Rarefied: Two Master Climbs in the Cascades (Vigorous)

Hills out of Auburn (HOOA!) presents: Rarefied: Two Master Climbs in the Cascades. We roll from Wapiti in Green River at 8:00 AM sharp for a big, beautiful, fully unsupported mountain day in the Cascades. Park across from Wapiti on the north side of 410 (westbound) in the open space area and not in the Wapiti parking lot.

Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

This ride features two major climbs: first, the Hors Catégorie climb to Chinook Pass, followed by the Category 2 climb to Crystal Mountain. We’ll start with Chinook, regrouping at Tipsoo Lake for bathrooms. From there, we’ll descend back and take on the climb to Crystal Mountain, where we’ll summit, then stop for lunch at Snorting Elk before returning to Wapiti.

At the moment, the climb to Sunrise is not available. However, if that changes before the ride, we will swap Sunrise in for Crystal, since Sunrise is the bigger climbing challenge. Monitor your email and this post for any last minute changes.

This is a long, remote, unsupported ride. Bring everything you need to be self-sufficient for the entirety of the ride: enough food, water, layers, tools, tubes/plugs, CO₂ or pump, lights, and anything else you may need if things get spicy. Cell service is spotty, and bathroom, food, and water options are limited. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA card;  Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

In other words: come prepared, ride smart, and don’t make the mountain babysit you.

This will be a serious ride with serious views, two serious climbs, and absolutely unserious amounts of suffering.

We will climb and descend hills with our climb-buddies to ensure safety and that we know where everyone is. We will stay with our "buddy" and regroup at the summit and descents.

Restrooms MAY BE available at the start (depends on Wapiti). Potable water is also available at Silver Springs Campground (mile 13.4 and again at mile 50). We will also re-supply at the base of Crystal mountain. However, because this is a ride with limited services you need to  BE SELF SUFFICIENT AT ALL TIMES. You should bring at least two full water bottles. You should also consider bringing a hydration pack.

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!