CRANK SISTERS Introduction to Tennant – Social Hot Laps Ride

Meeting Location / Logistics:

This ride is for anyone who identifies as female.

Ride leader contact info:  Tori Eldridge (615)- 767-1203. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about this ride.

Tennant Trailhead Park — 12201 W. Ribary Way, North Bend, WA (Exit 31 off I-90)
Parking: ~30 stalls available at the trailhead. 

Restroom available onsite. 

If you don’t have a bike or want to try something else, The LINE operates a trailhead kiosk rental service right there, with adult/youth bikes, helmets, and basic gear. THE LINE | Bike Experience

Ride Description & Purpose

This is a social, introductory ride through Tennant Trailhead Park in North Bend — an easy-going meetup focused on exploring the trail system, taking short “hot laps,” and riding in a relaxed, supportive environment. We’ll stick to green and blue trails, skipping any black or double-black lines unless everyone’s comfortable.

Each lap features roughly 100 ft of elevation change, and we’ll cover about 4–10 miles total, depending on group pace. The climbs are mild but the terrain is rocky and progressive, offering great chances to stop, look at features, and build confidence. We’ll move from the green flow line “Jumping Frog” (Line B) up to intermediate trails like “Elk” on the tech side near the highway — short descents, quick regroups, and lots of fun.

This ride is ideal for anyone wanting to learn the Tennant system, improve skills at their own pace, and prepare for bigger networks like Raging River, Tiger, or Summit in the future.

Tennant Trail System – What to Know

• Size & Scope: The park encompasses ~32 acres and features ~2.1 miles of soft-surface non-motorized trails. 

• Trail Names & Cultural Respect: All trails are named in Lushootseed, honoring the Indigenous cultural connection to the land. Trail signage includes pronunciation guides and tribal history context. 

• Trail Types & Difficulty: There’s a progression of trails from flow / jump lines to more technical options:
   • Jumping Frog — a fun flow/jump line, short descent, good for leveling up. 
   • Elk — more technical, with rock / root features, small drops, berms, etc.
   • Bobcat and Cougar — advanced / double-black options (we won’t hit these unless the group is feeling confident) 
  

  • Trail Etiquette & Safety Notes:
     • Observe directional rules: some trails are uphill-only or hiker-only. 
     • Stay on designated trails, avoid widening or side trails. 
     • Park hours: 7:00 AM until dusk daily. 

Gear & Safety Recommendations

Because the terrain is rocky and technical in spots, please come prepared:

• Bike: Mountain bike with good tires and suspension.

• Helmet: Full-face preferred if you plan to try jumps / features; half-shell acceptable for more conservative riding.

• Protective gear: Knee pads, elbow pads strongly encouraged.

• Hydration & nutrition: Bring plenty of water, snacks / energy bars.

• Lights / headlamps: Especially if riding into late evening (just in case).

• Spare gear / repair kit: Tube, pump, multi-tool, tire plugs, etc.

• Clothing: Rain Possible. Dress in layers (it can cool in forested shade), gloves, eye protection.

• Ride within your limits — it’s better to walk a section than risk injury.

• Be courteous, communicate hard or sketchy sections before descending, wait for everyone to catch up when needed.

What to Expect (Flow)

1. Meet and kit check / introductions / ABCs

2. Warm-up climb or connector to easy green/flow line

3. First lap on Jumping Frog or other mellow line

4. Regroup, chat, check comfort levels

5. Additional laps, gradually adding in Elk (or other intermediate features) if the group feels ready

6. Take breaks as needed

Total ride time estimate: ~1 to 2 hours (depending on group size, breaks, and pace)

Who Should Join

Anyone who is comfortable riding at Tennant-level terrain (green to blue, some intermediate technical) is welcome. This is not a hard-charging race ride — it’s a social, inclusive meetup. Beginners who have some basic trail experience are welcome, as are more experienced riders who want to help guide or encourage others.

I'm also a SLOW hill climber. We won't be grinding gears up each lap.

If you’re unsure whether the ride fits your skill level, message me — I’m happy to help advise.

RSVP & What to Bring

• Please RSVP.

• Bring your gear, hydration, food.

• Be ready ~10 minutes early for a quick check and safety huddle.

Conditions for cancellation: (heavy wind, lightning, flooding etc.) If a ride must be canceled, the ride leader will attempt to contact anyone signed up by 3pm the day before the ride.

Before you RSVP for this ride, please sign the waiver at https//.www.evergreenmtb.org/my/waiver: Right click and click open in new window. This waiver needs to be signed once a year. When you click the link, it will tell you whether you have signed this year. If not, it will give you a link to sign it.

E-Bikes:  King County Parks adopts the same position as DNR: You can legally use E-Bikes on trails if you have an ADA place card in your car. Here is the link to trails that allow E-Bikes without needing an ADA card: https://www.evergreenmtb.org/ebikeaccess.

This ride is limited to 18+ years old unless riding with a parent or guardian.