Intro to Gravel Riding (Self-Paced)

If you're new to gravel cycling and ready to learn and practice some basic gravel riding skills, this is the ride for you! Join us on a casual 15-mile loop through the Marckworth State Forest near Duvall where we will discuss how to climb, descend, turn, and brake on gravel safely and effectively.

Is this ride right for me?

If you've ridden gravel rail trails like the Snoqualmie Valley Trail or the Palouse to Cascades Trail and thought to yourself, "That was fun! What's next?", then this is the ride for you. If you've never ridden any gravel before, then I recommend checking out a rail trail first before advancing to riding on gravel roads. Feel free to email me for suggestions for your first gravel ride.

Where does the ride start?

The ride will start at the parking lot at the eastern terminus of the Tolt Pipeline Trail. Parking is a little tight, with room for at most ten cars. If the lot is full when you arrive, there is some backup parking available a tenth of a mile north on Kelly Rd, at the intersection with Stossel Creek Way. Both parking options are shown on the route map; no permit or pass is required for either parking option. Please note that there are no restrooms available at the start or along the route; however, starting at mile 1.5 we will be inside a state forest and can stop for bathroom breaks as needed.

Please be ready to ride at the time listed above. All riders must pre-register online (using the Register button above) and attend the pre-ride safety briefing to participate.

Where will we ride?

The first and last 1.5 miles of our route are on a paved, low traffic road. In the middle are 12 miles of relatively mellow gravel roads in the Marckworth State Forest. The first half of the gravel section has two short, punchy climbs and one longer climb. The rest of the route is mostly flat or downhill. We will stop at various points to discuss the skills needed to safely and effectively ride the different parts of the route.

Note that from mile 2.7 until mile 11.4, the route is inaccessible to motor vehicle traffic.

How fast will we ride?

Unlike most Cascade group rides, this ride is not run at a specific pace. All riders can ride at their own pace and the ride leader will stop to regroup frequently. No knowledge of the route is required, although it's always a good idea to have the route loaded on your phone or GPS device if possible.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring all the tools you need to fix a flat tire, some water, and some food. Although the route is short, we will be stopping frequently to discuss various topics; I would estimate the ride will take two and a half to three hours. The gravel on this route is pretty mellow, but certainly a little chunkier than the smooth gravel of most rail trails, so I recommend you bring a bike with tires at least 35mm wide.

What weather will cancel the ride?

If the forecast along the route calls for heavy, steady rain (or snow or ice), then the ride will be canceled. If the forecast only calls for intermittent showers, then the ride will proceed. I will plan to make a cancellation decision the night before the ride. In the event of a cancellation, all registered riders will be notified via email and I will not be at the ride start, so please check your email before heading out in the morning.