2006 route now in-stock!
The Griptwister kit includes everything you need for a self-led dual-sport tour utilizing pre-programmed GPS routes and printed route guides. The legwork and research is already done. You can travel at your own pace, and the GPS keeps you on course. All you need is a few days for an adventure!
This very scenic route utilizes mostly (85%) unpaved forest service roads to circumnavigate the Olympic National Park. Included are short side-routes that guide the rider to spectacular vistas and points of interest. An extensive list of campsite waypoints and descriptions are also included. When you're ready to call it a day, just use your GPS to search for the nearest campsite, and you'll find a great spot right along your route. The waypoint naming structure makes it easy for you to determine when you're getting close to a campsite or gas station, without having to interrupt your current route to make it a final destination.
Combined length of legs (full circle) is approximately 550 miles. At moderate speeds, this ride can be done in a 3 day weekend, or at a very relaxed pace in 4 days. Individual legs of this route also make great day rides, or can be combined with US Hwy 101, to make a faster route with more pavement.
Included in Package:
* CD ROM: contains Garmin mps file and Magellan wpt file for downloading the routes and waypoints to your GPS receiver using MapSource or MapSend, respectively. Also on the CD: detailed instructions, descriptions and photos from the tour.
* Ride booklet: sturdy, 8.5 by 5.5 inch spiral bound quick reference/index guide with laminated pages. Contains an overview of (and helpful advice for) each route of the tour, as well as suggested sideroutes to take. Includes an index of all the campsites and points of interest on the tour, with a brief description (and ratings for each campsite), organized by route.
You will need:
* a GPS receiver, either Garmin or Magellan. For a list of the Garmin models we sell: http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/default.htm
* Software to load the routes. We recommend Garmin's U.S. Recreational Lakes, which will also load into most Garmin receivers, for map detail right on the screen: http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gmap.htm
*Note: You do not need to have any mapsets loaded on your GPS receiver to utilize this tour. They are optional, but are recommended to get more enjoyment out of the tour. The routes can also be loaded using any GPS capable mapping software.
More on camping, supplies, and the route:
Unless otherwise indicated, all remote campsites are right along the routes, and we detail each campsite's features. All the best camping opportunities are indexed and rated them on a 5 star scale. Most are no charge "primitive" campsites with great seclusion. The features and costs of the official campgrounds are noted as well.
The route naturally travels through small towns at several infrequent but somewhat evenly spaced sections, which allows for refueling and purchasing supplies at regular intervals. Additional fuel and supply points are noted in a few of the longer and more remote sections of the tour. Determining the closest gas station is made easy with the waypoint naming structure.
With this tour, you will be making a loop that essentially follows the closest continuous route around Olympic National Park. All roads are forest service or other public roads. It should be noted that the Forest Service closes some interior roads to vehicular travel during the winter, usually between October 31 and April 30th. Many of those roads are at high elevations and are frequently blocked by snowfall in the cold months anyhow. Therefore, this tour should be considered a spring to fall tour to minimize detours. However-- for the die-hard dual-sport tourist-- there is a winter route in the works that will be published at Griptwister.com free to download for those who have purchased the tour.
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