First - the caveat: the schedule below will not be final until submitted to,
and approved by, Randonneurs USA. But - here's the current proposal for the Desert River Regions rides out of the Tri-Cities:
200km - Mar 5
300km - April 2
400km - May 21
600km - June 11
We plan to use close to the same routes as previous for the 200, 300 and 400. The 600 will be a 'bow tie' centered somewhere here out east (Richland, or Prosser, or Walla Walla, or Hermiston, or...).
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Ride Summary: Desert River Regions 400km - April 24, 2010
The first ever running of the 400km Extended Yakima River Tour was undertaken by eleven riders - one on a pre-ride. We were all well engaged by the wind and the ride. The riders broke into three groups: an extremely fast group (Ken Bonner), a fast group of hardy riders (Mike Richeson, John Kramer and Karel Stroethoff) and a stalwart group of determined riders (Roger Holt, Ali Holt, Peg Winczewski and Paul Whitney). The groupings held fairly consistently as we explored new roads and towns along the Yakima River. Thanks to all of the riders - randos came from British Columbia, Oregon, Washington and Montana. Special thanks to Nat Beagley for hosting the ride start/finish and to Gary Smith and Cathy Smith for the pre-ride and helpful notes.
Ken Bonner 18:14
Norman Carr DNF
Roger Holt 26:30
Ali Holt 26:30
Sam Huffman DNF
John Kramer 23:44
Mike Richeson 23:44
Gary Smith 25:18
Karel Stroethoff 24:00
Paul Whitney 26:30
Peg Winczewski 26:29
Ken Bonner 18:14
Norman Carr DNF
Roger Holt 26:30
Ali Holt 26:30
Sam Huffman DNF
John Kramer 23:44
Mike Richeson 23:44
Gary Smith 25:18
Karel Stroethoff 24:00
Paul Whitney 26:30
Peg Winczewski 26:29
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
400km Pre-ride Notes
Thanks to Gary Smith for scouting the Extended Yakima River Tour, and Cathy for providing support and a steady stream of messages about the route. Here's the summary from the ride:
Control 2 - Prosser - Conoco Food Mart hours 0500 - 2300
Control 3 - Toppenish - Safeway hours 0600 - 2400
Distance 100.1 km L N. Track R
There is no street sign on N. Track - but, it is the first left after crossing the train tracks. The road changes name and is Asotin Way on the right - where there is a sign
Control 4 - Wiley Mkt
No restroom facilities. Minimal food available. Recommend eating in Union Gap before the control or after getting back to Yakima
Bike path from Yakima to Selah
distance 157.4 km - turn left on Gordon
The street sign is turned 90 deg. after you go through the 1 lane tunnel, take a left. the street sign points to Gordon for continuing straight, and 6th for turning left.
The start of the bike path is not obvious. the barriers are not color-coded, there are no signs, nothing to say "HERE".
Distance 157.2 no facilities or places to stop after leaving Selah until you reach Ellensburg, about 50+ km.
Control 5 Ellensburg
The Safeway has seats inside if you need to rest.
Control 6
The person running the AM/PM didn't want me loitering inside his shop. There were no seats either inside or outside. If someone wants to rest, they might check across the street (google maps indicates a Chevron; other sources a 76). The Sonic about 3 blocks before the control - near the intersection of 1st and Nob Hill - is open until 2400 (the organizer enjoys the burgers).
Distance 310.4 - the control in Zillah
Street sign shows the name as 1st. The next turn into the Chevron is not named Zillah West Rd either, but i don't think that matters. The service station is hard to miss.
Distance 348
The road is being resurfaced just as you get into Grandview - for 2-3 blocks.
Control 8 - Prosser Highway Rest Stop services
the Chevron has seats inside that are comfortable for napping.
