2021-08-19 Puyallup Cyclopaths "Rainiering Ride" (Les, Rob, Scott W., Tom B, Leon, Tom P, Martin & Mike)

Author:  Mike Hassur

I was sort of dreading this ride, because I wasn't certain if I had prepared well enough for it (~130 miles and 14,411' or more of climbing).  The ride was scheduled for a Thursday to minimize our exposure to traffic.  I had been gone for most of the previous week hiking in the Sun Valley, Idaho area.  I got back on a Friday and left on Sunday with Kathy for a Sheryl Crow concert near Portland.  I got back from that trip on Monday afternoon with two days to get my stuff ready for the Rainiering Ride (good planning, Mike... 👎👎).  For any of you who might be unfamiliar with the term "Rainiering", it means to do a ride that includes an amount of climbing equal to or exceeding the height of Mt. Rainier (i.e. 14,411 feet).  You can "Rainier" anywhere (all you need is a hill/mountain), but the classic place to Rainier is on... surprise... Mt. Rainier.

Our route for this year would consist of two legs. The first leg would take us up Cayuse Pass and on up to Chinook Pass.  From there, we would head over to the climb up to the Sunrise Visitor Center and, then, make our way back over Cayuse Pass and down to the vehicles to restock with food and liquids.  The second leg of the ride would take us up the east side of Backbone Ridge and down the west side before beginning our ascent up through Stevens Canyon to Reflection Lake and on up to Paradise.  From Paradise, we would retrace our steps back to the vehicles where we would - once again - restock before climbing Backbone Ridge a few more times to get the requisite 14,411 feet (or more) of elevation gain.  

"Rainiering" route & info...

In the lead up to this ride I thought that we would have maybe 3-4 guys.  Typically, this ride does not have a large number of riders.  Whether that is because of the length, the elevation gain or the fact that it is on a Thursday; I'm not really certain; but this year we ended up with 8 guys (one who flew in from Colorado Springs and one who drove from Wenatchee and slept in the parking lot the night before) who were at the Grove of the Patriarchs by 6:15 AM getting ready to go.  The group included Leon Matz (from Colorado Springs), Les Becker, Scott Wagar, Rob Davidson, Tom Broxson, Tom Peterson, Martin Katzberg (from Wenatchee) and me.

Grove of the Patriarchs Parking Lot
(our starting point)

We were on the road around 7:00 AM, and our first order of business was climbing the 11 miles or so up to Cayuse Pass.

Grove of the Patriarchs to Cayuse Pass...

I had been concerned about hot weather for this ride as we'd had some very hot days this summer, but hot weather was not a problem as it turned out.  The temperature at the start of the ride was in the low 50's, and it got cooler as we ascended toward Cayuse Pass.  The Cayuse Pass climb is 11 miles long with a pretty consistent grade of about 6%.  All of us had plenty of energy since this was the first climb of the day, and we "visited" our way up without too much trouble.  The next portion of Leg #1 of the ride would take us from Cayuse Pass on up to Chinook Pass (this portion is filled with wonderful views)...

Cayuse Pass to Chinook Pass portion of Leg #1...

Martin, Rob, Tom B, Les & Scott

This photo is mislabeled.  It is the view from Chinook Pass as Hwy 410 heads east toward Yakima...

Photo by Rob Davidson

At Chinook Pass, we paused just long enough to drink some liquids and grab a quick bite to eat (half of a peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich in my case).  The temperature was in the 40's at this point, so most of us put on a jacket or vest; because we would be descending back down to Cayuse Pass and further down to the turnoff that would lead us to the White River Ranger Station and the 13 mile climb from there to the Sunrise Visitor Center. 

Portion of Leg #1 from Chinook Pass to Sunrise Visitor Center...

Chinook Pass to Sunrise Visitor Center portion of Leg #1...

This photo mislabeled.  We are heading down from Chinook Pass back to Cayuse Pass...

White River Ranger Station...

It was at this point of the ride that "all hell broke loose" - literally.  We had passed through the White River Ranger Station and were beginning the long climb to the Sunrise Visitor Center when it happened.  Tom B. was taking off his jacket while riding as we began to climb (something all of us have done a hundred times).  As he was removing his jacket, one sleeve got wrapped up in his rear cassette.  I was riding behind Tom; and, all of a sudden, I heard this racket in front of me.  I looked up to see the sleeve of Tom's jacket fouled up in the rear cassette, his rear derailleur broken off and was laying on the road and his chain was broken.  I was sure that Tom's day was finished at this point - but Rob Davidson had a "smart link" and a "chain tool"; and, unbelievably, Tom's bike was back in action albeit now it was a "one speed" in his very lowest gear.  Equally unbelievably, he rode it all the way up the climb to the Sunrise Visitor Center!  In the Sunrise parking lot, Tom decided to "change gears" (i.e. he decided to try to reposition the chain to a higher gear for the ride down).  After some "chain manipulation" by Tom and Rob, we made it back to the White River Ranger Station; but that was about it for Tom's bike.  We still had to negotiate the north side of Cayuse Pass and descend the other side to get back to the vehicles.  It was pretty clear that Tom's bike was not going to make it.  The other Tom, Tom Peterson; volunteered to ride ahead to get his large SUV to bring Tom Broxson and his bike back to our vehicles at Grove of the Patriarchs.  The plan was that - after we got Tom Broxson and his "wounded" bike back to the cars - the rest of us would begin Leg #2 of the ride (i.e. Backbone Ridge, the Stevens Canyon climb to Reflection Lake and on up to Paradise).

