Mt St Helens-Spirit Lake Hwy ride

JUNE 12--11:00AM-3:00PM
Forest Learning Center
17000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle, WA 98649
at 11:00AM.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/prQrmGfUZHT7dXUA8

This is about 1.5-hour drive from Portland. There are bathrooms at the Learning Center, and it’s a good place to gather. The Center closes at 4pm, so park outside the gate!
We may opt to start at Elk Rock viewpoint for a 20 mile ride, or from the Learning Center for a 30 mile ride.

This is a difficult out and back ride. If we start at Elk Rock, the ride starts at 3750 feet elevation, rises a bit and eventually drops to 2500 ft elevation in the first 9 miles to the turnaround point at the Coldwater Gate where the road is closed. Then we return back the route we came, giving us a total of approximately 18-20 miles and two long climbs totaling about 2400 feet combined.
The road is smooth pavement with wide shoulders and very little traffic. The reason there is so little traffic is that the road is closed at the Coldwater gate up to the Johnston Ridge observatory and has been for three years.

If you are fine with doing this on a regular road bike, that’s fantastic. I intend to do this on an electric bike, and I find NO shame in doing so. If you bring an ebike, charge it fully. The last time I did this ride I started at the Forestry Learning Center an extra 5 miles away and used up almost all of the battery on the uphills.

Important! Bring an extra layer of warm clothes and light gloves as the downhills can get very chilly in the canyons. We are at higher elevations, and it is still spring- so weather can change quickly. Be prepared! Bring these layers even if you think it’s going to be a hot day. And of course, lights, helmets, extra tubes, etc.
This is a NO ONE LEFT BEHIND ride. If you want to bomb the route and “send it” in one heroic swoop, no worries-- we will keep an eye out for your prone, exhausted body along the roadside as we make our way up. The rest of us will be regrouping at various spots along the ride to give everyone a breather, take in the views, and make sure everyone is still warm/cool/hydrated/happy. There is only one spot where you can take a wrong turn, and you’ll know right away if you did go wrong

Despite the dire warnings, this is a ride well worth the effort. But mostly--you will not quickly forget the views and majesty of the Toutle river valley and the glory of Mt St Helens itself.
Route to the halfway turnaround point:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55407248

Komoot does notlike me, so here is a link to a map to the Learning Center on Google maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/prQrmGfUZHT7dXUA8

Attitude: Slow and social says it all, 11-13 mph on the flats. There's no need to fire up the power meter. Leave the skinsuit in the closet.
Ride Host: Kellye Just

Weather Cancellation Policy: We won't ride in heavy rain, snow or any other extreme weather such as ice storms, pea soup fog or weather events that prove the existence of one or more wrathful deities.

Required Gear: HELMETS must be worn at all times while riding. This is a requirement and not a request.

Recommended Gear: Always bring plenty of water, on for energy, a flat repair kit, including a spare tube. A tool kit and small pump is good, but if you don’t have one there is usually someone on a group ride who does. Please check to see if someone has what you might need if you don't and be prepared to ride a bus or call a cab. (Not that we'll leave you by the road broken down, because that's not us). Carry a credit card and a little cash to buy refreshments or buy that bus ticket....

Mandatory for all riders: Obey traffic laws and remember you’re a representative of the greater cycling community and should conduct yourself that way on the road. Please represent us well. If you haven't read it lately please read the Oregon Bicyclist Manual (http://goo.gl/Q8FNe3)

All riders must have their rides in good working order and must bring a flat kit & spare tube. If there is an issue with proper working or lack of equipment you may be asked to sit the ride out. Please ask for help if you are ill equipped prior to the ride. We will try to help!

All riders must be able to change a flat should they have one or have a way to get picked up (AAA, Tri-Met ticket, a friend…). There is often, but not always someone on the ride who knows how to help you change your tire, so plan accordingly.

Note: Your RSVP signifies that you agree to the following. Organizers, event hosts and other participants will not be held responsible for any individual at any event. Each rider rides at their own risk and is solely responsible for any damage to their equipment or themselves.

Final Note: RSVP’s cannot include a +1 or Guest. If you choose to bring a friend or family member, they themselves must sign up as a member of Go the Distance.

Also, no ear buds, please.