Redmond Inn.
As you leave the overnight control, take the same route you did on Day 1 to get across Redmond Way and through the short stretch of gravel over to 180th Ave NE. You’ll have a formidable early-morning climb up and over the Union-Novelty Hill which just seems to keep giving! The first control today is Sandy’s Espresso. Fuel up on some caffeine to recover from that nasty hill. The route then heads south on the crushed gravel Snoqualmie Valley trail for some nice forest bathing on the way to North Bend. The 1,000 ft climb up Middle Fork is about a 15.5 mile climb (one way) to the end of pavement, so plan on stocking up on water and food at North Bend. Be really careful at the bridge when crossing over to the gravel to get to the control, as there are some deep potholes on either side that have been known to take out at least one rider in the not too distant past. There is absolutely no cell coverage in this area!
After returning to North Bend and then Snoqualmie, the route climbs up to and past Snoqualmie Falls and heads over to Fall City. As you’re approaching the very confusing traffic circle at Highways 203 and 202, make sure you stay in the left hand turn lane and take the 2nd exit out of the circle onto Highway 202. The first exit takes you onto Highway 203 which is not the way you want to go.
You may want to fuel up at the Fall City gas station where the control is as the next bit of riding takes you up quite a few more hills all the way up to the Issaquah Highlands. Use the sidewalk on the right side up the Highlands – it’s a much more pleasant experience than riding the road uphill. Once at the top, stay to the right and watch for the trail signs. Once you descend a way down the trail, you’ll have to take a right-hand turn to go back uphill a bit and cross back under Highlands Drive NE where you’ll now be on the east side of the road. Use caution at the intersection of Highlands Drive NE and the I-90 exit ramp and get on the road to head downhill on E Sunset Way into Issaquah.
The next bit of riding is pretty straightforward, although IMHO, much better than it has been in years past. I did quite a bit of work coming up with a better route and I hope you like it. Instead of riding all the way south along the very busy Issaquah-Hobart Road to Black Diamond, you now get off that nasty road at Cedar Grove Road SE. The one thing to be aware of along Issaquah-Hobart is the very narrow bridge just past the May Valley Road turn at around 529K. It’s an old bridge and there is no shoulder there. Make sure you look over your left shoulder and let the traffic know that you’re moving out onto the road to get across the bridge.
Cedar Grove Road is a nice respite from all the traffic and not too bad of a climb given everything else you’ve been through. Hang a left just after the summit onto Lake Francis Road and enjoy the cruise over to the Cedar River Trail. Be careful where you take a left onto 223rd Place SE just before getting to the trail. There is some nasty pavement and potholes through there.
At this point, the route back to Redmond is identical to the 2024 Spring 400K. Ride the Cedar River Trail into Renton, ride through Renton over to Gene Coulon Park and then onto the East Rail trail up to Lake Washington Boulevard SE. Head east up the I-90 bike trail and take it all the way to the barricade where it does a 180 degree turn up to SE 36th. Follow that over to the last big climb of the day up 154th Ave SE. Hang a left on SE Newport Way and roll down the hill all the way into Issaquah. Hang a sharp left off of 2nd Ave SE onto the Rainier Trail at 525K. It’s hard to spot so watch for the pedestrian warning signs as a clue for where to turn. Grab that last con-Troll, follow the maze of the Rainier Trail through Issaquah and soft pedal your way back to Redmond on the trail along the peaceful eastern shores of Lake Sammamish. Congratulations, you’re awesome!
Text and photos by Andrew Sapuntzakis and Kevin Smith
General
To set expectations, this is not a fast route, particularly the first 200K. Pace yourself and don’t get discouraged when looking at your time in the first half of this ride. Randonneuring is supposed to be challenging, so keep your head in the game and focus on persistent forward progress. You will accumulate stop time, but don’t let that bother you. Your ride pace will improve in the second half. You’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment when you finish.
You might come across a train stopped across the road in the Port of Tacoma. We did during the pre-ride. Look for a safe alternate around the train, or wait for the train to move. Don’t go under or between the cars, your life is not worth riding credit.
Details
Ride south to Woodinville Rd, cross, jog left (west) 2x, cross the wooden arch bridge, then left down to the trail, and turn right to head east.
Trail should be pretty empty this early on Saturday morning, but please be mindful of other users.
Metropolitan Market on the right at 18.5K.
Continue along the BGT past the views of Seattle and Gas Works Park. Route has you take Northlake Pl to 34th, but no big deal if you miss that turn. From 34th, turn left and use the far sidewalk to cross the Fremont bridge (and be counted).
Across the bridge, 2 quick rights get you to the ramp down to the South Ship Canal Trail. Follow that to Interbay, along Emerson, and a short climb up to Gilman. Turn right, and the climbing continues. Gradually at first, then it flattens as Gilman turns into Government, then into Discovery Park Blvd which pitches up and turns left at the top. Roll past some historic buildings, then down to the water – left at the Y! Answer the control question and take in the views – you can probably see the Alki Pt control across Elliott Bay – before heading back (up) the way you came.
After the climb, turn right onto Nebraska just before the stables. Follow the route out of the park. A jog left to Magnolia Blvd and more great views. Turn left onto Thorndyke rather than descending the Magnolia Bridge. At the bottom, take 20th thru the rail yard, then the Elliott Bay Trail. It gets very tight in places, so communicate with oncoming trail users. After crossing under the Magnolia Bridge, you’ll probably encounter cruise-ship buses and cabs. Continue on the trail, thru the sculpture park, until it puts you on Alaskan Way with more cruise-ship traffic! Near the aquarium, you’ll need to use the sidewalk due to the construction. (One day it’ll be done …)
Get back to the Portside Trail by King St. That will take you to E Marginal, where the early hour and construction should make for minimal traffic. Get onto the sidewalk as you approach Spokane St. Once across the Spokane St (lower) bridge, take the Alki fork to the right and down, across the (recently simplified) intersection, and left onto the Alki Trail.
