TREATS/Orting to Carbon River-NOTE 8:30 start time!

A very scenic and memorable ride from Orting to the Carbon River Ranger Station.  The route will be on the Foothills Trail for the first 11 miles then on rural roads through the town of Wilkeson to the historic Fairfax Bridge (wow what a view) then following the old Carbon River Road through dense forest land and past springs and waterfalls until we can go no further.   The route has fairly consistent mild to moderate uphill grades all the way to the road's end with a few steeper sections.  After lunch (bring your own) on the bridge overlooking the Carbon River (mile 28) we will cruise back down to Wilkeson with a spin through the historic mining town of Carbonado and return to the town of South Prairie on gorgeous backroads, finally picking up the foothills trail again from a pretty little backroad out of South Prairie. 

IMPORTANT:  There are no facilities past Wilkeson.  Bring enough food to sustain you for the entire ride,  i.e. pocket snacks and a sandwich.  Bring 2 full water bottles and we will top off water in Wilkeson on the way out and back. If you get to the start early there is a great little donut shop across the street from the parking area if you want to fuel up before the ride (or after).  Portions of this route do not have cell service.

The address for the start location is a business on Van Scoyoc Ave  which is across the street from the parking area along the foothills trail.  There is a restroom at the start. 

I will not delay the start time.  Please allow plenty of time to arrive, prepare your bike and use the restroom before the SMART briefing at 8:20.  We will depart promptly at 8:30.  

In the event of showers or worse I will post a cancellation notice in the comments section by 6am on ride day. (I have a longer than usual drive to the start and plan to arrive there no later than 7:45.  If I do need to cancel for weather I will not be at the start.   Be sure you check the comments section before you drive to the start.  Showers during the ride could amend the route. 

If you have a Cascade account you may pre-register online by selecting the register button at the top of this posting (highly encouraged).  You are also welcome to sign in at the ride start.  If your plans change you do not need to unregister.

If you have questions about this ride, rather than using the comments section,  I prefer you email or text me (but not while I am driving down there please!!)