Originally Posted by
rsbob
Do you go up the SVT, or climb Uplands Dr from North Bend? Not being a gravel rider, I take Uplands, which is always challenging. I need to get back to Uplands again since it is one of my hill training climbs.
To answer your question, Yes
I've been a resident in the Valley for almost 40 years.
Riding mostly vintage road and touring bikes.
Varied surfaces don't trouble me.
My neighborhood borders the Snoqualmie Valley Trail so I use it a lot.
It's the gateway over the mountains to Eastern Washington on my right, and If I turn left,
the Lower Snoqualmie Valley where as you know are many nice rural roads North and West into the Puget Sound Basin.
As for the approach to Rattlesnake Lake;
Sometimes I ride up via the Uppety-Lands, sometimes not.
Sometimes as an out n back but most times as a loop.
The preferred way is up on the trail and returning via a screaming downhill thru the Uppety-Lands.
It simply flows better that way, and the speed you can carry thru the roundabout and under I90 into North Bend is much safer in that busy little section of stores and gas stations.
The Uppety-Lands does make for good hill training!
A false flat paralleling I90 followed by a steep ramp into the development itself then eases off somewhat giving you a chance to catch your breath before you reach that 90 degree turn and the wall that is your final test.
If you're unfamiliar with it, it can be heartbreaking. I love climbs that test your mental and emotional resilience in addition to your legs.