Where/When

Saturday, July 18th. Meet at 9:00am depart at 9:30am from Concrete High School parking lot. If main lot is full, additional parking available at adjacent elementary school (to the right when you come up the hill), or behind the high school near the athletic field.

Route Details

Here is the RideWithGPS route with comments from recon on 7/5/0226: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55573461

About 42 miles, 75% gravel / 25% paved, with 4,300 feet of climbing. One short hike-a-bike for about 50 yards around a landslide. Some of climbing is steep, but much of it is moderate. Most of the climbing is protected by tree cover. Once on-top, there is less tree cover and there are amazing views of Twin Sisters, Baker, Glacier Peak, and North Cascades. Abundant bear-sign through high sections so we will stick together and be cautious.

Equipment

Some steep grades on fire roads so recommend low gears - something like 40+ tooth on rear cassette and 30-40 tooth small ring in front. Tires with some tread and 35mm or greater width either tubeless, or with some sealant in tubes due to thorny vines on road in places. Bring minimum two full water bottles - there is one reliable stream near mid-point on route if you have a filter. Route is remote and will take 5-6 hours to complete so bring adequate nutrition - electrolyte drink, energy bars, etc. Two sections involve steep extended descents so make sure your brakes are in good working order (check condition of your discs, pads, etc.). This is a no-drop ride but please make sure bike is in working order and have tools/patches/tubes to ensure minimal wait times for mechanicals.

Other things

The Concrete Fly-In is happening Fri/Sat/Sun same weekend and some folks have plans to camp night before or after. There will also be a gravel ride on the 18th on the Cascade Trail (a beautiful 25-mile very flat rail trail) for those not interested in a bunch of climbing.