Ride Around Washington

What To Expect From RAW

RAW is produced for cyclists by cyclists. The volunteer RAW Committee is proud of the variety and beauty of cycling tours in Washington State. Parts will be challenging, but it is all doable by almost any cyclist who has trained. However, a RAW Committee member, who has ridden every year, is a self-professed slow rider – to enjoy the country, to “smell the roses.” She is not daunted by the route. Training guidelines are available as part of the RAW Ride Guide (PDF).

Who rides RAW? Folks just like you. RAW has entertained tandem stokers as young as 8, and solo cyclists as young as 10. The oldest RAW ride last year, (and he’s been on several RAW rides), was over 70! There are fast, racer types who tend to get back to camp early and casual riders who prefer a more leisurely approach to the day's ride. Riders with decades of experience enjoy RAW, as have true novice cyclists. Every year, a few to several cyclists come from the Midwest and East Coast. In 2000, a rider came from South Africa! Most RAW riders, quite naturally, come from the Northwest and West Coast. About fifty per cent each year have ridden RAW before.

You do need to be aware that you are riding as part of a large group, and as such need to be able to make the start and cut off times; leave camp and get into camp by certain stated times. This is to ensure both your safety and the safety of our hard working, volunteer support crew. Translated that means if you are a slower rider, you should leave camp early or you might be asked to ride in the sag wagon…

Know too that RAW prides itself on taking care of all riders:

The 2009 RAW Ride Guide has all the info you need to train and arrive prepared for RAW.

Pre-arranged, safe camping venues.
Hardy, hot breakfasts and suppers, and prepared lunches to be given out on the road provided by Event Corp. Vegetarian fare provided if requested. Vegans may take what they can, but are advised to pack their own victuals; refrigeration will be provided for marked containers. In 2007 we revised the menu to reflect healthier menu choices including a fabulous new lunch menu!
OK’s also provides the best hot (or cold if you like) showers you’re likely to ever have on a bike tour. No long lines on RAW.
ARES - Amateur Radio Emergency Services - members (real Hams!) staff water and snack stops, and patrol the route to help if needed. They work to ensure everyone’s “home safe” each afternoon.
Mechanical support is provided. The labor is free, parts are at retail.
Your baggage is transported for you, waiting to be picked up when you arrive at the next venue. Note: You must load your own bag each morning
Cool morning clothing, warmers and jackets, can be jettisoned at water stops to be picked up in camp.
The RAW peloton, limited to 200, is just right-sized to afford the opportunity for you to meet someone who rides like you, as well as to get to know some who don’t. You won’t feel lost in a crowd. You won’t feel lost in a crowd and you'll make friendships that will last a lifetime. There is a reason we get over 50% returning riders every year on RAW.
From afar? You can “UPS” your bike to Cascade, and pre-paid/COD returns will be picked up. The Bike Doctor will put it together for and help you pack it up to ship back too.
Optional transport of you and your bike is available from Seattle to Packwood and back on August 3rd and 9th respectively. We need your reservation by March 1st for a guaranteed spot on the bus; after March 1st its space available.

All you need to do is ride your bike (safely and legally of course!), pitch your tent, have fun and get to know other RAW riders. RAW is very much a ride on which lifelong friendships can be born. The rider from South Africa? The next year a RAW rider returned the visit!

RAW’s overnight venues are predominantly at County Parks, schools, fairgrounds and State Parks. Other venues and parks are used if they are located where needed and meet RAW’s needs.

Brief daily late-afternoon meetings will be held to discuss the following day’s route and any and all concerns. Committee members and ARES volunteers can be approached anytime with any question or concern you may have. RAW is a little better every year because of rider comments and suggestions. Don’t be shy.

Each evening riders are free to relax, “schmooze,” partake of offered activities or explore the local area. Expect fun nightly entertainment and theme events such as New Belgium Brewery Happy Hour, Wine Tasting's, Raw Limerick contest, decorate your helmet and other fun stuff. We also feature informative and entertaining talks by local presenters. On RAW’s penultimate night the annual “RAW Awards” will be given. You may find yourself recognized for something you didn’t even know you did. Don’t worry, though. Except for flats, only the positive is accentuated.

Hot showers at the end of a ride are a wonderful thing!

Event Corps mobile kitchen ready to serve up a fabulous dinner!

Hot showers at the end of a ride are a wonderful thing!

OK Cascade mobile kitchen ready to serve up a fabulous dinner!

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