Control 2 - Prosser - Conoco Food Mart hours 0500 - 2300
Control 3 - Toppenish - Safeway hours 0600 - 2400
Distance 100.1 km L N. Track R
There is no street sign on N. Track - but, it is the first left after crossing the train tracks. The road changes name and is Asotin Way on the right - where there is a sign
Control 4 - Wiley Mkt
No restroom facilities. Minimal food available. Recommend eating in Union Gap before the control or after getting back to Yakima
Bike path from Yakima to Selah
distance 157.4 km - turn left on Gordon
The street sign is turned 90 deg. after you go through the 1 lane tunnel, take a left. the street sign points to Gordon for continuing straight, and 6th for turning left.
The start of the bike path is not obvious. the barriers are not color-coded, there are no signs, nothing to say "HERE".
Distance 157.2 no facilities or places to stop after leaving Selah until you reach Ellensburg, about 50+ km.
Control 5 Ellensburg
The Safeway has seats inside if you need to rest.
Control 6
The person running the AM/PM didn't want me loitering inside his shop. There were no seats either inside or outside. If someone wants to rest, they might check across the street (google maps indicates a Chevron; other sources a 76). The Sonic about 3 blocks before the control - near the intersection of 1st and Nob Hill - is open until 2400 (the organizer enjoys the burgers).
Distance 310.4 - the control in Zillah
Street sign shows the name as 1st. The next turn into the Chevron is not named Zillah West Rd either, but i don't think that matters. The service station is hard to miss.
Distance 348
The road is being resurfaced just as you get into Grandview - for 2-3 blocks.
Control 8 - Prosser Highway Rest Stop services
the Chevron has seats inside that are comfortable for napping.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ride Summary: Desert River Regions 300km - March 27, 2010
The Tri-City 300km started 16 riders, and had 14 finishers within the time limit. We had a sunny day with sporadic to engaging headwinds. Highlights of the day were the morning ride along the Columbia river, the ride to and through Walla Walla, the canyon between Pendleton and Echo and the descent on Clodfelter back into town. Thanks to all of the riders - some traveling a good distance to join us for the ride. A special thanks to Cathy Smith who, once again, signed us in, was there to meet riders at the end, and fetched a rider from the top of the hill. The next Tri-City-based ride is a 400km on April 24th.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Desert River Regions 400km - April 24 2010
Ride: Desert River 400km
Organizer: Paul Whitney - post questions to this blog
Ride Date: Saturday April 24, 2010.
Start time: 6:00am, Registration - 5:30-5:55am. Sunrise/set 5:55/7:55
Start/End Location: 112 Windwood Ln, Richland, WA. Thanks to Nat Beagley for providing the start/finish location.
Finish by: 9:00am April 25
Registration: Pre-register here.
Entry fee: $20 (+ $5 for non-RUSA members). Checks should be payable to "Oregon Randonneurs", also, Oregon Randonneurs membership is required for this event. You can download a membership form and bring it with you.
Medals: Available directly from the RUSA online store.
Route Sheet: Draft is here.
Notes from the pre-ride are here: http://drrando.blogspot.com/2010/04/400km-pre-ride-notes.html
The control locations are available here.
Some night riding is almost inevitable for 400k's in the continental US. Accordingly, be sure and have:
The route extends the 200km route and continues exploring desert rivers. We take the same route out from Richland to Toppenish. From Toppenish, the route parallels the main highway on Track road, sidestepping back onto the main road before Track Rd veers right. There's a gradual climb on the south side of Yakima to Wiley City. Note: the Wiley Market has no restrooms - but, there are options before in Union Gap and after in Yakima and Selah. After Wiley City - the ride cuts across to Summitt Road, and over to the bike path system to cross to Selah. From Selah the ride goes through the Yakima River Valley up to Ellensburg - the control and turn-around point in Ellensburg is the Safeway. Then it's back through the canyon, into Selah, the bike-path, and controls on Nob Hill Blvd. From there we circumnavigate Moxee, and head down to Zillah - to take advantage of the services along the Interstate. We head through Zillah to the Yakima Valley Hwy - which changes names while passing through Sunnyside (more services), Grandview (more services), but essentially is a direct route to the Prosser control (more services). From Prosser, we essentially backtrack to Richland - w/ a good intermediate stop, if needed, in Benton City (you can't miss it:).
