Gravel adventure along the Palouse to Cascade Trail Cle Elum to Thorp
Ride leader: Jackie Wolfe, jacquelinewc@hotmail.com, 206-794-1019
Register by 8 PM evening before the ride. Group size limited to 6.
Meet at 10:30 AM for a 10:45 AM rollout from South Cle Elum Depot in Cle Elum.WA.
Low Moderate (14 – 16 mph) pace expected. 40 miles, 240 feet of gain, A/B/C terrain.
This part of the trail runs through the upper Yakima River canyon with views of windmills, mountains, interesting geology, possible wildlife, and of course the river. Note: There are some rough sections, so it is recommended to have minimum tire size of 38mm to be comfortable.
Please be ready to ride at 10:45. We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done.
Route: We start in Cle Elum at the South Cle Elum Depot. Then we will ride towards Thorp a bit uphill but a gentle low elevation grade. There are two tunnels on the route and you WILL need a light for one of them. It's not long but it does have a curve in the middle so that you can't see the light at either end of the tunnel.
Ride Start: South Cle Elum Depot at 801 Milwaukee Ave, South Cle Elum, WA 98943
Food and Water: Bring your own snacks and plenty of water as options and amenities are limited on this route. We will stop on way for a short picnic, and if time permits, there is a coffee and fruit stand nearby when we get to Thorp off trail before we turn around to head back. If you have time before the ride start, Pioneer Coffee Roasters in Cle Elum is a good stop.
Restrooms: There are toilets available at the start. We will also have a stop along the way with vault toilets at Ponderosa Campground at around mile 7.5 and again in Thorp, around mile 19 but there is no running water on this route.
Bad weather cancels the ride, check your e-mail or text for ride updates.
