Fell Swoop Gravel invitation

The publishing of this post signifies a milestone for this author/cyclist. I've completed my first IRL group ride with members of the Fell Swoop Racing team.

Fell Swoop member Frank requested a birthday ride up and down some gravel roads in and around Easton Washington. Four additional members of the team obliged. An invitation was sent my way. I was excited to see some new scenery and get to know more of the Fell Swoopers. A total of six riders started the route from the Hyak Sno Park parking lot.

We started at 9 a.m. heading East on the Palouse to Cascades Trail. The pace seemed pretty hot and my camera remained silent as I watched the blue waters of Keechelus Lake fly by. This portion of the trail lacks any technical challenges nor elevation challenges. After seven miles we reached our first turn and a change in the tenor of the ride.

The gravel road up and over Stamped Pass was not too steep nor too technical. We did not see many vehicles but the road showed the signs that it sees plenty of motor traffic. Thomas and Frank went to the front. I chose a moderate pace and quickly drifted to the back. Near the top the trees and terrain allowed some views as reward for our efforts.

The final tricky ascent at the summit of Stampede Pass

 

Following in the footsteps of the author Zdog ascended the final few feet by foot.

At the crest of the pass we were presented with a short side road technical climb. At the top of the climb stood a power line structure and the best viewpoint. One by one we made attempts at this short climb. One by one we rode to the top or fell down trying. The non riders, myself included, simply carried or dragged out steeds the final few meters. We spent a few minutes snapping photos. Then ZDog shared the details of the Lester police incident from a previous year's ride. Fell Swoop did not intend to revisit the ghost town of Lester.

 

Thomas looked West from Stampede Pass towards the ghost town of Lester which we did not visit.

 

The descent was unremarkable but it was my first chance to evaluate my tires. This was my first mixed surface ride on the Panaracer Gravel King SS tires in 650b 48mm. The road surface was remarkably dry and covered in loose gravel. I expected these tires to feel the same as the BTW ByWays they replaced. They did not. My first impression was that the more rounded profile let them break free more predictably but also earlier.

Soon we reached the Lester junction. Straight on to Lester or left to Tacoma Pass. We chose left. Climbing to the top of Tacoma Pass included more elevation than Stampede pass but at a more shallow gradient. There was also more shade. At times the road paralled the Green River and later the Tacoma Creek. The group climbed at an easier pace and we were able to enjoy the more primitive two track feel of this road.

There was also more conversation. Craig shared that he has ventured into bikepacking and I was keen to hear his early impressions. Thomas was willing to describe for me some of the nuance and timing that goes into a road racing lead out train. Frank and I talked shop until being found out and chastised.

The summit was unremarkable. The descent along Cabin Creek was eye openning. Although generally not steep the road was narrow and twisty. In many sections the creek erosion left a narrow lane on the left and a cliff on the right. Mike showed his skills and set a mean pace down this section earning a bronze cup on Strava in the process.

The road surface for this descent was different than the previous and so was my satisfaction with the Gravelking SS tires. The lack of loose gravel made all the difference. They felt more planted and more or less replicated the feel of the ByWays they replaced.

The descending ended where the road ended. Years ago the bridge over Cabin Creek was half washed away. Since then advenurous motorists have been fording at a wide and shallow section of the creek. As we approached I quickly evaluated the lighting, shouldering my Hakka, scurried across, and unholstered my Canon. Frank was set up to ride across first. To the disappointment of my camera, one by one, each Fell Swooper thought wiser and simply walked their bikes across. There would be no blooper roll for this ride.

 

Craig showed the wise way across Cabin Creek while the remaining Fell Swoopers pondered the crossing from the far side.

Once the camera was put away we chatted for a few moments. I stood in the river and let the river water wash the heat out of my shoes and feet. Then I put my head in the water and remarked that the river crossing might be the most satisfying feature of the ride. That sentiment was premature.

Soon we descended into Easton and found a convenience store/coffee shop/pizzaria called the Hitching Post. We invaded the picnic table area and purchased gallons of cold water and sports drinks. Although just 40 miles in I was feeling some fatigue.

Thomas informed us he was hurting and would be pulling the plug and riding back to his car via the Palouse to Cascades trail. While his legs were clearly up for the fight his back had waved the white flag climbing up Tacoma Pass. To add insult to injury, as his bike baked in the sun against a South facing wall, the rear brake decided to drag. There was a discussion about removing the brake pads if the rub became unbearable and we wished him well.

The next ten mile section was rolling terrain. It kept us entertained with some pavement and some gravel. A few views of Kachess Lake. There was even a small creek crossing where we stopped just long enough for me to re dip my head in the water. As we rolled through a few neighborhoods Craig shared some insights on living in the area. Even as a home owner he is still not yet considered a 'local'. Apparently the locals keep the locations of the most beautiful parts of the forest to themeselves.

Mile fifty brought the hammer. The final climb. It started rough, rocky, and loose. There was plenty of dust from motor traffic. By one quarter distance we were above the majority of the motor traffic and had each found our just right pace. We regrouped at half distance and I was happy for the short break.

The second half of the climb was the finest of the day. We were occasionally surounded by butterflies. Lupine flowers, also know as Bluebonnet, decorated the shoulders of the road. By the final quarter of the climb the trees peeled back to reveal views down to the roads previously conquered. As a final reward we were granted a cooling breeze to finish the climb.

At the summit we congratulated ourselves with a round of fist bumps. The final leg, a gravel descent that dropped us within three miles of our start, was all that lay before us.

Just before we embarked Craig asked if were interested in seeing a locals only natural attraction. It involved cool water. We agreed.

 

Looking down river right before we cooled ourselves in the creek.

 

 Zdog captured a quick photo before jumping in.

 

Somewhere between the top of Keechelus Ridge and the Hyak Sno Park we took a few steps off the most direct path to take in a landmark of natural beauty. Location details were placed under embargo. Words and photos were not. We were shown a lovely collection of waterfalls and water holes. Bikes, helmets, and jerseys were set aside and we waded into the water. We rejoiced when freed from the six hours of dust and sweat. Frank appreciated his birthday dip. We all thanked Craig for sharing his forest secret.

 

Fell Swoopers and their gear seven hours after they started. Still smiling. Success.

Back at the cars I thanked the team for the invitation. It was a great chance to get to know some of the team. It was a great opportunity to explore parts of the forest that lay just outside the Palouse to Cascades corridor. It was a great birthday ride. Thank you Fell Swoopers. 

My white Ibis Hakka MX finished another fine gravel adventure with nary a squeek.