Traffic should be minimal, so you can pick road or trail all the way out to Alki Pt, where you’ll find the 2nd control. Continue on to Beach Dr, up to Fauntleroy, and then over to 46th to avoid the ferry terminal.
From 69K to 116K there will be challenging climbs and steep descents. Bring your easy gears, walk if you prefer, and don’t overcook the tight turns on the descents.
When you get to 3 Tree Pt, look for the answer to the info control across from the 2 palm trees.
There are several services along this part. The last one before Tacoma is after Browns Pt – a market at the far end of the strip mall on your left, just before you rejoin the main road.
Starting with Marine View you will encounter multiple sets of railroad tracks on the way into Tacoma, most at angles. Communicate with fellow riders and motorists. We’ve ridden thru multiple times, and light traffic can allow some maneuvering space. Getting in & out of Tacoma is restricted due to the closing of the Fishing Wars bridge on Pacific Hwy. You may need to wait, you may need to backtrack. Do NOT try to go under/between rail cars.
The route thru Tacoma is pretty efficient. You’ll have services along the way, especially in the Stadium District and Ruston. The routing thru Point Defiance Park is pretty simple, except for the 3-way fork near the Visitors Ctr – take the left/middle one marked ZOO, not the descending path to the right. See photo:
There are bathrooms across from the Info Control.
Once out of the park, you’ll be on city streets all the way to the Narrows bridge. Trail is on the far side of the intersection. Once you’re across, the exit to Stone Dr is a gap in the chain-link fence on the left – closer than you might expect. Touch Raft Island for one info control, then the far end of Fox Island for the other. Services at the Chevron below the airport and in Arletta, as well as bathrooms at the Fox Island control.
Work your way back to the Narrows, back over the bridge, into War Memorial Park, then it’s all streets back thru Tacoma. Same caveats getting out thru the port.
Once you’ve escaped the Port of Tacoma it’s pretty flat thru Fife and Puyallup, and onto the Foothills trail (immediately after RR crossing). Services in Orting, and maybe your last views of Rainier? Continue on the trail until S Prairie, then switch to the road (Pioneer Way) since the trail is barricaded at the s-curve. Turn left after the metal bridge, and it’s a straight shot into Buckley. No need to bother with the trail – the segment in town is also under construction. After Buckley it’s a short ride into Enumclaw which has a QFC (1am close, 1 block E of the route) – next services are ~25K (staffed control in Kangley). From Kangley is downhill to Ravensdale, then over a hill to get to the Cedar River trailhead!
Take that to Renton – where there’s a construction detour at the end. A few city streets, and you’re on the Lake WA loop and Eastrail – pavement starts before Virginia Mason, ends near Coal Creek / Lake WA Blvd. Get on the I-90/MTSG trail for the last bit of climbing up thru the I-90/405 interchange, Honda Hill, etc. No need to get on the street by AAA, there is a protected bike lane almost all the way to the top despite the construction. Final climb at 154th! Descend to Issaquah, then go find the troll for the last info control. You may need to look behind you!
Slice thru town on Rainier Trail, then Rainier Ave, then onto the ELST which should be pretty empty. Up to Marymoor, over to the SRT, and back to Bothell.
“A lie has speed, the truth has endurance” – Edgar J. Mohn
This course winds through river valleys into the foothills of Tahoma at Carbon Glacier trailhead in Mt. Rainier National Park, diverts to a punchy climb of Mud Mountain in Enumclaw, and returns via a loop of Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. With less than 2000 meters of climbing over 300 kilometers, this is a great “season opener” longer brevet, but keep in mind that most of the elevation gain comes during the middle section of the ride and save energy for the ride back in!
Start at U Village Starbucks in the University District; cross the Montlake Bridge and take the lane before a left-hander onto Lake Washington Boulevard (signage indicates the sidewalk after the bridge will be closed on 4/20). Enjoy the scenic Arboretum and then descend the Lakeview Park hairpins to Lake Washington; watch out for deteriorated pavement all along Lake Washington Blvd. Navigate a brief section of closed bike lane on Rainier Avenue before turning right up a short incline on 87th Ave S to avoid busy Renton intersections and connect to the Interurban Train.
Watch out for debris, bumps, railroad tracks, and several traffic crossings on the Interurban. After a brief jog through quaint Algona and Pacific, connect to the comparatively smooth Sumner Link Trail on the White River. A brief transition on the aptly named Traffic Avenue and Shaw Road leads to the Foothills Trail; enter the trail on your left just before the busy intersection of Shaw Road and East Pioneer Avenue.
The well-maintained Foothills Trail leads to the town of Orting, services, and if you’re lucky an eyeful of Tahoma in all its glory. Elevation gain begins with the punchy A P Tubbs Road into Wilkeson, your last stop for (limited) services on this out and back section; very little was open in the morning but the Simple Goodness Soda Shop (open 11am-8pm) is a great option for a lunch stop on the way back.
From here, enjoy a rolling, intensely scenic climb up the Carbon River canyon, some ~23 kms at about 2% grade with a max pitch of 8%. There’s a pit toilet at the Carbon River trailhead but no water. The descent is great fun, with smooth roads and no technical sections.
