Below is a mail that I sent out to some of our riders in the community – but you get the added bonus of some quick shots of the scenery you’ll be seeing on this ride.  These are just quick shots that I grabbed today during my pre-ride of the route…

Greetings Bikers and Friends!

August 22^nd is fast approaching and I’m looking forward to this ride!  I just pre-rode our route and am pleased to tell you that the roads are in great shape!  All of the construction on Route 123 that we’ve had in past years is gone and has been replaced with nice, smooth (well, MOSTLY smooth) asphalt and most importantly, Stevens Canyon Road opened yesterday!

The itinerary is set and is as follows:

Gather at McDonalds (South Tacoma Way at I-5) at 9:00 AM

Rider’s briefing at 9:15 AM

Kickstands up at 9:30 AM!

                We should be in Enumclaw around 3:00 or so (biker time)

We have stops planned at:

Elbe - 15 minute stretch

Longmire (inside the park) – 30 minute facilities

Paradise – 30 minute sightsee / facilities

Greenwater – 30 minute Gas / stretch

Enumclaw – Lunch / Disperse

You’ll need to be aware of the following:

At 9:30, we’re leaving.  It’s expected that everyone will arrive with a full tank of gas.  There is a station right across from the McDonalds – please top off your tank before you join the group.

There is an entrance fee to Mt Rainier of $5 per person (not per bike – two-up riders pay $10).  I would like to collect that at McDonalds and pay for all at once to speed up the process.  Please try to bring a five or ten as appropriate – I’m not promising to carry change! J

This ride will be at the pace of the LEAST competent rider for safety reasons.  This is NOT a speed-run.  Please be considerate of those that are riding with us!

Though there is NOT a requirement for you to make a donation, the purpose of this ride it twofold:

1. Have a GREAT time riding some of the most beautiful places God ever created

2. Raise a few bucks for Team World Vision

If you are able, and are so inclined, please visit the donation site and give what you can / would like.  I will NOT be collecting funds on the day of the ride – the only way to contribute to this ride is via the website:  http://www.firstgiving.com/tomtracey

If you have any questions, need directions, get lost, or whatever – call or text me at (253) 370-4601 or via e-mail at tom@tomtracey.com

More information (including some pictures!) are available on my blog at http://tomtracey.spaces.live.com

I look forward to seeing all of you there!

                Tom…

PS – Please pass this to any riders groups you know of and post on any appropriate website.  (hey Microsofties – someone please forward to the MSFT Riders group!)

Stay tuned – more to come…