While Tom Peterson was driving back over Cayuse Pass to pick up Tom Broxson, most of the rest of our group (me, Les, Leon, and Rob) decided to kill some time by climbing the east side of Backbone Ridge (5.8 miles, 1,100' of elevation gain).  

Eventually, we all ended up back at the vehicles.  Tom Broxson was heading home (I am convinced that he would have completed this ride were it not for bad luck), and the rest of us were ready for Leg #2.  I hadn't said anything to this point, but I was not going to ride with the group to Paradise.  The bracket that connected my seat post to the rails of my saddle had broken a couple of weeks prior to this ride.  We had "jury rigged" it so that I could complete that ride, but I had not gotten the new parts (they were in the mail) to replace that problematic bracket.  I had noted the apparatus that supported my saddle making noise (clicks and pops) on Leg #1 of this ride, and I decided that I wanted to stay relatively close to the vehicles in case that bracket failed again.  That meant that my "Leg 2" for this ride consisted of repeats on Backbone Ridge, while most of the rest of our group headed on up to Paradise.  Luckily for me, Leon decided that he too wanted to do "repeats" on Backbone Ridge rather than heading up to Paradise - so I had some welcome company.  (Let me digress for a moment...  Leon Matz and I had been neighbors, friends and riding companions for close to 25 years before he and his wife, Fran, moved to Colorado Springs, CO last summer.  Leon was training to qualify for the UCI Age Group World Championships this year before he crashed and had to forego that goal.  Eventually, he decided to shift his focus to doing this year's "Rainiering Ride" with us - much to our/my delight; so having the opportunity to visit with Leon during Leg #2 of this ride was a real bonus for me.)

I can't speak to the "Paradise portion of Leg #2", but the Backbone Ridge portion was great.  Leon and I (and, eventually, Martin) had a wonderful time climbing (repeatedly) and visiting.  Eventually, the "Paradise guys" returned and joined us on Backbone Ridge as they still needed some elevation gain to complete the "Rainiering" requirement.  Actually, this was probably my favorite part of the ride.  We were all tired, but we totally enjoyed "visiting" our way up Backbone Ridge together those last few times.  It was awesome!!  (I want to give a special "shout out" to Tom Peterson at this point.  He was lagging behind the rest of us in terms of his elevation gain, because he had helped to transport Tom Broxson back to the vehicles after the mechanical problems.  In spite of that, Tom Peterson persevered and got the required elevation gain to "Rainier".  Thanks, Tom, for your generosity and your perseverance - you are a stud)!!

I didn't include any photos from Leg #2 of this ride, because I wasn't with the group to Paradise and because I was too tired to be taking photos on Backbone Ridge.  I will simply leave you with these photos from the end of our ride (unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of the entire group together)...

This has to be one of my favorite all-time rides.  I've "Rainiered" four or five times before this, but this was a great group of guys with whom to do this ride; and - in spite of some adversity - everyone adapted and seemed determined to make this a great ride - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

Fell Swoop Gravel Invitation

Author:  Dwaine Trummert

The publishing of this post signifies a milestone for this author/cyclist. I've completed my first 

IRL group ride with members of the Fell Swoop Racing team.

Fell Swoop member Frank requested a birthday ride up and down some gravel roads in 

and around Easton Washington. Four additional members of the team obliged. An invitation 

was sent my way. I was excited to see some new scenery and get to know more of the Fell 

Swoopers.  A total of six riders started the route from the Hyak Sno Park parking lot.

We started at 9 a.m. heading East on the Palouse to Cascades Trail. The pace seemed 

pretty hot and my camera remained silent as I watched the blue waters of Keechelus Lake 

fly by. This portion of the trail lacks any technical challenges nor elevation challenges. After 

seven miles we reached our first turn and a change in the tenor of the ride.

The gravel road up and over Stampede Pass was not too steep nor too technical. We did 

not see many vehicles but the road showed the signs that it sees plenty of motor traffic. 

Thomas and Frank went to the front. I chose a moderate pace and quickly drifted to the 

back. Near the top the trees and terrain allowed some views as reward for our efforts.

The final tricky ascent at the summit of Stampede Pass

 

Following in the footsteps of the author Zdog
ascended the final few feet by foot.

At the crest of the pass we were presented with a short side road technical climb. At the top of the climb stood a power line structure and the best viewpoint. One by one we made attempts at this short climb. One by one we rode to the top or fell down trying. The non riders, myself included, simply carried or dragged out steeds the final few meters. We spent a few minutes snapping photos. Then ZDog shared the details of the Lester police incident from a previous year's ride. Fell Swoop did not intend to revisit the ghost town of Lester.

