Cancellation Considerations:
Rain / Temps < 40°F / Lightning / Wind > 25 mph / Air Quality (AQI) > 100
RESPECT THE ROLL
Be geared up and bike-ready 10 minutes early. We start the briefing then, so we can roll on time. Don't keep the group waiting!
Ride Description
This ride explores the rolling hills from Salmon Creek to Ridgefield and back.
The ride starts at the Salmon Creek Starbucks (in the Safeway shopping center) on NE 20th Ave. The ride crosses the busy I-5/I-205 overpass, but luckily there's a wide shoulder so cars aren't a problem! Immediately after the overpass we turn right on NE 10th Ave. Watch for cars near the traffic circle leading into the Trader Joe's parking lot! Traffic drops dramatically when we turn left onto NE 149th St. and we're very quickly onto lightly-used back roads with little traffic.
The ride heads west toward Lake River and the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye out for hawks and eagles as we approach the river! Once we see the water, it's time to start climbing a few of Ridgefield's many ridges. The official RideWithGPS route follows a series of rolling hills from NW Krieger Rd. Toward NW 209th St. An alternative route is to stay on NW Krieger until it turns NW 209th Street which features a short, but very steep, climb that ends around NW 67th Ave. Once on NW 209th, there are a few more rolling hills before things flatten out on NW Hillhurst Rd.
NW Hillhurst has a fair amount of car traffic, but it also has wide shoulders and a center turn lane so traffic generally isn't a problem. Upon reaching the blissfully flat terrain of Hilliest Rd the pace often picks up as riders sprint toward the regroup stop at Overlook Park in Ridgefield. Clean restrooms and a working water fountain are available at Overlook Park.
After a break at Overlook Park, the ride tackles the mile-long climb out of Ridgefield along North Main Ave. and NW 291st Street. While the climb sounds intimidating it isn't terribly steep (3% average, 6% max) and there's a regroup stop at the top.
After the climb out of Ridgefield, there are a few rolling hills before the ride reaches its northernmost point near the ilani hotel and casino. From there, we cross the freeway (watch for traffic in the roundabouts) and turn south back toward the start.
The ride south is much the same as the ride north: rural roads with generally light traffic. The route jogs east and south before ending up on NE 50th Ave for a 4.5 mile straight, with a few rolling hills. Riders interested in a more challenging finish can continue south on NE 29th Ave. and tackle the mile-long climb over Mount Vista.
From NE 50th Ave. you can take NE Salmon Creek St. back to the starting point, though many ride leaders choose to detour through the WSU Vancouver campus to avoid potential traffic on Salmon Creek.
Route Map
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56084392
Preview Route Map
Rider Guidelines
- Arrive early: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and pre-ride briefing.
- Know the club policies: Read the Safe Riding Policy and be familiar with the Ride Style Definitions.
- Required: Helmets Recommended: Lights (front and rear), RoadIDs, and cell phones.
- ABC Quick Check: Check air, brakes, chain/crank, quick releases before leaving for the ride and again at start.
- Maintain pace: Be able to maintain the stated pace. Tell leader if leaving route or turning back.
- Represent cycling: Be an awesome representative of cycling by obeying traffic laws, riding safely, and being courteous.