Gravel: Thrilla + Tuscany Double Loop (each way) (Brisk)

Let's meet at the parking area on the Tolt Pipeline Trail on the west side of 148th Avenue NE in Woodinville. 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.

Parking: Additional parking can be found at Woodinville Sports Fields (145th St NE & Woodinville-Redmond Rd). Sometimes that lot is full or charges for parking. You could also park on the street near Hollywood Hill restaurants (e.g., NE 145th Street, just east of the traffic circle near Heritage Restaurant). (FYI, I'd normally start this ride at 60 Acres Park, but there will be a soccer tournament there this day, with paid parking.) 

This fun, scenic, hilly, challenging gravel ride includes 2 laps of Thrilla + Tuscany (once in each direction; see both RideWithGPS links). Compared to the typical Thrilla routes, I've included a couple variations to maximize scenery and time off-road. Also, the ride starts with Heart Attack Hill looming: you can *optionally* tackle that beast of a climb at the halfway point or at the end of the ride. Please read this entire ride posting since gravel rides involve additional considerations compared to road rides....

• Recommended gear: Gravel bike with 38+ mm tires (40-45 mm might be ideal)
• Skill level: Intermediate+ bike handling skills (e.g., able to handle limited single-track, loose gravel, and water boards while ascending and descending; it's possible and okay to hike-a-bike walk if we encounter terrain you're not comfortable riding)
• Pace: Gravel rides don't align with the typical Cascade paces defined for road rides. On the few flat sections, we'll ride Brisk (16-18 MPH), but given the climbing and terrain our overall average speed will likely be around 11-12 MPH.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and we will 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 not available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms/water/snacks around miles 13 and 33. Those stops are slightly off the routes at Redmond Ridge QFC.  

A working white headlight and red rear taillight (steady mode preferred) 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 a small snack. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

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!