HIT THE ROAD

THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Last updated: June 19th, 2008 01:22 AM (PDT)

The region’s most famous ride, the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, sold out last week, but there are still plenty of others worth marking on your calendar.

1. Tour de Pierce

June 29, Puyallup, $10

Miles: 50

The Tour de Pierce has three routes ranging from 12 to 50 miles, with the longest route visiting Puyallup, Tacoma, Fife, Milton and Sumner. Proceeds from the ride fund bicycle education programs in Pierce County.

Information: co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/recreate/tourdprc.htm

2. Courage Classic

Aug. 2-4, Snoqualmie Ridge, $60

Miles: 172

The classic has a reputation as one of the best-supported rides in Washington. Cyclists tend to rave about the quantity and quality of food as much as they talk about the thigh burn from climbing three mountain passes – Snoqualmie, Blewett and Stevens – in three days. The ride raises money for the Rotary Endowment for the Intervention and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Participants must raise at least $400 in donations.

Information: courageclassic.org

3. Tenino-Rainier-Yelm-Bucoda Rally

Aug. 10, Tenino, $20

Miles: 100

This tour of Thurston County is mostly on low-traffic roads and offers a casual Sunday workout. Five different courses are available ranging from 20 to 100 miles. A cold quarry pool at the finish line is available for a post-ride soak.

Information: capitalbicycleclub.org

4. RAPSody

Aug. 23-24, Tacoma, $80

Miles: 160

RAPSody stands for Ride Around Puget Sound, and in its fifth year the ride is becoming one of the most popular in Western Washington. The route for this year’s ride is still being finalized, but in the past it has started and ended in Tacoma with riders pedaling through Olympia, Shelton, Port Orchard and Vashon Island. The ride raises money for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, a cycling advocacy group.

Information: rapsodybikeride.com

5. Headwaters Century

Sept. 7, Enumclaw

Miles: 100

The Headwaters Century is the season-ending ride for the Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club. The ride offers three routes ranging from 45 to 100 miles. Entry fees for this ride have not been announced.

Information: twbc.org

6. High Pass Challenge

Sept. 7, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, $80

Miles: 114

This ride started last year and proved to be popular with those looking for a serious challenge. Riders cycle through the forest and climb more than 7,500 feet from Packwood to Mount St. Helens’s Windy Ridge Viewpoint then return to Packwood. You should be in fantastic cycling shape if you plan on trying this ride.

Information: cascade.org

Craig Hill, The News Tribune

Originally published: June 19th, 2008 01:22 AM (PDT)