Wally World: Carnation to Rattlesnake Gravel Ride (Steady)

If you would like a change of pace from road riding and have a bike that is suitable for gravel, join us for a 47-mile social ride from Carnation to Rattlesnake Lake and back.  The ride features quiet woodlands, rivers, and views from high bridges. We will follow the Snoqualmie Valley trail for 10 miles then have a few miles on pavement through the town of Snoqualmie before picking up the gravel again near the Mt Si golf course. The grade for the first half is 1 to 2% and portions of the second half have a grade of up to 3%. Most of the elevation gain is in the first half of the route. The return will be on the same trails and will be predominantly downhill but will take a slightly different route through the town of Snoqualmie where will encounter the steepest hills. The ride is posted as a "Steady" pace which means 12 - 14 mph on flat paved roads. However, since we will be on gravel and climbing much of the way from Carnation to Rattlesnake then descending on our way back, for this ride the designation of "Steady" implies effort, not speed. 

Let's meet at the Nick Loutsis Park in Carnation and please be ready to ride at 9:00. 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. Limited parking is available at the park, but there is plenty of street parking. There is a sanican at the start but no water. Water and restrooms are available at Centennial Fields Park (miles 13 and 33) where we will stop both on the way up and the way down. At Rattlesnake Lake there are vault toilets but no water.

We will take a break for lunch at Rattlesnake Lake. There is no food for purchase along the route so be sure to pack whatever food you feel you will need. Less than a mile from the finish we pass the Remlinger Farm which is renowned for its pie and ice cream. Sandwiches and other food are also available. This is an optional stop.

Be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat - we will stay with you while you fix a flat. Other things to bring: Phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; water and a small snack. If the roads are wet, please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line.

The Cascade Bicycle Club is supporting two gravel rides this year, one in the Methow Valley and one on the Iron Horse Trail. They are also putting on a gravel riding class. More details are in the provided hyperlink.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancelation criterion listed in the Weather Status (including rain, freezing weather, ice or snow, or high winds) or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!