The longest stretches w/o easy access to services are through the Canyon between Selah and Ellensburg - this amounts ~50km.
Ride Finish: The finish will is staffed. Same great location as the ride start.
Most of the route segments are available on 'Bike Route Toaster', in order:
Richland to Prosser: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=121177
Prosser to Toppenish: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=113269
Toppenish to Wiley City: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=115590
Wiley City to EBurg: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117165 - note that this link puts one on the main road, as opposed to the bike path (see the route sheet).
EBurg to Yakima: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117167
There's a bike path to be used from Selah to Yakima - instructions on the route sheet.
Yakima to Zillah: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117170
Zillah to Prosser: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117171
Prosser to Richland: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=115613
The route starts in Richland and heads West along the Yakima river valley. Here is a view of the 'out' to Ellensburg portion of the ride:
View Larger Map
And here is a view of the 'back' part of the ride:
View Larger Map
Organizer: Paul Whitney - post questions to this blog
Ride Date: Saturday April 24, 2010.
Start time: 6:00am, Registration - 5:30-5:55am. Sunrise/set 5:55/7:55
Start/End Location: 112 Windwood Ln, Richland, WA. Thanks to Nat Beagley for providing the start/finish location.
Finish by: 9:00am April 25
Registration: Pre-register here.
Entry fee: $20 (+ $5 for non-RUSA members). Checks should be payable to "Oregon Randonneurs", also, Oregon Randonneurs membership is required for this event. You can download a membership form and bring it with you.
Medals: Available directly from the RUSA online store.
Route Sheet: Draft is here.
Notes from the pre-ride are here: http://drrando.blogspot.com/2010/04/400km-pre-ride-notes.html
The control locations are available here.
Some night riding is almost inevitable for 400k's in the continental US. Accordingly, be sure and have:
- A front and read light attached to the bike
- A reflective vest/sash
- Reflective ankle bands
The route extends the 200km route and continues exploring desert rivers. We take the same route out from Richland to Toppenish. From Toppenish, the route parallels the main highway on Track road, sidestepping back onto the main road before Track Rd veers right. There's a gradual climb on the south side of Yakima to Wiley City. Note: the Wiley Market has no restrooms - but, there are options before in Union Gap and after in Yakima and Selah. After Wiley City - the ride cuts across to Summitt Road, and over to the bike path system to cross to Selah. From Selah the ride goes through the Yakima River Valley up to Ellensburg - the control and turn-around point in Ellensburg is the Safeway. Then it's back through the canyon, into Selah, the bike-path, and controls on Nob Hill Blvd. From there we circumnavigate Moxee, and head down to Zillah - to take advantage of the services along the Interstate. We head through Zillah to the Yakima Valley Hwy - which changes names while passing through Sunnyside (more services), Grandview (more services), but essentially is a direct route to the Prosser control (more services). From Prosser, we essentially backtrack to Richland - w/ a good intermediate stop, if needed, in Benton City (you can't miss it:).
The longest stretches w/o easy access to services are through the Canyon between Selah and Ellensburg - this amounts ~50km.
Ride Finish: The finish will is staffed. Same great location as the ride start.
Most of the route segments are available on 'Bike Route Toaster', in order:
Richland to Prosser: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=121177
Prosser to Toppenish: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=113269
Toppenish to Wiley City: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=115590
Wiley City to EBurg: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117165 - note that this link puts one on the main road, as opposed to the bike path (see the route sheet).
EBurg to Yakima: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117167
There's a bike path to be used from Selah to Yakima - instructions on the route sheet.
Yakima to Zillah: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117170
Zillah to Prosser: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=117171
Prosser to Richland: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=115613
The route starts in Richland and heads West along the Yakima river valley. Here is a view of the 'out' to Ellensburg portion of the ride:
View Larger Map
And here is a view of the 'back' part of the ride:
View Larger Map
Desert River Regions 300km - March 27, 2010
Ride: Desert River 300km
Organizer: Paul Whitney - post questions to this blog
Ride Date: Saturday March 27, 2010.
