Steve’s Index Ride

Enjoy the backroads and climbing between Monroe and Index

This route is a peach; developed by Steve Rossano, it travels from Monroe to Index via the old pass road, following mostly backroads (very scenic). There are stretches of riding the shoulder of US 2 (three miles each way) between Sultan and Gold Bar; not too bad, and on the return trip most of that can be avoided by following the Kellogg Lake option. This option is not without its drawbacks, it is a bracing climb and a howling descent. Great fun, but a bit of work. Or you can ride on US 2, which is five miles shorter. 😉

On the way to the pass (about mile 23 on May Creek Rd.) you will pass by some interesting treehouses on the left. The climb up to the old pass is lovely, but a good workout. The climb back over the pass from Index is a lot easier and in the shade all the way. At the base of the climb on the Index side is the Great Northern Slab of the Index Town Wall. Good crack climbing! We usually bring a sandwich or buy stuff from the little store in Index, which is fairly low on the food chain. Hey, this is not a Club Car ride! Or you can dine in Sultan at the Sultan Bakery. Caution is warranted here; if you fill up there you may not enjoy the little bump on Ben Howard road.

Park in the parking lot just north of the bridge on Lewis Street in Monroe. There is a bathroom at the start.

Numbers: 62 miles, 3,127′ of total elevation
Duration: 5-6 hours including lunch
Pace: Ride averages around 14-16 mph
Ride Goal: Ride at your own pace. I will lead a moderate contingent. Lunch in Index or Sultan, your choice.
Post-Ride: Dreadnought Brewing
Ride Leader: Steve Rossano

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