If you are
looking for the 16 mile race to Winchester from CuldeSac, it is
gone. In its place we are offering a semi-supported club day ride
of 68 miles.
Start time:
9 am (arrive and set up before) We may start earlier in '09 since
heat was a real problem in '08.
Location:
Grocery in Lapwai off 95
Date:
Sunday, June 28, 2009. Lapwai Grocery parking lot. Roll time is
9 am.
Route Change
2009: Garden Gulch is freshly graveled. We'll stary on the
frontage road through Sweetwater and then ride 5 miles to CuldeSac
instead of using Garden Gulch.
The original
route called for Cottonwood Creek Return, but that adds a steep
climb. Many preferred riding highway 12 last year. The distance
is about the same and it is easier, but has four miles of busy,
narrow, poor-shouldered roads.
$5.00 for
gas for the SAG. bring whatever water, drinks, snacks you like
and Leanne when slup 'em around for you.
By adding
by starting and finishing in Lapwai and adding what we usually
call the Winchester Century, we make this a 55 mile loop through
pasture land, wheat fields, and mountain switchbacks.
You are still
welcome to race up the old Winchester Grade, but the rest of us
are just going to enjoy the spectacles to the east and south west.
Tips:
CuldeSac Road Short Cut Taking this route back to CuldeSac
reduces the trotal trip to 55 miles.
Riding down to highway 12 is 5 miles shorter than taking Cottonwood
Creek.
You still
get to admire the panoramic views to the south and east as you
climb the Old Grade and spot the wild flowers in yellows, purples
and blues and hear the birds a twitter.
But this year
we'll take you over two miles of 95 to the Reubens-Gifford Road.
This is again rural, scenic, and a bit challenging though nothing
like the old grdae.
Before highway
12, we'll turn back south and ride through Cottonwood Creek back
to Lapwai. Most of Cottonwood Creek is a gentle climb but be warned
from Tom Beall Road you have another 1000 foot climb before droping
down on Garden Gulch to 95 into Lapwai.. In 2009 we'll recommend
skipping this for the route on Highway 12.
Click the image for more pictures from this route.
This is probably
the most scenic road ride we do. It is not for beginners and won't
be formerly supported. You can eat at the LakeSide Cafe in Winchester
or pick up a snack at one of the two convenience stores there,
but you won't find food or water again until you are back inLapwai,
so expect to carry your favorite snack bar for munching before
you tackle Cottonwood Creek.
Some of you may have no better sense than to want to start and
finish in Lewiston. If you are one of those, let
me know.
