Photo by Steve Mitchell
Full cycle Take a tough or tame two-wheel trip BY A NN M C CRE A RY
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emote, highelevation, singletrack trails reward the most-adventurous mountain bike riders with epic rides and breathtaking views of craggy mountain peaks that surround the Methow Valley. Want something a little less
spine-tingling? Choose an easy cruise on U.S. Forest Service roads, or on lightly traveled paved roads that wind through forests and farmlands and along rivers. From mountain top to valley bottom, the Methow Valley offers cyclists of all inclinations and abilities an abundance of choices. The expansive network at Sun Mountain alone has more than 50 miles of single- and double-track trails from easy to difficult. The
The Methow Valley is host to an array of events to entertain, challenge and educate cyclists. Here’s what’s in store this summer. May 19: Intro to Bikepacking clinic, hosted by Methow Cycle & Sport and Salsa Cycles, 6-8 p.m. at Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop. Pizza and beverages provided. June 4-5: Weekend gravel bikepacking ride, hosted by Methow Cycle & Sport, Salsa Cycles and Rendezvous Huts. Riders will have shorter and longer ride options, and will base/camp
Summer 2022
MTB Project online mountain biking guide lists 203 miles of recommended mountain bike rides throughout the valley, and there are many more not on that list. The towns of Twisp and Winthrop provide easy access to Forest Service roads, trail networks and country roads for people on mountain bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes or e-bikes. The changing seasons offer
Two-wheeler events
out of Gardner Hut Saturday evening. For more details, visit Methow Cycle & Sport’s website at methowcyclesport.com. June 17-19: Singletrack Solstice, hosted by the Methow Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. The weekend will include a two-person relay race, shuttled rides, and a women’s mountain bike skills clinic. For more information check the EMBA Methow Chapter Facebook page or website at evergreenmtb.org/chapters/ methow.
different experiences to riders as they pedal through meadows brilliant with sunflowers and lupine in spring, savor the hot sunshine of summer, and enjoy the brilliant foliage and sharp light of autumn. Cyclists can find maps, trail guides and gear at many locations in the valley, and refresh themselves after a ride with food and beverages at the valley’s selection of restaurants, pubs and bakeries.
Sept. 17: Winthrop Gran Fondo takes riders deep into the North Cascades for a 90-mile (Grande) or 38.5-mile (Medio) ride with up to 10,000 feet of climbing. Starts at The Barn in Winthrop. Cost is $75 for the Grande and $65 for the Medio. For more information go to: rideviciouscycle.com. Stay tuned: A summer kids bike camp may also be scheduled. Check the Methow Cycle & Sport website for information at methowcyclesport.com.
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