Tour de PNW 2023 – More Information

In case you missed it, the original Tour de PNW 2023 announcement is in this link:  https://bikesclub.org/memberforum/13034453.  More information is provided below in response to questions and comments received so far.

You have an opportunity to ask questions and help plan logistical details.  Contact ride leader Rick Proctor at BikeHound@comcast.net by the end of January 2023. 

Routes:  

• Links to RideWithGPS routes for each day are in the attached spreadsheets. 
• The routes are intended to be the easiest way across Washington and Idaho without camping.  For example: Snoqualmie Pass is the lowest pass across the Cascades north of the Columbia River, and our route will go under that pass in a tunnel!  There are other hills though.
• The Tour de PNW does not require camping equipment, but the routes have sections with many hours between restrooms or porta-potties.  Riders must be willing and able to “go” outside.

Pace: 

• The moderate “effort” pace of this tour is intended for riders who regularly ride at a moderate pace slowed down by a touring load of gear, gravel riding, uphills, headwinds, photo stops, etc. 
• Routes pass through sections with wild areas, opportunities to get lost, and sometimes no cell phone service.  The plan is to keep everyone within line of sight and frequent regroups for safety. 

Schedule:  The schedule is not locked in yet, but the following time frames are expected:

• Phase 1, West WA, sometime in April after the snows melt off and while off-season motel rates are still in effect.  We should be back before the McClinchy Mile on April 30.  The West WA routes go through some of the rainiest areas on our planet, but good weather weeks happen in the spring too.  We need to be flexible to get the right week.
• Phase 2, Mid WA, sometime in mid May after the Snoqualmie Tunnel opens (usually May 1^st) and the snows melt off the route.
• Phase 3, East WA and ID, sometime in late May to mid June.

Cost:  Attachments include a spreadsheet for each phase with details of the plan, including links to RWGPS routes for each day and suggested lodging for each night:

• Phase 1 West Washington.
• Phase 2 Mid Washington.
• Phase 3 East Washington – Idaho.

Equipment:  

• Your bike must be in good condition and ready for the route. 
• Before the tour starts you should test ride your bike fully loaded for the tour to make sure everything fits and will stay where it belongs on the bike when riding on rough surfaces such as gravel and rough pavement.
• You must be able to do your own minor repairs, including flat repairs, and maintenance.

Drivers: 

• Someone will need to deliver us to the beginning, and retrieve us from the end, of most phases. 
• Sufficient public transportation is not known to exist, so creative bribes may be needed to stimulate willingness from family and/or friends.

Postings to the Rides Calendar and Tours Calendar for each tour phase will occur by early February after specific dates are determined.  Riders must register on the Ride Calendar webpage.