Inclined to Ride to Index? 53 Miles

 Join me for a great ride from Monroe to Index via country roads and Reiter Forest. We travel from Monroe through scenic countryside, then on to Sultan & Gold Bar.  Next, we head for the back roads and Reiter Forest on our way to bucolic Index, returning to Monroe via Ben Howard Road.  Moderate Pace, 14-16 MPH on flat.  Restrooms and water available at the start; rest stops at 18.5 and 43 miles; food stop in Index at appx. 24 miles. 

THIS RIDE IS DESIGNED FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS.  THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL ELEVATION GAIN, LIMITED SERVICES, ROADS WITHOUT SHOULDERS AND FEW REGROUP POINTS.  We will regroup at turns, but but won’t be able to wait long for anyone substantially off the pace, so bring navigation aids in case you need to finish on your own.  The ride becomes self-led for those ahead of or behind the group. 

NOTE:  As is the case with many rural rides, there are few services, and this route is no exception, so bring snacks and hydration.

Index now charges a "donation" fee to use the park restrooms, and the food stop is the Index General Store.  When I pre-rode this route, the store had 5 sandwiches in the cooler, so bring lunch, or prepare to negotiate with your colleagues.

Be prepared with the equipment and know-how to take care of your own flats and mechanicals, and a plan for getting back to the start if your bike won't take you there. If you have a problem the group will stop briefly to make sure you will be OK on your own, but we will not wait for repairs to be completed.

Forecast for rain or unsafe riding conditions will be cause for cancellation, in which case the ride leader will not be at the start and the cancellation will be posted in comments below, at least 3 hours before the start. 

Please be at the start and ready to ride at least 15 minutes prior to ride start time to participate in the pre-ride briefing and safety talk. Ride rolls out at 10:00.

Register in advance by clicking the red "Register Now" button at the top of this page to save time at the start (and enable the leader to email you in case of changes/cancellation).  You can also sign up in person at the ride start.You'll need to open a "basic" Cascade Bicycle Club account (at no charge) to pre-register. You don't need to un-register if you can't make it to the ride. 

We hope you can join us!