Winthrop Gravel Tour

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 with the Forest Service only allows for so many riders. We cannot accomodate special requests once registration online closes. Please register in advance!

What does my registration fee cover?

A trained crew of SAG drivers, Outriders, staff, community groups that run rest stops, a souvenir, lunch and snacks at several rest stops each day, basic mechanical support, and fun things like 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.

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 that right size and fit for you.

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 30 miles a day for two days in a row, it will present a steep challenge.

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 seven hours to complete the route, 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. Some riders will be faster than others, but we ask you select your route (long or short) based on what you know you can complete.

Do we have to stick to the mapped routes?  What if I find a cool trail I haven’t done before?

There are all kinds of other routes around the Methow Valley region, but if you venture off the marked route for the day, we can’t be responsible for where you’ll end up. Please stick to the routes and the supported course hours if you wish to enjoy a supported ride.

Is there any chance of running into wildlife?
There was a black bear sighting in 2023 on this ride. Even in the denser Puget Sound area, you'll find that there are sightings of coyote, bears, and mountain lions. The Winthrop Gravel routes pass through three different segments of the Methow Wildlife Area: Big Buck Unit, Rendezvous Unit, and Methow itself. If you do see any wildlife, keep your distance. Read more on safety from the National Park Service.

Support

How short a day can I ride?  Can I be sagged back in if I bonk or get tired?

We have long and short loops for each day. We highly recommend that you select the route you know you can complete. Some riders may decide to ride only two days. Keep in mind there are single track 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. Help us serve high-priority support requests by checking in with yourself before each day's ride.

What kind of support can I expect?

A mechanic at the start line or in town nearby, several SAG vehicles (where permitted), Outriders on bike, and a simple check-in system at the start, lunch, and finish to help us keep track of riders' progress and presence. We'll have a range of inner tubes and tubeless sealant, as well as support crew trained to support bike features popular with gravel riders. For e-bike riders, we'll have bike racks that can support heavier e-bike models, but there will be no charging station along the route; please be familiar with your battery's range. You may want to bring a backup battery.