After Wilkeson, follow SR 165 right through Buckley (services) and then onto Mud Mtn Road, back along the White River. The out and back climb up Mud Mtn is the day’s steepest climb, 3.5 kms at 5.3% with a max grade of 11%. Navigate a one-lane section beneath a slide; the descent here is a bit more technical, with a hairpin and patches of gravel scattered on the roadway.
Following this diversion, it’s rural roads through Enumclaw into Ravensdale, most either with decent shoulder or long straightaways where traffic can easily pass. Services are available at the Ravensdale Market in Georgetown before a short climb on Landsburg Road SE; just after the bridge, be careful of the left-hand descending turn into the gravel parking lot of the Cedar River Trail trailhead. Enjoy the snap-crackle-pop of the light gravel trail and give strong consideration to a stop at Cascadia Pizza on your left immediately after crossing the Cedar River, just past the 200km mark. Continue the now-paved trail into Renton.
At the end of the Cedar River Trail in Renton, a detour directs you to cross the river on your right; follow posted signs to cross the one-way Houser Way North and take the sidewalk back to the Renton Historical Museum for an info control. Make your way through downtown Renton onto Lake Washington Boulevard North. From here, it’s a familiar two-lakes loop: you could do this in your sleep! Some of you probably have done this in your sleep!
Cross Lake WA Blvd left onto the Eastrail trail, and then back right onto Lake Washington Boulevard for the climb through Factoria to Newport Way into Issaquah. Hop onto the Lake Sammamish Trail and be wary of innumerable mid-trail posts, driveways, and nighttime trail users. Wind through Marymoor Park onto the Sammamish River Trail (late night restrooms available at Wilmot Gateway Park), connect to the Burke Gilman Trail in Kenmore, and before you know it you’ll be entering U Village again. Find your finish control at or near the Eureka! Restaurant (open until midnight) on the south side of the shopping complex. Congratulations, that’s another ride in the books!
The Seattle International Randonneurs headed to the eastern Washington city of Wenatchee to host brevet week of 2023. My name is Kiel Safstrom, or some in the club like to call me, Hand Grenade. Surprisingly, there was no self-implosion completing all four of these bombastically designed routes by Don “Shiggy” Person. Let’s pull the pin and recount the routes for those aspiring to ride amongst the tumbleweeds.
Saturday May 20th – Lake Wenatchee 200K
15 registered riders gathered before the 6 am. start at the Hilton Garden Inn, the main base of this entire week’s operations. We roll out on the hour north on the Apple Capitol Trail and very soon we are headed west on Easy St. in the Wenatchee hillsides. We jump onto Highway 2 around Monitor for about 4 miles of shoulder riding before we make a right on Dryden St. We ride next to the Ollala Canyon which offers great views of the Wenatchee River. The river was the highest some riders have ever seen, engulfing trees and shorelines normally seen. We pass over the river, skirt under the BNSF Railway through Peshastin and up Chumstick Hwy. Our direction heads northwest to our further point on an out and back to the Napeequa River on the White River Rd.
We turn back, wave and ring our bells at other members proceeding to the turnaround point. The 14.5 miles has us cycling parallel to the Wenatchee Lake, it’s cool near the water and a relief from the high heat the day has brought. Within the State Park, I found a spigot for water prior to the camp store. The store offered sound bits of ‘Free Bird’. The clerk mentioned her spin coach would have them sprint during the four and a quarter minute solo of the song, she loathed it. An iced espresso with coconut milk and Milano’s were enjoyed. Mint Ice cream and a Root beer for the tandem duo, Greg and Rose was their treat of choice for the heat.
Onward to Leavenworth, the Bavarian tourist trap, which I made a costly stop for a schnitzel at the Sausage Garten compared to individuals who had stopped at Starbucks. There were 15 different condiment bottles to squeeze onto the brat, sauerkraut, jalapeños and grilled onions. I can’t forget the misting fans that offered small relief from the heat. A smart rando knows, how to maximize efficiency off the bike. I bit it and doubled my normal allowed time off the bike. Back on, we loop south of the town out toward Icicle Rd. The Temple, Edward Peak, Cannon Mountain makes up some of those mountains in the distance. For good measure on liquids, I stop at the 76 where some other randos are using to resupply.
Out of Leavenworth we return from which we came and eventually are back HYW 2 turning right on Deadman Hill Rd, which turns into Pine Flats Loop. The Wenatchee Valley roads south of HWY 2 are extremely quiet and by then the heat was at its’ highest of the day. We were met with a short sun shower that cooled us off only moderately.
We roll through Cashmere, Monitor and re-cross the Wenatchee River to rejoin with the Apple Capital Trail.
Post the 200K finish, I enjoyed dinner with randouneering legends Vinny and Yonnel, building camaraderie as we filled our stomachs for the 300K the next day.
Sunday May 21 – Ancient Ice Age Floods 300K
12 registered riders took to the road, this time heading south and over the Columbia River per the Old Wenatchee bridge. We cut through East Wenatchee and past Pangborn Memorial Airport before a pleasant descent on Batterman Rd. to join with HYW 28. We ride the highway shoulder for 4 miles, on this Sunday morning it is not heavily populated with vehicles. We make a left turn on Sunrise Ln. and sneak over to the Palisades Rd. taking our adventure northeast through a valley with mountainous hills on both sides. We encountered some cross winds in this section as I watched tumbleweeds get blown up mountain cliff sides.
