Alexa's and Dave's Birthday Ride - Chinook and Sunrise

Ride Description: Come join us for a beautiful ride celebrating the ride leader’s birthdays. This ride is two scenic climbs back to back. The first is up to Chinook Pass, 8.5 miles and about 2000 feet. Along the way you will be treated to amazing views of Mt. Rainier. After descending back down to our starting point we will climb up to the Sunrise Visitor Center, 14 miles and 3100 feet with more amazing views.

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We will meet at the White River Ranger station just inside the park entrance. Note that there is a use fee for the park, $20 for a car, $10 if you ride your bike in. This buys you a pass good for 7 consecutive days. An annual pass good for a year can be purchased for $40. There is limited parking at the starting point (about 12 spaces), so please try and carpool. There are a few wide spots along the road leading into the park if you want to park outside the park and ride in.

There are restrooms and water at the start. We will head out of the park and up Chinook pass. There are restrooms at the top, but no water. We return to the White River Ranger station, where we will have a brief rest stop. Since this mid-point rest stop is at the start there is the opportunity to restock before the climb up to Sunrise. Then its the climb up to the Sunrise visitor center where we will have a rest stop at the Sunrise Day Lodge, bring money to buy food and/or beverages.

Pace: Although listed as a brisk pace ride, this ride is self-paced as there isn't really any flat road to speak of. Climb and descend at your own pace.

Regroups/Mechanicals: Since this is a self-paced ride we will not be regrouping. We will not stop for mechanical issues so ensure that you have the necessary equipment you need to take care of flats or other problems. Please print a cue sheet or download the route map. Note that cell phone service in the area is limited or non-existent.

Rest stops: There are restrooms and water at the start. We will stop at the top of Chinook (~mp 8.7), there are restrooms but no water. We will have a midpoint rest stop at the White River Ranger Station (~mp 17.5 our starting point). We will also have a rest stop at the Sunrise Day Lodge at the top of the Sunrise climb (~mp 31.5). There is a gift shop/restaurant where you may buy food and/or beverages.

Requirements: Please make sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before the ride start so you can get prepared to roll out at the posted time and sign the waiver. The ride will be closed once the safety briefing has begun.

As is required with all Cascade rides, please ensure you wear a helmet and have necessary gear and knowledge to fix any flats you might get along the way. Ride leaders will not help with flats or mechanicals. The ride is unsupported so please make sure you bring enough water and food for the climbs.

Cancellation Policy: Showers Cancel. Please RSVP on Meetup so ride leaders know about how many riders to expect. Additional discussion/photos will happen there. Ride leaders will not be at the ride start in the event of showers but will be available via phone or email to confirm cancellation. Cancellation will also be posted to Meetup and Cascade two hours before ride start as necessary.

Route Link: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9783687

Ride Leaders: Dave Mattson (hdavidmattson@gmail, 707-508-7554) and Alexa Volwiler (alexa.volwiler@gmail.com, 360-303-0526)