**CANCELLED** Thrilla Loop - Counterclockwise, Gravel

Ride Description: 

Join us for a ride from Woodinville's West Ridge on a 24 mile route at a Vigorous [18-20mph] pace.  Riding off-road with a gravel bike at a given speed requires more power than riding on concrete with a road bike so think 1.9-2.5 w/kg.  It's the amount of power you would use riding on the road with your road bike at 18-20mph.

With only 37% of the route paved, and much of that being the bike trail, cars will barely play a role in the ride.  That's convenient because it'll be very dark.  Dark also means most trails are usually empty but lights are required, front and back.  

Let's meet at my house and please be ready to ride at 6pm. There is plenty of on-street parking in the neighborhood.  We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  If you miss the briefing you will not be able to ride with the group.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to regroup frequently. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH).  We will be mindful and cautious of walkers, horses, and other path users by always using our voice before passing at a controlled and courteous pace; sometimes slower than the 15 MPH speed limit.  

We will first descend into Woodinville to ride by the Wilmot Gateway Park restrooms in case anyone needs to use them. Other than that, we will not stop along the way for restrooms/water. 

Equipment: a cyclocross or gravel bike with tires 32mm or wider will be the best choice for this ride.  A mountain bike could work but keeping up might be difficult.  A road bike with road tires is not recommended.  Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Have a backup plan if your mechanical can not be fixed on site within minutes.  Full fenders are not required when the roads are wet but you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group if you don't have them.  Please have a front light powerful enough to see obstacles at 15 MPH.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, 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!