Brevets - Event View

Come Celebrate International Women's Day 2026!

Once again SIR is organizing a populaire to celebrate International Women's Day. This ride is open to all current RUSA members — all genders, LGBTQ+, non-binary, agender individuals, all religions, all worldviews, all political views, all cultures, all countries… EVERYONE! (Well... everyone with active RUSA and SIR memberships.)

Route Description

RUSA Route #2907 "Divas Populaire"

Route change 03/06/2026

Note: This year's route differs slightly from previous years. The gist of the changes:

• Avoid the unprotected crossing of SR-9 at 168th St SE. The route now crosses SR-9 at 164th St SE where there is a stoplight.
• Avoid the awkward intersection where Jewell Rd merges into York Rd.

The RWGPS link has changed, so be sure you download the correct route to your GPS device.

2026 pre-ride report by Jaime Bruner, Kristi Harrington, Lyssa Smith and Nicole Truesdell, adapted from original by Mark Thomas.

The route starts from Diva Espresso with easy flat riding along the Burke Gilman/Sammamish River Trail and a short bit of Woodinville streets before hitting the first big climb of the ride at about 9 kilometers. This is the toughest climb of the ride with approximately 2.5 kilometers at an average 7.5% grade. The route travels along Cottage Lake on Woodinville Duvall Road, which can be busy but with good shoulders. Old Woodinville Duvall Rd. then takes you climbing over the next hill (look for the 1st information control at the intersection). A fast descent to the Snoqualmie River Valley follows, with occasionally heavy traffic and minimal shoulders as you approach the traffic light at the bottom for a left turn. Drivers can be impatient so be careful.

Next comes some mostly flat riding in the Snoqualmie and Skykomish river valleys with bucolic views of the valley. Along Ben Howard Road there is a nasty little climb with maximum 14.5% grade but thankfully only for a short distance. The town of Sultan is the halfway point for the ride. Good Brewing, with the second information control across the street, is an excellent place to stop for those hungry or thirsty riders. Our group enjoyed the tasty food, wide selection of beverages and the very pleasant staff. Ample bike parking and they are very happy to fill up water bottles! Good Brewing opens at 11:00 AM daily so for those speedy riders who reach Sultan before 11 (you know who you are!) the Sultan Bakery is always a good option.

Leaving Sultan, the route uses the bike/ped bridge over the Sultan River. Rather than joining US-2, use the path and shoulder up to the next traffic light where you'll make a right turn. There is another tough climb up Old Owen Rd., about a kilometer at 8%+ average grade. After the climb it's flat and downhill back to Monroe and the Skykomish river. The route follows some back streets in Monroe bypassing some support options but there are ample options nearby including Taco Time and 7/11. Once the route joins WA-203/Lewis St. it passes a park on the left that has water and bathrooms. Just past the park there are two bridges with uneven pavement and no shoulder, so take caution here.

The route then turns off 203 back onto Tualco Rd. in the reverse direction as outbound. After crossing the Snoqualmie River the route turns right onto High Bridge Rd. A short climb is followed by rolling terrain and then down to the Snohomish River valley farmlands. Note that when our group rode, Elliot Road bridge was partially closed for construction with the possibility of a = 3 minute wait for the single lane passage. The next big climb starts right after Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm and continues past several turns. Note the first change in the route at the Cathcart intersection where you will travel on 164th street such that the new crossing of WA-9 will be at a stoplight. The new route then continues straight on 164th St. to reach Snohomish Ave. where you will make a left turn at a two way stop, so watch for cross traffic. Snohomish Ave. will then join the tried-and-true route on Interurban Blvd. When you turn from Interurban Blvd. to busy 180th St., there is an immediate right turn through some bollards. It’s a bit hard to see and if you get to 59th Ave. you missed the turn. The final information control is next, just shortly after turning south/left onto 51st Ave. SE (look for the speed limit sign). From 51st Ave. SE (aka Kaltenborn Road), a right turn puts you on 196th St. SE, which becomes Jewell Rd. The second route change is a slight veering to the right off Jewell Rd. onto 197th St. SE. At the next intersection, there is a stoplight where you will make a left turn onto York Rd., eliminating the previously tricky bit of navigation at Jewell/York Road.

The remaining 13 kilometers is a nice downhill cruise to the final control at Stoup Brewing. A short section of the North Creek trail is gravel but no problem for rando tires. Traffic can be a little busy through Bothell so heads up! Enjoy a cold beverage and good food at Stoup Brewing, right across the plaza from Diva Espresso where your ride began.

Trinkets

In addition to the usual RUSA trinkets, special International Women's Day patches & stickers are available for purchase here: https://inspyrdmovement.org/store

Parking

Plenty of parking is available at the Kenmore Park & Ride.

Food

Coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches are available for purchase at the start from Diva Espresso.

Beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and great food are available for purchase at the finish from Stoup Brewing Kenmore.

Start

Diva Espresso
6728 NE 181st St #3805
Kenmore, WA 98028
Business Hours: Saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8:00 AM - Rider check-in begins
8:55 AM - Ride briefing
9:00 AM - Ride bikes

Please contact the ride organizer if you will be arriving after 9:00 AM or if you are registered and choose to not start.

Finish

Stoup Brewing Kenmore
6704 NE 181st St
Kenmore, WA 98028
Business Hours: Saturday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

4:04 PM - Finish control closes (7:04 time limit)