THE ROUTE

Q: You mentioned this event having a group-oriented style of riding, what does that mean?

A: The Cascade 1200 will feature a group-oriented style of 1200km riding which means we will share common overnight stops each night and start more or less together each morning. Accommodations at the overnight stops and drop bag transport among those stops will be provided as part of the entry fee. This riding style will encourage a collegial 1200km experience and will allow riders of different speeds to enjoy each other's company for more of the ride than might otherwise occur. The daily stages will take advantage of the long northern equinoctial days to provide lots of daylight riding. Although riders will start more or less together each morning, the ride is not Audax style and riders are not expected to stay together during the day.

Q: May I ride the Cascade 1200 without using the common overnight stops and common morning starts?

A: This is permitted by the rules of randonneuring; however, SIR strongly discourages riders from doing this. Many control locations will not be open and will not be manned. As a result, riders may find stretches of more than 100K without any open services. Riders will also be responsible for finding a way to prove that they have reached that control location. If the group style of riding is not suitable, riders are encouraged to consider the other great 1200K brevets available - such as Gold Rush in California, the Shenandoah 1200 in Virginia, or Last Chance in Colorado.

Q: Is the Cascade 1200 in the UMCA's John Marino Competition?

A: Yes, riders can earn JMC points for riding this event, though the Cascade 1200 is not an 'ultra' race. Please see the UMCA web site for details (http://www.ultracycling.com).

Q: Are support vehicles allowed?

A: Personal Support vehicles will be allowed, however provision of support must comply with RUSA (http://www.rusa.org/brvreg.html Article 7) rules concerning support supply.

Q: I'm traveling with someone who would like to help. Are there opportunities for them to help along the route?

A: Of course. Some of the possibilities are listed at http://www.cascade1200.com/volunteer_list.html. Please contact the organizers at info2008@cascade1200.com for more information and to be matched up, if necessary, with transportation.

Q: What weather can be expected along the route?

A: As the ride takes place in late June, the temperatures during the days will range between 40 and 75 degrees in Western Washington. In Eastern Washington the lows will be similar and the highs may be above 110 degrees. Mountain passes may be cooler and, as in any mountain environment the weather can change rapidly and dramatically, and June can be very rainy in Washington State. Clothing for inclement weather and cold temperatures at night are advised. In other words, expect anything!

Q: How long is the route for the 1200K?

A: The route will be 770 miles. The first day will be approximately 221 miles, the second day will be approximately 220 miles, the third day will be approximately 167 miles and the last day will be approximately 162 miles.

Q: What's the hardest day?

A: Based upon previous rides, most riders found the hardest day to be the second day. While it may not seem like there's as much climbing, there is weather to contend with and the potential for some strong winds, either headwind or tailwind. After 221 miles on Day 1 with lots of climbing, you will already be tired. During prior Cascade 1200s, very few DNFs occurred after Day 2.

Q: How long is the route for the 1000K/200K?

A: [Details on the 1000k/200k option to come.]

Q: How much climbing will there be?

A: Six mountain passes and a lot of rollers. Overall elevation gain was measured between 38,000 feet and 42,000 feet on the 2005 Cascade 1200. The six passes (and approximate summit elevations) are Elk Pass (4000 ft), Oldman Pass (3000 ft), Loup Loup Pass (4000 ft), Washington Pass (5400 ft), and Rainy Pass (4600 ft). See the Route Profile.

Q: Are there any route changes from the 2005 edition?

A: There is one significant route change. From Goldendale, we will not use Highway 97 down to Toppenish. We will use a very nice, very quiet road to Bickleton and then into Sunnyside. This adds about 6 miles overall and makes it a nicer section. There may be other minor changes as well. The 2006 route was different on Days 1 and 2 because of road closures.

Q: What should I know about mountain passes?

A: Remember you will have spent a long time climbing and your body will be quite warm when you reach the top. Once to the top, put on your warmer clothes quickly to save that body heat before you begin the descent. Pedal every once in awhile on the way down to keep your legs and knees loose. Use some caution especially at night. Elk Pass has some broken pavement. Also don't ride too far to the right as there may be drainage grates and drainage ditches.

Q: What are the road conditions like?

A: As for road conditions in general, there are some wonderful sections and there are some sections of chip-seal and less than ideal road surface. Overall it's pretty good though. As for traffic, it will vary from a busy Saturday morning through Issaquah on the first day as we leave the Seattle area to virtually no traffic in the wee hours through the woods. Enjoy it when there's no traffic and please pay attention, use shoulders/bike lanes, and ride single file when you're on busier roads.

Q: How much daylight will there be?

A: Expect 16-18 hours of daylight with sunrise around 4:30-5:00am and sunset after 9:00pm.

Q: How do I read the route sheet?

A: The route sheet for the Cascade 1200 has 7 columns:

• Total mileage at the instruction
• Mileage to go before executing the instruction
• Control-to-control mileage at the instruction
• The routing instruction.
• Hints to make the instruction easier to distinguish. Usually these are abbreviations (SS for Stop Sign, TL for Traffic Light, SVC for services available, Tint forT-Intersection)
• Direction - which direction you will be heading once you follow the instruction.

Here's a sample line:

Total mileage	Mileage to go	Control-to-control mileage	Routing Instruction	Hints	Direction
63.7	0.7	11.5	STRAIGHT onto SR-165	SS	S

You would read line as:
After 63.7 miles into the ride, go STRAIGHT onto SR-165 at the SS (Stop sign) and after this instruction I should be headed South.
Or
After .7 miles since the last instruction, go STRAIGHT onto SR-165 at the SS (Stop sign) and after this instruction I should be headed South.
Or
After 11.5 miles since the last control, go STRAIGHT onto SR-165 at the SS (Stop sign) and after this instruction I should be headed South.

If you are used to a different format for cue sheets, we suggest familiarizing yourself with this format. You can also download the cue sheet and format it so that it makes sense to you, but be aware that changes are possible in the posted route sheet up to the time of the ride.