A spring RCC ride in the style of the Tour of Flanders. (April 1st)
April 3rd marks the 106th edition of the Tour of Flanders (Dutch: Ronde van Vlaanderen). The grueling race is teeming with short, sharp and often cobbled legendary climbs (20+ %) like the Oude Kwaremont, Muur, and Paterberg. To celebrate the event, we thought it would be fun to have our own shortened version of this iconic monument of cycling. Hence the creation of the Boze Varkens ride.
While we don’t have cobbles to deal with we can match the 20+% climbs on the four peaks (Squak, Cougar, Somerset and Issaquah Highlands) in and around Issaquah. There will be 4 route options to choose from with each course option having a Dutch name that represents that routes own unique characteristics.
1) Blij Varkens – 16 Miles – 700 feet – route runs along the base of the four peaks but does not venture to the top of any of the climbs.
2) Drie Kleine Varkens – 29 Miles – 3,600 feet – route visits the tops of Squak, Cougar, and Somerset but skips the last climb up the Highlands.
3) Vuile Varkens – 35 Miles – 4,000 feet – route skips the trip up Squak but visits the top of Cougar, Somerset and the Highlands.
4) Boze Varkens – 40 Miles – 5,100 feet – This is the full meal deal, route visits the top of all four peaks.
All riders are welcome, but note, this is a self-paced, self-guided ride. The ride does not regroup nor does it have a sweep. The routes are designed for the experienced rider who is comfortable following cue sheets and riding independently. We stress safe and cooperative riding.
NOTE: We will not be providing Cue Sheets at the start of the ride. Cue Sheets will only be available via RWGPS. If you desire a paper cue sheet on the ride you must bring your own copy.
We'll leave from Confluence Park in Issaquah. We will meet in the park near the Community Gardens and Restrooms (Northeast corner of the park). Note: Parking is available on Rainier Blvd N either North and South side of the park. After the ride, we'll meet up in Issaquah for food and drinks.
Where: Confluence Park (655 Rainier Blvd N, Issaquah, WA 98027)
When: 9:00AM
Numbers: 15-40 miles, 700-5,100 ft of total elevation
Duration: 2-6 hours
Pace: Self-paced
Ride Goal: Survive and tell stories with other cyclists afterwards.
Post-Ride: Optional gathering will either be at the Sunset Alehouse (20 Front St S, Issaquah) or next door at the Flying Pie Pizzeria (30 Front St S, Issaquah). Selection will be made day of ride.
Ride Leader: Per Sunde
Routes:
Blij Varkens: View route and cue sheet at Ride With GPS
Drie Kleine Varkens: View route and cue sheet at Ride With GPS
Vuile Varkens: View route and cue sheet at Ride With GPS
Boze Varkens: View route and cue sheet at Ride With GPS
Club Ride Requirements
Boze Varkens is an RCC Club ride. If you're not an RCC Member, you can take part as a guest on your first RCC Club Ride if you know an RCC Member and have filled out an online ride waiver. Guests are encouraged to join us on club rides! Riding with us is a great way to determine if you'd like to become a Redmond Cycling Club member. For more information about RCC membership, click here.