DARC Side Ride: Redmond Gravel Trails, Day 1 (Brisk)

Let's meet at the 60 Acres Park southeast parking lot near the porta potties. Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. We will start with the required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

What are DARC Side rides, you might ask? DARC stands for Dirty, Adventurous, Ridiculous, and Challenging. DARC Side Rides embrace gravel, rough climbs, and a smidge of absurdity….

• Dirty means primarily gravel (you’ll want a bike with 38mm+ tires; 45 mm might be ideal)

• Adventurous means it’s not a race (we’ll stop for occasional stories and pictures)

• Ridiculous means there’s some risk (but not too much; you can always walk, if needed)

• Challenging means it ain’t easy (being cheesy)

Is this a new, regular series? Yes and no! They happen whenever / wherever I feel like it.

Is it for everyone? Yes and no! All are welcome, but you’ll need at least intermediate bike handling skills for limited technical terrain, such as some single-track and jumping over water boards on a steep ascent.

Isn’t there another ride just like this scheduled this weekend? Why yes there is. Same route, but in reverse. (The counterclockwise direction on Saturday is a bit more technical and challenging than the clockwise route on Sunday.)

We’ll climb and descend hills at our own pace, and we’ll regroup occasionally. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).

Restrooms are available at the start. We’ll stop along the way for restrooms/water at mile 22 (Redmond Ridge QFC).

A working white headlight and red rear taillight are recommended.

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card; water and snacks.  

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status 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 cancelled 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!