This section is paved for 15.5 miles until the first gravel section of the day begins. It’s an easy section until the 3 Devils Grade which has a max of 9.8% with some heavily pitted sections. With a planted seat the punchy section is swiftly taken care of. You’ll know you’re done with the climbing and halfway through the gravel when you cross a Cattle Guard, more dangerous than any railroad crossing I’ve needed to make thus far in my cycling tenure. We make a left on B SE Rd after the Mayer Farms which turns into Coulee Meadows Rd and eventually onto HWY 2, where we make a right turn.
It’s 20.5 miles until the Dry Falls Visitor Center, once there a water bottle refill station, bathrooms, the scenic Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park and Stacy’s Top Chef Concessions services are here. Highly recommend a scoop of ice cream or Blue Star espresso from the food truck. I don’t stay longer than a yo-yo mindbender trick can be performed and head out towards Coluee City for the out and back along the Banks Lake.
Along 155, Coluee Blvd., I see Yonnel and Clayton returning from the northern stretch about 22 kilometers ahead of me. The turnaround point is called the Million Dollar North Public Access to the left and on the right is the Lower Lewis Creek Waterfall. Looking back don’t be deflated to have to climb back from that descent, it’s only 6.2% and less then 200 ft.
On the return to Coluee City, around the same section I saw the leaders, I pass the tandem of Greg and Rose, behind them is Mitch and John all looking strong. At the Coulee City Campground, I make a left and dip into the Banks Lake Brew & Bistro for blueberry pastry and Sunrise breakfast sandwich. They were pleasant and accommodating there.
Back on to HWY2 before turning right on 17. It is about 6 miles until a left-hand turn is made on 6 Rd NE / St. Edwards West Rd., the second gravel section. Which, had I been listening more intently at the start, was completely optional! The 9 miles of gravel north seemed to roll on for eternity but was extremely grateful for the intermittent cloud coverage being provided as this was a 30-mile stretch with 1,470 ft. of climbing to Mansfield against a growing headwind.
As I was about to turn left onto 172, I see this BMW turn down the gravel road and chuckle given there isn’t anything in the direction I just came from that would interest anyone. The driver was Mark a randonueer using the extra days for rest for the upcoming 600K. He offered some beverages but politely denied as I wasn’t expecting for anyone out here. I scoot on into Mansfield just in time to be in ear shot of a gun salute for a former service member. Mansfield Mercantile is only open until 5 pm. on Sundays and the Golden Grain next door offers restrooms. All stocked up, I press on through the next 34-mile section where we all battled 25 mph headwinds into Waterville. There were momentary reliefs when we would turn left to head south for a few miles. Never had I been at such an angle while attempting to ride straight.
The Waterville Family Foods provided the last services needed before inching my way, stilling furiously punching through the wind, to the top of the Orando grade on Sunset HWY. It seriously felt like I was on the slowest lift hill of a rollercoaster before the 6-mile descent. Crosswinds during this section were the most dangerous as speed maxed out at 40 mph. there was a small bridge section that was exposed and felt the winds blows from all directions. Back at 740 ft. the 18-mile slugged on. Tree branches were blown down along the back roads of NW Cascade Ave. and dust storms littered the air. The last fight with the wind was across the Richard Odabashian Bridge as road debris was blown up and pelted into our faces. With our heads positioned down we pierced through and finished the soul cleansing route.
Tuesday May 23 – Electric City 600K
16 registered riders huddled around Rose, the SIR RBA, as she gave the pre-ride speech reminding riders to be safe and to ensure communication if having to DNF on the ride. These statements are a must at such lengthy course attempts, best thought through plans are usually discarded as fatigue or discomfort sets in. We roll out a few moments around 6 am. and head north on the Apple Capitol trail across the Columbia River.
Following HWY 2, what goes down must always go up and thus we begin the roughly 6.5-mile ascent up Orando grade. From 785 ft. climbing 1,995 ft. reaching Waterville and rolling through the plains of Lamonie and north of Mansfield. Seeing forever in each direction atop of the plateau, if The Who’s, ‘I Can See For Miles’ isn’t playing in your head yet. The twangy guitar was the chorus was ringing in mine along the 70 miles to Grand Coulee.
A quick hydration stop at the Chevron on the corner was required before proceeding down to the gravity dam producing hydroelectric for four different power houses and irrigation water to Banks Lake.
In another 17 miles, I make a second stop at the Nespelem Trading Post for more liquids as it’s going to be a 45-mile stretch without services along the Columbia River Rd. If you are to stop here, there is a restroom in the far back left corner of the store past the produce and frozen food section. On this Tuesday, there was one cashier working and the line was 6 deep. I quickly ate all my food in line and paid to limit any waste of time.
These next sections of roads are the most scenic of the entire route, riding parallel to the Columbia River until we follow the road to continue heading north west up to Omak Lake, the 3,244 acre lake will be in view on your right as the road provides steady rolling elevation. Soon after Beer Can Beach Rd. your descent will take you into Omak which if you were seeking services, you’ll be out of luck as the dismal looking Omak Market on Jackson is closed.
Proceeding to Okanagon, aka as O-town, if you can’t pronounce it. A 76 on the right of 2nd Ave and Oak St. provided rehydration and a bag of TGIF Potato Skin chips. There is no Subway currently in the store do not be deceived as I was. Some used the IGA Market three blocks on the right off 2nd Ave.
I refilled again about 25 miles down HWY 97 at the Chevorn, McDonalds, similarly designed like the one out in Granite Falls. Major déjà vu vibes in there. After filling up it was time to proceed yet another 25 miles to Chelan Lake.