Start time: 6:00am, Registration - 5:30-5:55am. Sunrise/set 6:47/7:17
Start/End Location: Intersection of Leslie and Gage, in the Parking lot between Albertsons and Albertsons Express, in Richland, WA. Here.
Finish by: 2:00am March 28
Entry fee: $10 (+ $5 for non-RUSA members). Checks should be payable to "Oregon Randonneurs", also, Oregon Randonneurs membership is required for this event. You can download a membership form and bring it with you.
Medals: Available directly from the RUSA online store.
Route Sheet: The draft route sheet is here.
Ride Finish: The finish will likely be un-staffed. The Albertsons is open 24 hours - and so can certify your card. The Albertsons express is open fairly late as well. Be sure and complete your card (sign it, address, answer the question for the information control). Then, put the card into the car with the bike-picture on the window. I'll have the car in the lot at the start of the ride as well - so you can see where it is parked and what it looks like. Bring a pencil or pen - for completing you card and for the information control.
This is the same route as last year. It was a great ride. See earlier in this blog for some pictures from last year's pre-drive.
This route heads toward the Blue Mountains - getting close (Waitsburg) but not quite. We then head south, and get a chance to admire the excellent Pioneer Park in Walla Walla. Further south is Pendleton, and then we head through the Umatilla river canyon from Reith to Echo. From there, it's a nearly straight North ride back to the start - heading through Hermiston, Umatilla, Plymouth, over the ridge and back down to the city lights of Richland.
The ride is mostly unsupported, except for some drinks and snacks at the beginning and perhaps a person in the park at Walla Walla near the information control. There are plenty of services, great scenery and some lightly trafficked roads. The approximate elevation gain (and loss) for this route is ~2500meters.
It's likely that the ride will finish in the dark - bring lights and reflective gear accordingly. Headlight, taillight, reflective vest or sash and reflective ankle bands are Randonnear USA requirements, not to mention extremely useful, for night riding.
The approximate route is shown in the map below:
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tri-Cities 200km - March 6, 2010
View Larger Map
Ride: Desert River 200km
Organizer: Paul Whitney - post questions to this blog post. Register here: http://www.orrandonneurs.org/brevets/brevet_reg.html.
Ride Date: Saturday March 6, 2010.
Start time: 7:00am, Registration - 6:30-6:55am. Note: Sunrise/set 6:28/5:49
Start/End Location: Intersection of Leslie and Gage, in the Parking lot between Albertsons and Albertsons Express, in Richland, WA. See below for a detailed view of the start/finish.
Finish by: 8:30pm March 6, 2010
Entry fee (pending): $5 (+ 5$ for non-RUSA members). Checks should be payable to "Oregon Randonneurs", also, Oregon Randonneurs membership is required for this event. You can download a membership form and bring a printout with you.
Medals: Available directly from the RUSA online store.
Route Sheet: The route sheet is here.
The pre-drive and our pre-rides of the segments shows some very nice and scenic stretches through the rural/agricultural parts of Eastern Washington.
It's likely that some of the riders will finish in the dark - please bring lights and reflective gear accordingly. Headlight, taillight, reflective vest or sash and reflective ankle bands are Randonnear USA requirements for dusk/night, not to mention extremely useful for seeing and being seen while on the road.
Here are the legs of the route:
Leg 1: Richland – Benton City – Prosser
47.1km
Control: Conoco at 7th and Sherman
View Larger Map
Leg 2: Prosser – Mabton – Toppenish
50.3km
Control: Safeway at 711 W 1st Ave
View Larger Map
Leg3: Toppenish=Zillah=Emerald=Prosser
56.1km
Control: Shell or Subway or Starbucks or ... at the rest stop area in Prosser.
View Larger Map
Leg4: Prosser-BC-Richland
47.6km
Control: Alberton's Express or Parking area, depending on whether the control is staffed.
View Larger Map
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