The Ride:
Routes range from 31 miles/2000 ft to 116 miles/7000 ft, each at various paces.
Snoqualmie Pass is a very challenging climb and those without sufficient base
miles should not attempt it.
Ride Start: Issaquah Park & Ride
(17th Ave NW)
Meet at: Route 1 and 3, 7:30 AM for an 8:00 AM start. Route 2, 9:30 AM
for a 10:00 AM start. Brisk riders will start Route 2 at 10:00 AM. High Brisk
and Strenuous
riders skipping Route 1 can meet us in the parking after our first loop. Be
ready to go before 10:30 AM (between 10 and 11 AM); we will only stop for 10 minutes. Please be
ready at least ten minutes before starting time.
Map and Itinerary:
Route 1 - 31 miles/about 2000 ft - Tiger and Cougar Mtn Loop
Route 2 - 85 miles/4895 ft - Issaquah - Fall City - Snoqualmie Pass
Route 3 - 116 miles/about 7000 ft - Combined Route 1 and 2
Difficulty and Profile: The Snoqualmie Pass ride is 85 miles with 4895 ft of gain. Combined with the optional Tiger and Cougar Mtn Loop, it is 119 miles and 2000 additional feet in elevation. The return from Snoqualmie Pass may be prone to headwinds. There will only be planned re-groups up to North Bend. Once the final climbing starts, people are encouraged to ride at their own pace following the cue-sheets. There will be no sweep for riders unable to keep up with the moderate group; please
contact us if you would like to volunteer to do it.
Pace: Moderate (14-16 mph), Brisk (16 to 18 mph), High Brisk (18-21 mph) and strenuous (22+ mph).
Cue sheets will be offered 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.
Regroup/Experience: A short stop is planned at the start parking lot after the Tiger Mtn
Loop. 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: Many will stop at the Snoqualmie Pass for a short break and a
snack, but there will not be any formal lunch stop. We don’t want our legs to go
numb.
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 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. Snow or ice on the Pass cancels but we will choose a
challenging alternate course in the lower valley.
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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