The Alt 97 climb after having a double century in the legs was humbling. With the sun setting over the lake, the quick descent into town as rewarding. The Port for the Lady of the Lake had an open and extremely clean restroom right on the dock. With dusk and night setting in, lights on from here on out.
With 36 miles remaining until we returned into Wenatchee, the only grade encountered was the climb out of Chelan. Be sure to have your lights on for the Knapp’s Hill Tunnel! On Alt 97 south of Entiat, our visiting Oregon randonueers, Todd and Stuart (John) caught on and we battled 18 mph headwinds before taking a short rest to tackle the remaining 200K.
Having got in around 10:55 pm., I slept until 4:15 am. and was back riding before 5 am., as I rode out a rider was just coming in from the trail. I needed to stop for a moment as my Garmin was having difficulties acquiring satellites. Later found out that changing the GPS mode from GLONASS to GALILEO should resolve that issue immediately without a computer restart, which I needed to perform twice.
Once resolved, I rode south of Wenatchee for a second time, after the climbing near the Rock Island grade, I noticed a highlighter looking individual and arrived just in time, to hold Mark’s bike as he pumped air into his tubeless that had snagged a stable. He had rolled out about 20 minutes earlier then I had and as he mentioned, I had perfect timing.
Traffic was immensely noticeable this Wednesday morning. We stuck to the highway shoulder until the right turn off Rd 10 NW, near the Quincy Valley Rest Stop, we take these back roads on through to Quincy and planned for a stop at Starbucks in Ephrata. We made our way onto Martin Rd. for the 13-mile stretch through the orchards and spun along until four dogs gave chase and attacked. Mark was caught up in a crash, he suffered no injuries but the shifters on the bike had suffered insurmountable damage. He stayed behind to sort out the claim.
I rode on and stopped at the Starbucks as originally planned. The staff was overly nice as I was not in any mood for pleasantries having a few hours of sleep and had been road ridden 300 miles in the last 26 hours. The next 44 mile stretch from Ephrata to Waterville about 2,640 ft. of gain. proved to be the hardest part of this ride. With fatigue taking hold, distant storm clouds and rain showers ensured I didn’t lollygag too much and pressed on along HWY 2 heading west.
I stopped at the Waterville Family Grocery where I was greeted by Jan who was riding some unpleasant gravel in the area. After a pose for a photo and downing the remaining Gatorade. I proceeded up to and down Sunset HWY for the second time and third time being on the road that week. With no headwinds to battle this time around, it seemed I had caught the road all to myself midday on this Wednesday utilizing the full lane through the windy descent.
In no time was I off HWY 2, through Cascade Ave and still on the east side of the Columbia River for the 4.5 miles of trail before crossing on the Old Wenatchee bridge and sprinting to the Hilton, ecstatic to be finished with the 600K.
Friday May 27 – 400K Eastern Washington Loop
On the last event of the week, only 6 riders including myself were present and hungry for the road. Our morning ride out to Quincy via HWY 28 was wet as a storm cloud paraded the first 35 miles. It did make for a refreshingly cool climb up HWY 28 for the second time that week.
The early morning sun was not far behind the clouds and began drying out as I made my way through George and onto Frenchmen Hills Rd. to begin the 73 mile stretch out east to Ralston. On this road, some dogs gave chase longer than usual and out of caution I sent a message to have the RBA warn others.
Pothole General Store was the first stop of the day to rehydrate, carb up just to get stuck behind a gentlemen proceeding to buy what must be the last pack of Marlboro Silvers the store has. May it be the last ride of the week but the inquisitive looks from the local clientele was strong on this day amongst the eastern Washington loop.
Out of the store and back on the road, the road takes us next to the Potholes Reservoir on the left. On the right is Corral Lake. Warden is a potato town; one can tell by the orphaned potatoes scattered on the street. In town, at the Astro Express Mart, I ran into two WXA rider filling up. Jose from Ellensburg was looking strong, and I bide them both a safe journey to Idaho!
20 miles down the road my next services stop was in Lind, desolate little thing. Along the way, I see three horseback riders on my right. The route proceeds with climbs, on the Lind-Warden Rd. on the left at the street of Hoffman is a field that had 6 dust devils before coming into Lind. The tattooed gal running, Jim’s Market was kind to fill the water bottles, whip up a lotus energy drink from my random dice roll and wish me good luck finishing the series.
With a snapshot of the bike near the mural, I’m a sucker for a historic mural, I pedal on through the countryside. Along the way to Ralston, three deer run parallel to the road with me for over a minute. One crosses the road first, the second peels off and the third keeps running for another 20 seconds before crossing in front of me.
I turn north, and proceed the 9 miles to Ritzville for a stop at the Circle K. I waste no time here as I feel as the main attraction for the mass’s eyes. We cut through historic Ritzville and out onto the long straight of Rosenoff Rd. for the 40 miles of headwinds, rolling climbs and chasing a storm cloud off to our right. Even through the route is perceived to be descending over time, this stretch of road felt to be the hardest part of the ride.
I by past the right turn on Rd L NE, to retrieve services at the One Stop Mart. The drink fountains do not have water here, luckily the lady behind the counter fills them up in the kitchen and then back on course through Moses Lake.
We are nearing the end and I’m beginning to sense the accomplishment as I ride on HWY 17 to 282. The afternoon glow makes Ephrata very rustic, and I dip into the 76 for the last stop of the day after the last 23 miles of headwinds.
