{"id":2487,"date":"2024-09-16T19:02:35","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T02:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.seattlerando.org\/?p=2487"},"modified":"2024-09-16T19:05:02","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T02:05:02","slug":"2024-fall-waterville-gravel-populaire-pre-ride-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.seattlerando.org\/?p=2487","title":{"rendered":"2024 Fall Waterville Gravel Populaire Pre-Ride Report"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Photos and text by Shan Perera <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SIR\u2019s third gravel event this year brings another course designed by Don \u201cshiggy\u201d Person \u2013 who has arguably mapped more Douglas County backroads than anyone for over a decade. Those who rode his first one in June will find an all-new route that is a bit shorter (100km vs 134km), with slightly less climbing (4300\u2019 vs 5100\u2019), but still chock full of adventure. From Waterville, we\u2019ll work our way to Douglas, then south towards Alstown, traverse the southern plateau, turn north to Supplee, tackle some big rollers heading west in the direction of the Columbia, and finally turn east back to the start. Hwy 2 and the river far down below can be spotted during the last bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 100km (62mi) route is 83% unpaved. You\u2019ll discover hard-packed farm roads, mid to smooth (\u201cchampagne\u201d) gravel, loose sand, chunky rocks to \u201cmoondust\u201d (deep talcum powder-like fine dirt). The remaining 17% strategically-scattered, paved patches will render your legs a refreshing boost. There\u2019s something for everyone here \u2013 an excellent, intermediate ride if you\u2019re \u201cgravel curious\u201d. Nothing extreme or over the top challenging. I rode 40mm tires. shiggy was on 55mm. Recommend minimum 38mm. Slicks are fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, you\u2019ll be far away (no services\/resupply points) with open skies in all directions, enveloped by expansive acres of wheat. You\u2019ll see first-hand how our Eastern Washington landscape was shaped by glaciers, volcanos, floods and wind. Come prepared \u2013 carry extra tubes, check\/top off sealant (if riding tubeless), bring extra food and no less than 2 water bottles. shiggy and I both had 3 bidons but ran out. However, with staffed controls at 21km (13mi) and 64km (40mi), you won\u2019t have to worry about that happening to you. Expect to see no people and very little traffic all day. We were passed by only 2 cars the entire time. While, we rode past dozens of combines and other large vehicles, we saw just one in operation. Please remember, farm equipment ALWAYS have the right of way. No rain in current weather forecast. It may be hot, and there is ZERO shade on the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most challenging downhill section with larger loose rocks comes early at 12km (7.5mi) on Rd 2 NW. Exercise high caution here. The steepest climb – also to highest point at 3100\u2019 – comes at 89km (55mi). Your legs may grumble a bit, but it\u2019s pretty much downhill from there. We let it rip on the final 5km (3mi) home stretch yelling \u201cwheeeeeeeee\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n