Grays Harbor Tour Lite

Event Description

Grays Harbor is actually much more colorful than it sounds, especially at the end of July when the golden sun fills the azure skies arching over verdant valleys, piney woods, tawny shores, ruddy docks, cranberry bogs, and cerulean waters. Watch for the Green Lantern, the Red Cedar, Blue Beacon, Lemon Hill, Golden Dragon, Orange Julius, Blondie’s Dog, Teal Duck, Pomegranate, Red Apple Market, Cranberry Museum, Purple People Eatery. Routes will take you along the harbor itself and up into the hills above.

If you're looking for a week-long riding experience à la RAW, this tour lite can be paired with the Long Beach Tour Lite.

This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy, education, and community rides, such as the Major Taylor Project, Let's Go, Your Streets Your Say, and Pedaling Relief Project.

Registration

Registration opens: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.

Registration closes: Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Register in advance online. Registration is not available the day of the event.

You'll get a free Cascade Tours jersey when you register for three or more Cascade tour lites by April 1, 2023! Jerseys will also be available for purchase.

Route

Event Schedule

Sunday	Opens	Closes
Rider Check-In	8 a.m.	8:30 a.m.
Course Support	8:30 a.m.	3 p.m.
Monday
Rider Check-In	8 a.m.	8:30 a.m.
Course Support	8:30 a.m.	3 p.m.
Tuesday
Rider Check-In	8 a.m.	8:30 a.m.
Course Support	8:30 a.m.	3 p.m.

Sunday | Montesano - Wynoochee - Aberdeen Gardens

Day 1 loops 50 miles to the East and North, passing through the Chehalis River Surge Plain Natural Area Preserve, then arcs north through the county seat of Montesano. The route continues north up the Wynoochee Valley for 12 miles and then swings west toward Aberdeen Gardens to change rivers. Here you have two options: turn south down the Wishkah Valley for a total of 37 miles or continue north to the East Fork Hoquiam River for the full 50-mile loop back to Aberdeen.

Monday | Raymond - Twin Harbors State Park

Day 2 takes a 78-mile loop south, following US-101 to Raymond, then turns west along Willapa Bay out to the Pacific Ocean.  Turning north through Grayland, bikers parallel the Pacific shore to Twin Harbors State Park before turning East along Grays Harbor south shore, passing by the wondrous Westport Winery Garden Resort onto Cosmopolis and thence north back into Aberdeen.

Tuesday | Copalis Beach - Ocean Shores

Day 3 winds across the northern edge of Aberdeen and along the Hoquiam River before vaulting northwest on Ocean Beach Road to reach Copalis Beach. Once again at the Pacific, the route rolls south through Ocean Shores before heading back east along the north side of the Harbor through the downtowns of Hoquiam and Aberdeen to complete the 60-mile loop.

Inclusion

Everyone is welcome at Cascade events. We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in the bicycling community. We aim to provide safe spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops. Read our commitment to anti-racism and our participant code of conduct and grievance policy.

We would like to acknowledge that our rides take place on native land. Our offices are located on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present.

Food & Breaks

Light snacks will be available at the morning check-in.

Lunch is provided and includes fresh fruit, sandwiches (gluten free and vegan options), chips, and other snacks and drinks.

Additional water and snack stations will be posted as needed.

Where to Stay

Preferred Partners

When you register for this tour lite, we'll send you instructions on how to redeem discounts for the following hotels.

• Best Western Plus Aberdeen 701 E Heron St,  Aberdeen, WA  98520
• Olympic Inn & Suites 616 W Heron St,  Aberdeen, WA 98520

Other Hotels

• Travelodge by Wyndham Aberdeen 521 W Wishkah Ave, Aberdeen, WA  98520
• EconoLodge Inn & Suites, 910 Simpson Ave, Hoquiam, WA98550
• Grays Harbor Inn & Suites, 1700 S Boone St, Aberdeen, WA  98520

Camping Options

• Hoquiam River RV Park (5.8 miles from start line)
• Friends Landing (12 miles from start line)
• Lake Sylvia State Park (15 miles from start line)

Support During the Ride

This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers.

Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event. You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Weather

Midsummer weather can bring many things: rain, extreme heat, strong coastal winds, and lots of sun. Morning temperatures may vary drastically from midday temperatures. Wear or bring layers to have available on your bike with you.

Get your bike tuned up and in shape to ride. Bring front and rear lights, backup batteries, install fenders, service your brakes, and clean your chain.

E-Bikes

Class 1 and 3 e-bikes are permitted on this ride.

Training

The Cascade Training Series is a twelve-week ride series designed to prepare you for long-distance and multi-day rides. Riders of all paces will not only build their strength and endurance, but also their confidence.

To help you prepare for this ride, you can also check out our extensive schedule of Free Group Rides in the Puget Sound area. Find rides that fit your schedule and desired pace and distance.