With 50 miles remaining and it mostly a descent, the only thing that had me worried was having to cycle back on Martin Rd/ Rd 12 NW through those orchard fields that we encountered the dog chase two days before. Sure enough, as I approached those pesks were sitting in the road. Luckily, the dark gray aggressive one was nowhere in sight, and I scooted through unscathed.
By now dusk was here and I was on HWY 28 for what felt like a blitz of 28 miles, yet a minor slog through the 10-mile Rock Island and Eastern Wenatchee stretch. One last time, totaling four crosses of the Old Wenatchee bridge and the sprint up Worhten St. to the Hilton. When I arrive at 10:22 pm. it marks a result of 953.67 miles covered with 42,820 ft. of elevation climbed, having spent 60:41:17 in moving time on the bike. I considered this a resounding success.
Last Saturday (7/30), Mick set off on the Summer 400K pre-ride from the Best Western Arlington (3721 172nd St NE, Arlington). In short, this is a beautiful and challenging 400K (I know, all 400K’s are challenging), which will require planning to ensure riders have enough calories, electrolytes and water. Mick had two bottles and a camelback, and needed all of that capacity.
I’ll expand on this below, but here are the significant points where riders will have to opportunity to take on fluids and calories: Darrington (55K)- store, restaurant Marblemount (100K)- store, restaurant Newhalem (123K)- water, toilets at Info Ctr Colonial Creek (139K)- water, toilets in campground Canyon Creek Trailhead (156K)- water, toilets (SIR staffed) Washington Pass Overlook (191K)- water, toilets, snacks (SIR staffed) Colonial Creek (242K)- water, toilets in campground Newhalem (259K)- water, toilets at Info Ctr Marblemount (282K)- store, restaurant
Concrete (310K)- store (10pm), restaurant
Clear Lake (353K) Clear Lake Market (10:30pm), Evelyn’s Tavern (midnight)
Big Lake (362K) Big Lake Grocery (10:00pm)
The start takes us out on Smokey Pt. Blvd, and within 5K we’re on WA-530. There were wisps of fog still in the fields on our way to Oso and Darrington, and not much traffic at that hour. The store at the gas station in Darrington is at 55K, at the left turn to stay on WA-530, but some riders may choose to wait to refuel until Marblemount (100K, 100m off course).
It’s river grade climbing following the Skagit river to Newhalem, where everyone should stop to take on water for the climbing to follow. There will only be water available at the Info Ctr, the store there is closed.
After Newhalem, the climbing starts in earnest. Earlier in the day, much of the climb is shaded. Take advantage of the occasional waterfall close by the road to cool off! There will be water and toilets available at Colonial Creek Campground, 100m from entrance on either side of the road. We will also have water available at the Canyon Creek Trailhead, in a shaded gravel parking area.
The turnaround is at the Washington Pass Overlook. There are toilets, and it will be SIR- staffed with water and snacks. Mick arrived there with approximately 9 hours on the clock for his first half of the ride.
Riders should be able to make better time getting back to Marblemount, possibly stopping for water at Colonial Creek and/or Newhalem. All riders should find a couple choices for food and restaurants in Marblemount (282K) and Concrete (310K).
In Concrete, we’ll take Concrete- Sauk Valley Rd and S. Skagit Hwy, shadier and quieter alternatives to WA-20. Near Sedro Woolley, we’ll take WA-9 to the Nakashima Barn and the Centennial Trail back to Arlington. Note that most of the stores after Concrete close by 10 or 10:30.
The finish is back at the Best Western where cold beer and pizza will be waiting for you. I hope to see you at the 0500 start on 8/6! Registration is online here.
Mark, Greg, Rose and Jan pre-rode the Spring 200K last week. Here is Mark’s ride report. Enjoy!
The SIR Spring 200k route, The End of Mann, offers a scenic and relatively gentle reintroduction to brevets after our extended pandemic hiatus. With only 1430m (4700ft) of climbing, the route is less hilly than most brevets, but features some really nice scenery.
The first quarter of the route has the substantial climb from Woodinville up to Maltby, but is otherwise quite gentle, with roughly half on gentle multiuse trails (Sammamish River Trail and Centennial Trail).
The climb rewards with some nice views of the hills and mountains to the north and east, including Mount Baker in the distance.
After leaving the trail, a short section of busy road leads to some really nice quiet riding west of Granite Falls, including a pretty stretch along the Stillaguamish River.
The town of Granite Falls, about 1/3 of the way through the ride, offers a few options for refueling, including a couple of gas station convenience stores and coffee stands. (Please wear a mask). River, lake, and mountain views dot the nice rural riding from Granite Falls to Sultan via Lake Roesiger.
Don’t forget to say hi to the locals.
The halfway point of the ride, Sultan offers the last services opportunity for 55km. A convenience store on the left just before you reach US-2 provides an opportunity for ice cream bars on the curb in classic randonneur style.
Please note that the least stressful way through Sultan is to stay on the north side of US-2, using sidewalk (and a bit of shoulder) to reach the pedestrian bridge across the Sultan River. That lovely new bike/pedestrian facility avoids the very bicycle-unfriendly US-2 bridge. After Sultan, the route crosses the Skykomish River and heads out to the end of the pavement on Mann Road, where some overly friendly SIR volunteers will be stationed. The quiet stretch out Mann Road has some nice views of the Cascades foothills and a few curious cycling fans.
After the control, Mann and Ben Howard roads take you over to the Snoqualmie Valley with just a few short, but leg-busting climbs to keep you focused. SIR-familiar farming roads in the valley bring you to Carnation.
