Cycle the Gap #4: Bellevue-Cumberland (74 miles/3100 ft/Steady-Moderate)

Cycle the Gap is a series of six Saturday rides beginning July 13 (following the conclusion of 2019 Cascade Training Series (CTS)) to help riders prepare for the RSVP, RAW, and other challenging rides. We have chosen six of the best rides from the CTS series to ride again (it is possible that the route could be modified due to construction, etc.; so please check the comments section to obtain the final route). We will have two different paces (Yellow/Steady, 12-14 mph on flats and Green/Moderate, 14-16 mph on flats). These are part of the club’s Free Group Rides program and are open to everyone. Join us for one, or two rides, or be a real trooper and ride all six. You decide what works for you.

Registration: Please be sure to register on the club page by clicking the red Register Now button at the top of the page at least 24 hours before the ride start. That will really help us at the start of the ride. We try to have at least two or three ride leaders per pace, and your registering helps us know if we need to secure additional ride leaders.

The Route for the Day: The fourth ride of the series will add some mileage and climbing; covering 74 miles with a minimum of 3100 feet of elevation gain. The route will start at the Newport Hills P&R; from there, we’ll begin with gentle climbs to make our way onto the roads in May Valley, Cedar Grove, Ravensdale, Cumberland, and Black Diamond. Before we arrive in Black Diamond, there is a spectacular view of the Green River Gorge, where we’ll all have a great opportunity to take photos. After enjoying the views, we’ll head to the Black Diamond Bakery, which has delicious pastries, cakes, pies, and great coffee (we can enjoy a scoop of ice cream on a warm day, which is also available at the bakery). After our food stop, we will ride in Maple Valley, on the Cedar River Trail, and on the streets in Renton. Our ride concludes with some rolling hills at the south east side of Lake Washington and a gentle climb to return to the P&R. Please note that there are no bathrooms at the start!!!

Ride With GPS Link and Cue Sheet: The tentative links to these are below.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28139137 (RWGPS Tentative Route)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14tE8vgcyAz9v-rQgfK5rTFFQppY7SHVJ/view (Tentative Cue Sheet)

Final links, or confirmation of these, will be posted in the comments section on this page the Tuesday before the ride.

The Basics: As customary for all Cascade rides, please make sure you wear a helmet and have necessary gear and knowledge to fix any flats you may get along the way. The group will not stop to repair flats or mechanical issues, but the sweeps will ensure you have a cue sheet to continue the ride.

These rides are not supported. There will be short rest stops and a food stop along the route; come prepared with your own food and beverages.

Please arrive 20 minutes early to hear the safety briefing, sign the waiver and to ensure you are ready to ride on time.

If you have any question/concerns, please contact the following Cycle The Gap Series Directors:
Michael Silverstein: 425-686-2186 (cell); nwtarheelrunner@yahoo.com (email)
Marizel Miller: 818-590-8167 (cell); marizel.miller@gmail.com (email)