The Cascades are behind me now. Everywhere I looked on today's ride, there were serrated pinnacles and rock spires. Climbing any of these mountains would be quite a challenge. There were three passes to surmount. Rainy Pass and Washington Pass were long grinds. I was wishing for a bandanna to keep the sweat out of my eyes. I felt OK, although the bike is no lightweight and takes some muscle to get going. I drink this salty electrolyte mix and I think it helps. I switched the back tire from the heavy Marathon Plus to the spare lightweight Kojak. It noticeably makes the bike more sprightly.
Caked in salt and sunblock and chain grease, I got to the top of Washington Pass. Sitting there were two young women with touring bikes (heyyy ladies). They offered me cheese. I passed eight or ten touring cyclists along the way today; it is a popular activity.
The scenery was spectacular but after awhile I just mashed on the pedals and stared at a fixed point ahead. Steep climbs are not this bike's favorite, and it takes concentration to go in a straight line. Eventually I mostly coasted down into Winthrop, which is a tourist joint. I sprang for a motel since I need to wash and charge everything. It is great. I have the A/C cranked up and I am about to eat dinner #2.
Tomorrow I am going to head to Omak, and maybe a bit north of there.
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Everywhere
The face of grime
The east side of the Cascades, drier and hotter
Winthrop fuzz
1 comment:
Hi there,
The bike sounds like quite the workout. Great job Ray chugging up the mountain passes!! Beautiful scenery that you just rode through!!
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