If you are comfortable going into a coffee shop, I highly recommend patronizing Sandy’s Espresso on the left at Commercial Street. Sandy and her friendly staff are long-time supporters of SIR rides and the nicest folks in town. The shop has nice (newly expanded!) outdoor seating allowing comfortable distancing.
A quiet flat stretch along the river with views of Mount Si leads to the route’s last significant climbing stretch from the Snoqualmie Valley near Fall City up to the Sammamish Plateau. I won’t lie, Issaquah-Fall City Road hurt me. But soon enough, the route descends to Lake Sammamish and Marymoor Park for a flat finish up the Sammamish River Trail. Please take the trail section slowly and respect the slower users out having fun.
Really hope to see many of you out there. And maybe to share a beer in the large, distancing-friendly outdoor garden of Good Brewing near the finish.
If you have not yet registered for Seattle Randonneurs “End of Mann” 200km brevet on April 10, there’s still time. And you don’t want to miss it.
A group of us pre-rode the brevet course last weekend, and we all think you’ll enjoy this ride. It follows a generally clockwise loop north from Woodinville to Granite Falls and then back south towards Sultan and Fall City before coming back to the start.
Taking in some familiar roads along with a few that we have not ridden in several years, the course passes by rivers, lakes, horse farms, and valleys with mountain views, as well as through a few small towns so that you can replenish your supplies along the way. Keep your eyes open for eagles, llamas, horses, cows, ducks. You might even see a long-horned steer if you are lucky. Because this is our first brevet in a long time, it’s not too hilly (although it would not be a brevet without a few bumps here and there.)
Almost all of the course follows quiet roads or trails. There is one stretch of busy road after leaving the Centennial Trail along 84th Street NE for 3 miles. The road has a wide shoulder, but please be very careful at the end of this stretch when turning left across the road onto 147th Avenue NE due to oncoming traffic. Your reward after this stretch is one of the most beautiful parts of the course.
Here are a couple of reminders/suggestions for the ride:
Remember that there is no day-of-ride registration/payment. Please pre-register and pre-pay online at the SIR website. https://www.seattlerando.org/
Bring your own pencil or pen. There will be several information controls, and you will need to write the answers to the control questions on your card.
Although there are services in towns along the route, none of the controls will be at convenience stores or supermarkets. For this reason, you might wish to bring some extra food on the bike, and make sure that your water bottles are full. Best stops for services are probably Snohomish (mile 16, with public restrooms on Main St on the right), Granite Falls (mile 39, with various choices), Sultan (mile 62, various choices but the Arco minimart is well-stocked and has restrooms, located on course at the left turn for Stevens Pass HWY), and Carnation (mile 98, various choices including Sandy’s Espresso, our favorite)
If the weather looks inclement, you will make more friends if your bike has fenders and a buddy flap.
It’s an early season brevet, so your bike should have a fixed taillight and headlight, and you should have a reflective vest with you.
The brevet finishes by taking the Sammamish River Trail from Marymoor Park in Redmond towards Woodinville. If the weather is nice, the trail may be crowded, so please be respectful of other trail users – don’t ride too fast or in large groups.
Make sure you come to the correct starting location: The Northshore Athletic Fields are the ones located off of NE 145th Street close to Hollywood Hills and the Chateau Ste Michelle winery, just off the Sammamish River Trail.
Finally, please observe good social distancing behavior: Wear a mask at the start, finish and all controls, and don’t congregate closely; keep some distance from other riders on the road; bring some hand sanitizer; be self-supporting to the extent you can.
Pre-riders: Jan Acuff, Joe Llona, Rose Pantley, Greg Cox, Albert Meersceidt, and Anita Schiltz
First, the pre-ride team must apologize to all of you good people. Apparently we were overly gluttonous with the good weather and used it all up. We were so bad that we even ran out of good weather before we finished and wound up riding in the rain the last couple of dozen miles as we finished after dawn on Sunday morning.
I want to be clear about something: this is not an easy ride. It took a fairly strong pre-ride team nearly (or in two cases, over) 23 hours to finish. Now pre-riding has its own logistical issues and maybe a couple of hours could have been shaved off that. But it would not have been enough to catch the last ferry out of Bremerton Saturday night. Besides the difficult course this ride has some difficult logistics, such as parking in Seattle for more than 24 hours and ferry timing.
Parking – I strongly suggest you figure that out now and not Saturday morning. I must admit that even though I work in downtown Seattle I know little about parking there as it is something I find easier to just avoid altogether. Here are some suggestions you might research for parking options:
I would suggest finding a spot on the outskirts of Seattle and riding a mile or two into the ferry.
Ferries – The last ferry for Seattle leaves at 11:40 pm (not 12:50 am as I incorrectly reported on the website). Few of you will make that. The first sailing out is 6:20 am Sunday morning. Some of you will arrive in Bremerton during that gap, but many of you will still be riding when the ferries start running again. For those of you fortunate enough to get in during the ferry gap we will have two rooms available at the Fairfield Inn. This will be a rack and roll flophouse operation though, so if you feel you want some more privacy or want to sleep in I would encourage you to make your own arrangements.
Dropbags – We will be able to take small dropbags. We will not pick them up until you get off of the ferry in Bremerton though, so they have to be something you can ride onto and off of the ferry with. Think toothbrush and a change of clothes. Toothpaste and deodorant too if you insist. Post-ride, the dropbags will be available at the Fairfield Inn only.
