Ride Around the Tatoosh Range in One Day (RATROD)--Counter-Clockwise

The Ride Around Tatoosh Range in One Day is, in my opinion, one of the best road rides in Western Washington. This route will give you breathtaking views of Mt Rainier and the surrounding wilderness while we visit this iconic National Park. This ride is hosted by a member of Cascade's High Performance Cycling club in preparation for the High Pass Challenge on the 28th.

This is a strenuous paced ride, which means this is a ride for strong cyclists. The major portion of this route is the climb up Stevens Canyon to Paradise. It is a long, hard climb that everyone should feel comfortable doing at their own pace. We will regroup at the top for lunch before descending to Longmire, then to Ashford and riding Skate Creek Rd back to Packwood. Slower riders are welcome to join, but you should be prepared to ride on your own.

There are a couple points to remember. First, This is a mountain climb. Weather conditions can change quickly, and temperatures are typically at least 15F cooler at the top. BRING AN EXTRA LAYER. No matter how nice it is in Packwood, riders without some sort of coverup WILL NOT be allowed to roll with us. This for your safety and that of the group. Second, There is a $10 fee to access the National Park, so don't forget your wallet. Third, be aware that there are limited services and cell reception in the park. Be prepared to handle your own mechanical issues, nutrition and water requirements. If something breaks and you're not able to fix it, it might be a long day. Lastly, be aware that Skate Creek Rd is not maintained with any regularity. It has potholes that can appear suddenly out of the shadows and require constant vigilance to avoid. Keep your eyes peeled and call out obstacles.