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: Primarily on low traffic and coastal roads, this is a great scenic route. To suit riders of all levels, we offer 5 different loop options from a 36-mile/2100 ft loop to a challenging 118-mile/6200 ft route, each at various paces.
The two shorter loops are guided, the longer options are self-guides. We provide
you with cue-sheets.
Ride Start:
Fishing Access at Pass Lake
(Deception Pass State Park)
Meet at: 8:30 AM for 9:00 AM start. Please be ready at least ten minutes
before starting time.
Maps and Itinerary:
Route 1 - 36 miles/2100 ft - Fidalgo Island (fully guided - moderate to strenuous)
Route 2 - 40 miles/3000 ft - Fidalgo Island + Mt. Erie (fully guided - moderate
to strenuous)
You may climb Mt Erie two or three times, or just enjoy the view from the top.
Route 3 - 71 miles/3000 ft - Fidalgo Island + N Whidbey (Self-guided - we
provide cue-sheets)
Route 4a - 97 miles/4600 ft - Fidalgo Island + N Whidbey Loop (Self-guided - we
provide cue-sheets)
Route 4b - 101 miles/5400 ft - Fidalgo Island + Mt. Erie + N Whidbey Loop (Self-guided -
we provide cue-sheets)
Route 5 - 116 miles/6200 ft - Fidalgo Island + Mt. Erie + N Whidbey Loop + Mt.
Erie (Self-guided - we provide cue-sheets).
Difficulty: The climb of Mt. Erie is very challenging and we suggest that cyclists who don't have sufficient base miles skip it: just wait 30 minutes for your group to go up and down or get a head start on the route. If you're looking for base miles without too much climbing, choose Route 3. The Fidalgo
Whidbey Island loop is less challenging, but still features many rolling hills
Climbers will love all the other loops and the ascent of Mt. Erie. Strenuous
riders on Route 5: if your legs aren't dead on your second climb (after 109
miles), feel free to repeat the climb as frequently as you'd like. The rest of
us will enjoy the view from the top.
Pace: This ride will be led at moderate (14-16 mph), brisk (16-18 mph), high brisk(18-21) and strenuous(22+ mph) paces. Cue sheets will be available at the start and stronger riders are welcome to ride up front. Slower riders who can read a cue sheet and solve possible mechanical problems are also welcome. The moderate group will sweep riders who drop from faster groups, but there will be no sweep for riders unable to keep up with the moderate group. Please
contact us if you would like to volunteer as a sweep for the moderate group or to lead at a slower pace.
Regroup/Experience: Moderate and brisk riders will stay together and
regroup on top of hills. Strenuous riders will regroup less frequently and stop
as little as possible. All riders are expected to be fit enough to participate
in this ride and 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 two spare
tubes, a pump and a basic tool kit.
Lunch stop: Up to each ride leader and group. Strenuous group will not
stop longer than 30 minutes but other groups may stop longer.
After Ride Feed: TBD.
Safety Issues: This ride is recommended for experienced moderate to
strenuous cyclists. We encourage people to ride at their own pace and 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. Unless this ride was changed the day before, strenuous riders will at least do the Fidalgo
and Mt. Erie climb, even with heavy rain. We will email everyone on our list
with updates and, in case of forecasted heavy rain, we may offer a ride closer
to Seattle and keep this gorgeous ride for a dryer day. Check our website for
updates prior to the ride.
RSVP: We do not require it but strongly encourage you to
contact us.
It helps us estimate the number of riders (and leads needed), print enough
cue-sheets, and allows us to tell you if there are any last minute ride changes
due to weather/road conditions or other emergencies.
Questions:
Contact us.
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