After a meet-and-greet in Wenatchee, we'll load into the shuttle van and drive to the top of Devil's Gulch, one of the state's most epic shuttle rides. Even before swinging a leg over our bikes, we'll encounter unbelievable views of the Cascades and their eastern foothills from the shuttle road and trailhead.

Devil's Gulch delivers what its reputation promises — buttery smooth, roller-coaster singletrack through ponderosa forests, narrow bench lines above Mission Creek, and speeds that'll make our eyes water. This descent rips — fast, flowy, and satisfying — and by the time we reach the lower trailhead we'll have earned a tasty lunch in the shade, and a hearty high-five all around.

Having set the tone on a high note, we'll hop in the van and drive up into the Methow Valley for our second ride of the day. The Loup is one of the Methow's newest trail networks, with the highest density of purpose-built mountain bike trails. Berms, rock-rolls, doubles, techy sections, and ripping singletrack abound — as do views of the valley and Cascades, of course!

We'll work our way uphill via Bear With Me and some narrow doubletrack, climbing at a manageable pace through open forest and high-country clearings. The majority of the climb is extremely pleasant — one of those climbs where you forget you're gaining elevation and can hold a conversation — and the views steadily improve the higher we get.

Fozzie Bear Inventions serves up a technical, modern descent with optional rock rolls, drops, and other features. After Fozzie Bear we'll shoot for terminal velocity on the fun and smooth Telemark and finish things off on the newest trail in the Methow Valley: Oh, Bother. Boasting chunky rock slabs and rollable gap jumps with berms in between, this one will be a highlight for the advanced rider who likes to get a little loose.

After a hearty breakfast at camp, we'll head up to the Chickadee Trailhead, a renowned singletrack trail system with a wide variety of trail types and skill levels. Our aim, though, is a backcountry mission: Thompson Ridge.

We will once again gain motorized advantage by shuttling about 1,000' up to start our climb. Don't think that means we won't be working — we will still have a 2,000' climb to reach our ripping 3,000' descent. With sweeping views of the Methow Valley and perfect berm after perfect berm, our cups will be plenty full.

For those that still have some zoomies to kick, there will be the option of more riding at Chickadee or around Pearrygin Lake from camp via the Rex Derr Trail, a mellow 5-mile intermediate loop. We'll finish the day with a delicious dinner at camp or in town for hotel tours, and rest up for another great day to follow!

Day 3 will feature one of our favorite rides in the Methow Valley — the majestic Buck Mountain. With only a short 15-minute shuttle to the trailhead, we'll take advantage of the simple logistics of the day to have a more leisurely start.

Leave the tech to Day 4 — Buck Mountain is all about serene flow. We'll climb 2,200' on a mellow grade over 7 miles, zig-zagging through ponderosa groves, wildflowers, and sage meadows. Views of the valley abound, and the descent could be aptly described as "hero."

We will finish up in mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time for optional activities — those who didn't ride Pearrygin yesterday may hit the Rex Derr loop, or we'll relax at the lake until dinner!

Day 4 is the crescendo of the trip! Get ready for our biggest alpine adventure of the tour and the highest elevations of our 4 days. From our hotel we'll drive up to the Sawtooth Backcountry, to an area known as "Angel's Staircase", surrounded by craggy peaks and 360-degree views at the top of the climb.

With a partial shuttle advantage, we'll pedal up Martin Creek for 7.5 miles and 2,500' to reach our highest point of the trip at 7,300' above tree level, and a pristine lake to catch our breaths.

It's all downhill from there, as we begin the descending portion of the Martin Creek Trail and turn off onto the legendary Foggy Dew Trail. Views abound, as do big Ponderosa and Larch trees that burst into golden leaves in the fall. After basking in some post-ride glow we'll drive 2 hours back to Wenatchee to say our goodbyes, concluding an epic and full 4 days in beautiful Eastern Washington!