CTS Blue #9 - Renton to Enumclaw and Back

Welcome to CTS ride #9 To Enumclaw and Back

We are meeting once again at Renton Old City Hall. Have your bike ready and be ready to roll out at 8 a.m. There are NO water or restrooms at this start, plan accordingly! Be aware that the restrooms located in nearby Cedar River Park, may not be open. Arrive early if planning to use the facilities as our next restroom stop will be at mile 6.

We'll start with the required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. Don't forget to wear your CTS Emergency Contact ID bracelet.

This 94-mile route is relatively flat to ease us back into things from all the climbing we've done. We will warm up right out of the parking lot heading up Benson Avenue climb, a 1-mile climb up to the Renton plateau that averages 5.3%. Our other notable climb is out of the Green River Valley, only this time we'll be heading towards Enumclaw, we'll pause for a clothing change at the base of the climb and grab our climbing-legs before tackling our second big climb of the day (212th Way Southeast) at mile 26.5. The climb is about a mile long with a brief pitch up to 14%. We'll regroup and then enjoy the views of farmlands and Mount Rainier (hopefully!) It's downhill nearly the whole way back, shortly after our rest stop in Enumclaw and a quick spin on part of Mud Mountain road. Then we will ride a new stretch (to us) of the Foothills Trail, take in river and forest views, loop through the south end of Pierce County, then finish with Frager Road and Oaksdale Avenue, back to the start.

Rest stops

Reminders

Nutrition: Take in some food or carbs every hour starting with the first hour of this ride. Have something that you can consume quickly and easily during a 1-minute stop or while moving. Keeping fueled early and often is the key to not running out of energy as we continue riding extended distances with more climbing.

Hydration: Bring 2 water bottles, fill up at rest stops and drink plenty, consider drinking more than just water, electrolytes replace salt and other nutriments your body uses during these extend rides. There can be up to 25 miles between water stops on CTS rides -- BE PREPARED.

Weather: Barring a perfect forecast, it is always a good idea to have a rain jacket just in case. If we do get wet weather and you do not have long fenders please be prepared to ride at the back of the group in consideration of others. If the weather is hot, please, be ready for this as well.

General ride posting disclaimers

Route: Check on Friday before the ride and update your device if needed (or pin the route) Please note: If you check/update your version on Friday you should have the most current information. Be assured that your ride leaders will have the best information and you can always rely on them for good directions.

Trails: On weekends, trails typically have heavy pedestrian traffic near parks, especially when the weather is nice. Most trails in our region have 15 mph limits, except for trails in Renton, where they have been reduced to 10 mph. We need to obey all posted speed limits

Cancellation policy: 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.

Please check your email the morning of the ride for any final updates. Route may be updated, as well as weather updates and cancellations.