Seattle Area Distance Climbing Routes

[Starfish]

Can any of you in the Seattle or Olympic Peninsula area (or even Victoria BC) recommend some distance climbing rides? I live on the Peninsula, so I do Hurricane Ridge, but it is somewhat short.

Do any of you have some longer climbing rides...maybe 60-70 miles with 6000-7000 feet of climbing? I'm looking for some evenly graded climbing, rather than super steep pitches.

What is it like to ride up Snoqualmie Pass? Are we allowed to ride on I-90 east from Issaquah? What other passes do you ride?

Thanks for any help. I'm looking for some longer climbing training I can come over and do on weekends. Of course, the closer to the Olympic Peninsula, the better!

[Susan126]

Starfish, one of my favorite long gradual climbs is the ride I do starting from Enumclaw on route 410. I start from either the bike shop or National Park Info Center, or the Enumclaw High School and ride to Greenwater, distance is 20 +/- miles depending on where you start. Out and back makes it a 40 mile ride. You can continue past Greenwater and enter Mount Rainier National Park and get a longer ride in. If you go all the way to Cayuse you will get a 42 mile ride (one way). Out and back 84 miles. So a total of 42 miles of gradual climbing and then a great downhill coming back. If you want to add steeper climbs to the gradual ones, take a right hand turn towards Sunrise Visitor Center about 15 miles inside the park. There will be signs. It's a very steep and winding road with little shoulder. Or bike up to Crystal (another steep climb). You can make the ride as long and steep as you like. Some people just like the steep climb and drive to the White River entrance and park just past the information center. Then they cycle up to Sunrise and then back down to the White River Visitor Center. I live in Bonney Lake and Enumclaw is only 11 miles from my door step. I usually do it once or twice during the summer. I may have to do it again this summer. I always did enjoy the Enumclaw to Greenwater ride (evenly graded but you know you're climbing). I usually go past Greenwater and do a 25, 30, or 35 mile ride out and then turn around and come back.

I can't think of anything longer near me. I do have a lot of favorite rides in the Black Diamond/Enumclaw/Maple Valley area. But they are mostly roller coaster rides. A lot of up and down. The longest one is the Flaming Geyser to Black Diamond loop. You climb the Auburn Black Diamond Road. A good evenly graded 10 mile climb. But like I said it's mostly roller coaster hills, 2-4 miles long.

Of course you can always do Blewett Pass (if you feel like driving to Cle Elum or Leavenworth). That's an evenly graded climb. Except for the last 5 miles that is! It gets pretty steep just before the crest. I did the Courage Classic in 2003 and I absolutely loved that climb! The downhill part was a blast!

Sue

Forgot to mention, once you enter the national park the roads are narrow. No shoulders to speak of so I usually turn around at the park entrance for the gradual climbs.

[mimitabby]

You might go to the Seattle Randonneurs website. THey have hundreds of rides

http://www.seattlerandonneur.org/ind...d=20&Itemid=29

100, 200, 300, 400, 600 k.

enjoy

[nicole309]

Sometimes to mix things up on Hurricane Ridge we go up the back way from the Elwha. I think that is little river road. Also, the ride out to the Hot Springs from Port Angeles isn't bad, only the last part is hilly though.
Victoria Bike Coalition has lots of great maps and rides as well. I have done a lot of rolling hills rides there, but nothing with the elevation you are talking about.

[Starfish]

These are all great suggestions, thanks.

I have never ridden down around Enumclaw, but I knew there had to be some good climbingin RAMROD country. Now I know where to park, etc. THANKS!

Mimi, your website reference makes sense...those people know how to find long rides!

And, Nicole, I am very familiar with the Little River Road! I ride the paved portion up from the Elwha. That 15-16% stretch is a little rough for me...and I'm looking for a lot longer, steadier climb. But, I have never ridden the gravel portion that runs up to the Heart of the Hills (park entry gate) from there on my road bike. Does that work on a road bike?

[nicole309]

These are all great suggestions, thanks.

But, I have never ridden the gravel portion that runs up to the Heart of the Hills (park entry gate) from there on my road bike. Does that work on a road bike?

My BF seems to have no problem with it. The last time I went was when I first started riding and nearly passed out!! There was even some snow on the road. It seemed really challenging to me on my Trek 1000, but the BF made like the incredibly bumby and steep ride was no big deal. I'm sure it would be better if I did it today. That road really is beautiful though.