The NP
Classic & PoP Training Series:
This is part of our training series for the
Native Planet Classic and
Passes of the Pyrenees.
The June 23rd Native Planet Classic super-century may very well be Washington’s most challenging, supported road cycling event. (The alternative shorter metric century is
less challenging but a great training for RAMROD and STP).
About this Ride: It is a very scenic route mostly on low traffic
rural roads. A lunch stop is planned in Carnation.
Ride Start: Issaquah Park & Ride
(17th Ave NW)
Meet at: 8:00 a.m. Start at: 8:30 a.m. (Please be ready before 8:30AM)
Difficulty: The ride is 82 miles with
about
5000ft of climbing (with 62 and 48 mile options).
Although it is a long ride early in the season, there are short or very long
distances as well as many possibilities to skip hills . An easy shortcut (one
turn, no navigation) to Carnation avoids some of the most challenging hills and
cuts off 24 miles, making this a 62-mile route. Best of all you can wait
for the rest of the group while having lunch in Carnation.
Still too long? The entire northern half of this ride can be skipped to make a
48-mile loop and cutting a further 7 miles and 2 challenging hills makes
this into a 41.5-mile loop.
Itinerary and Map: The long loop will climb the following hills: Issaquah
Fall City Rd, Tolt Hill Rd, Ames Lake Carnation Rd, Union Hill Rd, Stillwater
Hill Rd, Novelty Hill Rd, and 244th Ave NE. The 62-mile loop will skip Tolt Hill
Rd, Ames Lake Carnation, and Union Hill Rd. The 48-mile loop will skip
Stillwater Hill Rd, and Novelty Hill Rd. A further shortcut will also skip Ames Lake Carnation
Rd, and Union Hill Rd, reducing it to
a 41.5 mile route. View the maps.
Pace: Brisk:
Cue sheets will be available at the start and stronger riders are welcome to ride upfront. Slower riders who are comfortable reading a cue sheet and solving possible mechanical problems are also welcome to join in.
The
moderate group if any will sweep riders who drop from faster groups. there will be no sweep for riders unable to keep up with the moderate group.
Regroup/Experience: There will be short and occasional
regroups on top of major hills. Strenuous riders (22+ mph on the flat) will regroup
less frequently and stop as little as possible. All riders should be able to follow a cue sheet and/or map and to fix possible flats or
problems. We recommend that you carry at least 2 spare tubes, a pump and a basic
tool kit.
Lunch stop: Starbucks in Carnation. Strenuous group will not stop longer
than 30 minutes but other groups may stop longer.
After Ride Feed: We will meet at the Issaquah Brewhouse to regain some of the lost calories and share our favorite stories.
Issaquah Brewhouse, 35 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027, Phone: 425-557-1911.
Safety Issues: This ride is recommended for experienced moderate to
strenuous cyclists.
We encourage people to ride at their own pace, we emphasize safety and
strict adherence to traffic rules. Helmets must be worn at all times.
Cancellation: Heavy rain cancels/group decision in case of drizzle/light
rain. If enough riders don’t mind getting wet, we will lead the ride in a
drizzle or light rain.
Note:
It is our first NP Classic & PoP Training
ride, the climbs are
challenging and we invite cyclists who may not have sufficient base miles
to opt for one of our shorter self-guided routes.
Questions:
Contact us.
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