Ok, so with the course difficulty and the logistical issues, why do you want to do this ride anyway? Well because you love to ride your bike of course, and this gives you the opportunity to do it for a very long time. Oh yeah, and there’s a definite WOW factor for some of this course. I’ve ridden the Tahuya hills many times, but it’s usually towards the end of an otherwise challenging ride and occasionally in the dark. On this ride you get a whole new perspective on this area because you’ll still have fresh legs and it’s a definite eye pleaser.
A rare bit of flat road, says Jan Acuff
You’ll start at Bremerton, but instead of rolling past the shipyard you’ll go east across the Manette Bridge. Do take note of the grade of this bridge as you descend across Dyes Inlet. After some rollers you get to Silverdale where you’ll have to take a detour off of Bucklin Hill Road due to a bridge reconstruction project. This will be noted in the final versions of the cuesheet and RWGPS file.
After Silverdale the real fun begins. First Anderson Hill with what looks and feels like a wall. After Anderson Hill is Seabeck where your first control (info) will be. Make sure you replenish your water in Seabeck because you’ll be climbing up Seabeck Holly Road shortly thereafter. After an exhilarating descent from Holly you’ll be turning up Dewatto Road and into the Tahuya Hills.
After you descend from the Tahuya Hills you’ll get to the second control at Kay’s Corner. There you will be able to water up before heading to Belfair. As you get nearer to Belfair you’ll start encountering some denser traffic and probably some impatient motorists, so please be careful. After Belfair you’ll head south on SR 300 where some road construction has made the shoulder of little use, so again please be careful. After a few miles you’ll turn onto SR 106 where for a while you’ll still be encountering heavy and sometimes impatient traffic. This seems to calm down by the time you get to Twanoh State Park, where you can find restrooms and water. The shoulder on 106 is on again off again, with a few places where there are some pretty bad cracks. There’s also a lot of parking on 106 so watch out for residents and car doors.
When you get to US 101 you’ll turn north to Hoodsport. There are services along the way. Please make sure you have full water bottles for the Climb to Lake Cushman. At Hoodsport you turn up to Lake Cushman. This is the biggest climb of the ride. The first two miles of the climb are fairly steep running at over 6% but then it transitions to 1% to 3% with some rollers for the remainder. As in last year’s 400 at Baker Lake, we could not find a suitable location to station the third control at the far turnaround point, so that will be turned into an info control with support (snacks and beverages) available about 3 miles after the turn-around point. After this you will descend back to Hoodsport among some more impatient motorists and then continue north on US 101 over Walker Pass. Like the climb to Lake Cushman, Walker Pass starts out steep at about 6% the first 1.5 miles and then tapers off to more like 3% for the remainder.
Lake Cushman. This beautiful spot will be the lunch/control location. Photo by Anita Schlitz
Another view of Lake Cushman. Photo by Jan Acuff
After descending Walker Pass you’ll go through Quilcene. Peninsula Food Market on the left and a couple of cafes on the right. Here you turn onto Center Road to the right for another climb up to Dabob Road. More climbing and rollers bring you to Coyle. Make sure you don’t miss the left turn onto Hazel Point Road. It’s easy to miss as you bomb down the descent towards Coyle, especially in the dark. Your fourth (and final staffed) control will be here to provision you with hot soup, and other snacks and beverages at the Laurel B. Johnson Community Center.
The Laurel B. Johnson Community Center fills several roles in the community, one of which is a food bank, which is utilized by a surprising number of the local residents. You’ll still have a lot of climbing ahead of you so you might want to lighten your wallet a bit at the collection jar we’ll have set up there.
With your wallet a bit lightened and your belly filled you’ll climb back out of Coyle and backtrack your route a way before turning onto Thorndyke Road which will take you to SR 104, then to SR 19 and into Port Townsend. The final control is at the Safeway on your left at the bottom of a big hill. Not much happening there, but at least it’s open, there are restrooms and groceries, but nothing hot at this hour.
Backtracking again from Port Townsend you’ll turn off of SR 19 onto Irondale, SR 116, Oak Bay Rd, and Paradise Bay Road. Please be careful on the final descent of Paradise Bay Road before SR 104. There are two sets of rather aggressive stop sign warning rumble strips that could cause you to lose control of your bicycle.
Also, please be careful crossing the Hood Canal Bridge. Stay to the right of the shoulder as you approach the metal grating sections as that’s where the solid plating is located. Watch for debris – glass, garbage, and usually enough car parts to get a complete build.
After the Hood Canal Bridge you go right onto SR 3 for Poulsbo. Then SR 308 and onto Brownsville Hwy NE. After a few miles on Brownsville Hwy you’ll turn onto Illahee Rd NE. The signage here is misleading (at least it is for me as I repeated the same mistake I made in 2013 on this course). Illahee Road is the second left as you roll into Brownsville. Don’t take the first left down into the Marina.
Following Illahee Road you’ll go south towards Bremerton. You’ll still two pretty good climbs ahead of you, particularly the one just before Illahee Road becomes Trenton Road. As you get into Bremerton you’ll be feeling that you’ve done that last climb, but remember that descent on the Manette Bridge right after you started?
This post wouldn’t be complete without a big Thank You to the pre-riders: Albert Meersceidt, Anita Schiltz, Jan Acuff, Rose Pantley, and Greg Cox.
Start: May 14th at 7:15am Bremerton Starbucks at the ferry terminal. (Catch the 6am ferry from Seattle and finalize registration on board. We will also have registration at the Starbucks at the Bremerton ferry terminal. Note the control closes at 8:15am.)
Finish: Frairfield Inn & Suites 239 4th St. Bremerton