Mixed Terrain, Carnation, Ben Howard Loop, Gravel Sections

Join us for a ride from Carnation on a 51 mile route (23 of which will be gravel) at Brisk 16-18 mph on the paved road sections! We will ride a bit slower on the non paved sections.

This route is a fun mixture of paved and gravel roads.The route heads East out of Carnation then turns North passing by Lake Joy and entering the Marckworth State Forest. We will stop for a lunch break on Young river at a beautiful spot where the water has carved away the rocks with a nice waterfall. Shortly after lunch we get to Ben Howard Road (Paved) and start headed back West. We will stop in Monroe for rest rooms and then head South along the West side of Carnation Valley. We Cross the Valley on NE 124th street and finish with the flat and easy gravel Snoqualmie Valley Trail. The Gravel roads/trails on this route range from Excellent to Fair. This route is appropriate for beginners to gravel riding. Caution is necessary due to some sections having potholes and a bit of washboard.

Let's meet at the Tolt-MacDonald Park Parking lot at 10:00 for our pre-ride safety briefing, with a departure at 10:15.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to regroup occasionally at the top of climbs and intersections. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths (Snoqualmie Valley Trail) to the legal maximum (15 MPH).

Restrooms may not be available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms/water at Monroe about mile 31. We’ll also stop for lunch at Young River mile 23.

Portions of this ride are not accessible to motor vehicles. You must be able to fix any flats or mechanical issues that happen during the ride. 32mm tires or larger are required for this route. Please bring the following: Pump, 2 tubes, Patch kit and tools for fixing flats, tools for other adjustments, food for riding and lunch, 2 water bottles, Map. Those with tube less should also bring a spare tube. Ability to maintain advertised effort.

You are encouraged to pre-register by clicking the red "Register Now" button above. There is no need to unregister if you decide not to ride.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.

We hope you can join us!