Cross-Washington Mountain Bike Route (XWA)
ExtremeSelf-supported 700-mile bikepacking race traversing Washington east from the Pacific Ocean (La Push) to the Idaho border (Tekoa). Rainforest singletrack, gravel mountain passes, the John Wayne Trail rail-trail, and a final scab-land sprint. One of the most diverse self-supported races in the US.
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▌ Self-supported 700-mile bikepacking race traversing Washington east from the Pacific Ocean (La Push) to the Idaho border (Tekoa)
North America bikepacking event organized by Cross Washington
12 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]1107 km of extreme gravel through La Push, Washington → Tekoa, Washington
- [+]12,500 m of climbing — proper elevation
- [+]Self-supported / ultra format = adventure focus
- [+]Organized by Cross Washington
- [+]Varied terrain: Singletrack, Gravel, Rail Trail
- [+]Strong US-style aid stations and event production
RED FLAGS
- [!]Ultra distance — needs serious training base
- [!]Extreme rating — only attempt with prior ultra experience
- [!]Self-supported — no aid stations expected
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Significant climbing rewards low-watt grinding
Ultra format = guided adventure with timing chips
Self-supported format suits bikepacking instincts
Technical terrain rewards bike-handling
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
1107 km is not a race — it's an expedition. Pacing is decided by hours, not km splits, and sleep strategy matters more than power.
TIRE INTEL
Variable wet conditions — favour grip.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
La Push, Washington → Tekoa, Washington in spring (May): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Resist the urge to push. Your race starts in 48 hours, not at km 0.
Eat early, eat often. Sleep matters more than watts now.
Mental low point. Stick to the plan. Most riders bonk here mentally before physically.
Save matches. The finish line will reveal itself when you stop chasing it.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Late-race climbs after the legs are gone
- [!02]Mental low point on the long, lonely middle section
- [!03]Resupply gaps — carry more food than you think
INSIDER INTEL
“The climbs are the whole point at Cross-Washington Mountain Bike Route (XWA). You don't do this race for the flats.”
“Cross-Washington Mountain Bike Route (XWA) is exactly what American gravel does best — well-organized, big aid stations, and a finish-line festival that makes the suffering worthwhile.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Self-supported by design. Carry your own food, water, tools, and shelter. Resupply from towns en route.
Plan for 24+ hour stretches between resupply points. Carry food and purification.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
- -All food and water beyond the start
- -Shelter / sleep system
- -Tracker (rider-supplied for many ultras)
- -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
Many gravel events offer on-site camping for a small fee. Check race FAQ.
- ▸Mandatory pre-race brief — non-negotiable attendance.
- ▸GPS device with full route loaded is required, not optional.
TRAVEL OPS
Cross-Washington Mountain Bike Route (XWA) is a destination-worthy bikepacking event in United States. A solid bucket-list addition.