WA Pass Excursion: Newhalem to Winthrop 2-day- Self Paced (75 mi/day) - DATE CHG

Come join us for a ride along the North Cascade Highway (http://www.nps.gov/noca/learn/index.htm) up Washington Pass and over to Winthrop. This will be a self-guided, self-paced 2-day ride starting from Newhalem. We will ride over to Winthrop the first day, overnight in a hotel, then ride back the next day. Minimal SAG support will be available (see below). There will be a couple of water stops along the way.

About the ride: THIS RIDE IS CHALLENGING, but also one of the prettiest rides I have ever done. It will be a steady grade of 3-5% for 45 miles (11,000 ft of total elevation gain over two days/146 miles). In order to do this ride, you will have to have spent time training this spring. You should be able to ride a high moderate or above pace and be comfortable with long, steady climbs riding solo for parts of the ride. If you are a slower rider, you will be expected to keep moving and roll out early both days.

This is a beautiful ride that you will never forget through the north Cascades.

Pace: This is posted as a brisk ride. If you are a slower rider than most of the group (steady equivalent) or slow climber, you will need to leave ahead of the group BOTH days and plan to be self-supported for most of the route. We will keep the van with the majority of the riders. Moderate riders who are decent climbers will do fine.

Ride directors: Alexa Volwiler (360-303-0526) and Frieder Mack (360-244-3083).

Minimal SAG support: The wonderful Chris Onishi will carry bags and water for us. Chris will drop water at designated points along the route and transport a rider bag from the start to the hotel and back. The SAG will NOT be responsible for mechanicals on route or transporting riders. This is a minimally supported, self-sustaining ride. Minimal food will be provided so please pack a lunch and bring it with you for the van for both days.

Detailed start location: Newhalem across from the Skagit General Store. Park in the gavel parking lot across from the Skagit General Store off the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20). GPS link here (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Skagit+General+Store/@48.6732966,-121.2479163,386m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x5484954bca59f9f3:0x48ecd146cab57cb3!6m1!1e1).

Registration Required (no fee): Please use this link to register: http://www.cascade.org/node/24409/register

Restrooms/Facilities at Start: The visitor's center across from the Skagit General Store opens at 9 AM and there are public restrooms and water there. The General Store opens later so do NOT plan on purchasing food there. Please arrive 30 minutes before the posted start time to walk over with bags, get bike ready, sign the waiver and hear the route notes. Riders who do not show up 20-30 minutes early are not going to be allowed on the ride so plan ahead and leave early.

Other Notes: Cell reception is spotty at best over the pass so plan on printing a cue sheet and noting the start location before you head out. Carry with you anything you will need on route and be familiar with the rest stops/water stops.

Luggage: Riders are allowed ONE bag transport by the SAG. Please don't overthink and over-pack -- a carry on sized bag is best. The SAG will carry a basic mechanic's tool kit and bike pump to be used at the start or finish. Luggage must be loaded by 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

Water stops: Water will be dropped at pre-assigned points along the route. Refer to cue sheet.

Food stops: We will have a lunch stop each day. Please pack a sandwich and snacks which you will have access to during this time. We will provide cooler space, but please pack light as space is limited. Carry whatever other snacks you need on your person outside of that. If you have a small personal cooler, that is fine to bring as well (as long as it is small).

Accommodations: Abby Creek Inn (http://www.abbycreekinn.com/) (~$90/night - ask for our Cascade group rate) - Riders MUST reserve their own rooms at the location provided by the organizers. Bags will be delivered to this location only. If rooms are full, the Winthrop Inn (http://www.winthropinn.com/) is right next door.

Route Link:

DAY 1: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10527755

DAY 2: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10527864

Cancellation Policy: Showers cancel. This ride is not safe to do in the rain. In the event that showers are in the forecast for the area, the ride leaders will not be at the ride start, but will post a note to Meetup and the Cascade posting 4 hours before the start time.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/0/f/a/600_439864346.jpeg