Iron Horse Gravel Ride

Registration

Can I just show up at the start line and ride without registering online in advance?
No. This ride is strictly limited to people who registered in advance online. Our permit only allows for a specific number of riders (200 max). We cannot accommodate special requests once registration online closes. Registration opens Tuesday, April 8 and closes mid-July or as soon as we reach our rider limit.

What does my registration fee cover?
Your registration fee covers a trained crew of SAG drivers, Outriders, staff, community groups that run rest stops, a souvenir light for the tunnel, lunch and snacks at several rest stops each day, basic mechanical support, luggage transportation between Snoqualmie and Cle Elum, dinner on Day One, breakfast on Day Two, and necessary permits.

Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes. The waiver and code of conduct that you agreed to require that you wear a helmet.

What about packet pickup?
If you register by 11:59 PM July 21, your packet will be mailed to your primary address. If it does not arrive, please see us at the start line tent. If you registered after July 21, your packet is available at the start line.

Gravel Riding

What kind of bike do I need to ride on gravel?
There's no strict rule, but here are some guidelines: don't expect your highly specialized road-specific bike and tires to get you far. Mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and gravel bikes are a good place to start. Wider tires (for example, around 35mm) will be very useful for handling different types of gravel, dirt, and rocks. We highly recommend a bike that you have ridden on a bit of gravel before, that is the right size and fit for you.

What other gear should I bring with me?
Ask yourself what you might bring on an eight-hour hike. Food, hydration, protection from the elements, and First Aid are great things to have on your bike. We recommend you have a medium-sized bag (like a handle bar bag or a large saddle bag) that can fit layers for staying warm and/or dry, a third water bottle, extra snacks, a flat kit, and a small First Aid kit. Most importantly, bring plenty of lights for the tunnel!

Will this event be suitable for newbies or inexperienced gravel riders?
It truly depends on your overall riding experience. Please consider the elevation gain, combined with the length of each day's routes, along with riding on gravel surfaces. If gravel is the only new factor for you and you have a suitable bike, you'll likely have a great new experience. If you have not ridden 50+ miles a day for two days in a row, it will present a steep challenge.

Can I use an e-bike on this ride?
Yes. Washington State Parks allows Class 1 and 3 e-bikes on off-road routes and trails, but don't count on your battery being able to carry you to the top without a lot of help from your legs. You'll definitely need to re-charge overnight before the return journey. Most campsites have electrical outlets, as do the motel rooms in Cle Elum.

Route

How long does it take to cover the routes? What's an expected pace/range of speed?
Gravel riding is generally a slower process than road riding. With about 7-8 hours to complete the route each day, plus time for lunch and breaks, and factoring in climbs and descents, you'll need to keep a pace of at least 10 mph on the flats.

What should I know about the tunnel?
The Snoqualmie Tunnel is mandatory - there is NO way around it. It's approximately 2 miles long, dark, and sometimes has water dripping and occasional potholes. The tunnel remains cold (around 45°F) year-round, regardless of outside temperature. Be sure to bring a jacket or warm layer even on hot summer days - you will need it in the tunnel! Multiple lights are strongly recommended for safety.

Is the tunnel suitable for those with claustrophobia?
If you are claustrophobic or scotophobic (fear of darkness), we recommend you do NOT do this ride. The tunnel is long, dark (you can't quite see one end from the other), and often has dripping water.

Is there any chance of running into wildlife?
While wildlife encounters are possible, they're not common on this trail. If you do see any wildlife, keep your distance and follow safety guidelines.

Logistics

What are the parking options?
There are 84 spots at Snoqualmie Elementary School available for an additional $10 for two days. This is unsecured overnight parking and must be paid for in advance as space is limited.

What are my accommodation options?
Camping is available at Whispering Pines RV Park (Official mid-point) for $20. This includes a tent space (likely to set multiple tents within RV spaces), access to showers, bathrooms, and other park amenities. Alternatively, there are several motels in Cle Elum including Timber Lodge Inn, Aster Inn, Alpine Lakes Chalet Motel, Quality Inn Cle Elum, and Cle Elum Traveler's Inn.

How does luggage transportation work?
Included with your registration, a truck hauls your bags from Snoqualmie to Cle Elum so you don't have to carry them while riding. Be sure you have an ID tag on your bag, and try to make it distinguishable from the crowd (colored tape or ribbons are best). Avoid packing breakables or extreme valuables if you can.

Support

What kind of support can I expect?
Volunteers and Support Crew will be at each of three Rest Stops along the way. Several Outriders will be scattered throughout the group to aid and encourage en route. Since vehicles cannot access the trail directly, plan on dealing with minor mechanical issues and bumps and scrapes if you can't stay on your bike until an Outrider or fellow cyclist can stop to check on you.

Can I be sagged back if I bonk or get tired?
From Rest Stop stations, SAG services may be available whenever a free vehicle can get there. Keep in mind there are portions of this ride that are not accessible by vehicle. SAG vehicles are not taxis but are there to support riders with mechanical and medical issues.

Food and Breaks

What meals are included?

• Day 1: Light pastries and coffee at the start, lunch at Hyak Sno Park, snacks at rest stops, and dinner (BBQ) at Whispering Pines RV Park
• Day 2: Breakfast (warm grab-n-go option like a breakfast burrito), lunch at Hyak Sno Park, and snacks at rest stops

Where are the rest stops located?
Day 1: Cedar Falls Trailhead (mile 9.6), Hyak Sno Park for lunch (mile 31), and Easton Fire Station/Cabin Creek (mile 48.4) Day 2: Easton Fire Station/Cabin Creek (mile 14), Hyak Sno Park for lunch (mile 31), and Cedar Falls (mile 50)

Weather

What weather can I expect?
August is likely to be warm and dry, but prepare for unexpected coolness or showers on the Pacific side of the Summit. The Snoqualmie Tunnel remains cold (around 45°F) year-round, regardless of outside temperature. There's always a chance of thunderstorms on the East side of the Cascades, and there could be significant winds blowing down from the mountains — great tailwind for the first day, but Tuesday's return could face building headwinds through the morning.

What should I wear?
Plan for layers to start the day, but all-uphill starts means quick warm-up. Definitely bring a jacket or warm layer for the tunnel, even on hot days. Weather-appropriate clothing for potential rain or heat is recommended.