 

Thomas looked West from Stampede Pass towards
the ghost town of Lester which we did not visit.

 

The descent was unremarkable but it was my first chance to evaluate my tires. This was my first mixed surface ride on the Panaracer Gravel King SS tires in 650b 48mm. The road surface was remarkably dry and covered in loose gravel. I expected these tires to feel the same as the BTW ByWays they replaced. They did not. My first impression was that the more rounded profile let them break free more predictably but also earlier.

Soon we reached the Lester junction. Straight on to Lester or left to Tacoma Pass. We chose left. Climbing to the top of Tacoma Pass included more elevation than Stampede pass but at a more shallow gradient. There was also more shade. At times the road paralled the Green River and later the Tacoma Creek. The group climbed at an easier pace and we were able to enjoy the more primitive two track feel of this road.

There was also more conversation. Craig shared that he has ventured into bikepacking and I was keen to hear his early impressions. Thomas was willing to describe for me some of the nuance and timing that goes into a road racing lead out train. Frank and I talked shop until being found out and chastised.

The summit was unremarkable. The descent along Cabin Creek was eye openning. Although generally not steep the road was narrow and twisty. In many sections the creek erosion left a narrow lane on the left and a cliff on the right. Mike showed his skills and set a mean pace down this section earning a bronze cup on Strava in the process.

The road surface for this descent was different than the previous and so was my satisfaction with the Gravelking SS tires. The lack of loose gravel made all the difference. They felt more planted and more or less replicated the feel of the ByWays they replaced.

The descending ended where the road ended. Years ago the bridge over Cabin Creek was half washed away. Since then advenurous motorists have been fording at a wide and shallow section of the creek. As we approached I quickly evaluated the lighting, shouldering my Hakka, scurried across, and unholstered my Canon. Frank was set up to ride across first. To the disappointment of my camera, one by one, each Fell Swooper thought wiser and simply walked their bikes across. There would be no blooper roll for this ride.

 

Craig showed the wise way across Cabin Creek while the remaining
Fell Swoopers pondered the crossing from the far side.

Once the camera was put away we chatted for a few moments. I stood in the river and let the river water wash the heat out of my shoes and feet. Then I put my head in the water and remarked that the river crossing might be the most satisfying feature of the ride. That sentiment was premature.

Soon we descended into Easton and found a convenience store/coffee shop/pizzaria called the Hitching Post. We invaded the picnic table area and purchased gallons of cold water and sports drinks. Although just 40 miles in I was feeling some fatigue.

Thomas informed us he was hurting and would be pulling the plug and riding back to his car via the Palouse to Cascades trail. While his legs were clearly up for the fight his back had waved the white flag climbing up Tacoma Pass. To add insult to injury, as his bike baked in the sun against a South facing wall, the rear brake decided to drag. There was a discussion about removing the brake pads if the rub became unbearable and we wished him well.

The next ten mile section was rolling terrain. It kept us entertained with some pavement and some gravel. A few views of Kachess Lake. There was even a small creek crossing where we stopped just long enough for me to re dip my head in the water. As we rolled through a few neighborhoods Craig shared some insights on living in the area. Even as a home owner he is still not yet considered a 'local'. Apparently the locals keep the locations of the most beautiful parts of the forest to themeselves.

Mile fifty brought the hammer. The final climb. It started rough, rocky, and loose. There was plenty of dust from motor traffic. By one quarter distance we were above the majority of the motor traffic and had each found our just right pace. We regrouped at half distance and I was happy for the short break.

The second half of the climb was the finest of the day. We were occasionally surounded by butterflies. Lupine flowers, also know as Bluebonnet, decorated the shoulders of the road. By the final quarter of the climb the trees peeled back to reveal views down to the roads previously conquered. As a final reward we were granted a cooling breeze to finish the climb.

At the summit we congratulated ourselves with a round of fist bumps. The final leg, a gravel descent that dropped us within three miles of our start, was all that lay before us.

Just before we embarked Craig asked if were interested in seeing a locals only natural attraction. It involved cool water. We agreed.

 

Looking down river right before we cooled ourselves in the creek.

 

 Zdog captured a quick photo before jumping in.

 

Somewhere between the top of Keechelus Ridge and the Hyak Sno Park we took a few steps off the most direct path to take in a landmark of natural beauty. Location details were placed under embargo. Words and photos were not. We were shown a lovely collection of waterfalls and water holes. Bikes, helmets, and jerseys were set aside and we waded into the water. We rejoiced when freed from the six hours of dust and sweat. Frank appreciated his birthday dip. We all thanked Craig for sharing his forest secret.

 

Fell Swoopers and their gear seven hours after
they started. Still smiling. Success.

Back at the cars I thanked the team for the invitation. It was a great chance to get to know some of the team. It was a great opportunity to explore parts of the forest that lay just outside the Palouse to Cascades corridor. It was a great birthday ride. Thank you Fell Swoopers. 

My white Ibis Hakka MX finished another fine
gravel adventure with nary a squeek.