OK, the dates are set and the route is planned. My neighbor, Jen, and I have decided to take on this epic ride July 22 - 25, 2008...WOOT! From our homes on Cougar Mountain in Issaquah, we will embark on a trip that will have us riding through the area that make up the infamous North Cascades Loop. This route is considered one of the most spectacular drives in North America by the likes of National Geographic Traveler (or is it Explorer, or Adventure). The North Cascades Loop is a very popular drive during the summer and in the fall for the autumn colors (note to self: a backpacking trip must be planned around this time). But, I will get to savor the scenery on my bike...yes, my bike.Because we'll be cycling, we will primarily be on side roads, though, there will be times where we'll be cycling on the highway next to the semi's (vroooom). Here's our itinerary for the ride:
Day 1--Issaquah to Darrington 96 miles
Day 2-- Darrington to Winthrop 109 miles (the most scenic day; at least 17 miles of this is downhill; good eats at Winthrop; cool campground at Winthrop on river)
Day 3-- Winthrop to Wenatchee 105 miles (hot and dry)
Day 4-- Wenatchee to Cle Elum 72 miles (over Blewett Pass)
Total mileage = 382 miles
Day 2-- Darrington to Winthrop 109 miles (the most scenic day; at least 17 miles of this is downhill; good eats at Winthrop; cool campground at Winthrop on river)
Day 3-- Winthrop to Wenatchee 105 miles (hot and dry)
Day 4-- Wenatchee to Cle Elum 72 miles (over Blewett Pass)
Total mileage = 382 miles
We'll be staying in campgrounds along the way and eating a lot of quinoa or pasta for dinner. So, if any of you happen to driving along this route on those dates, feel free to pick up a pizza and drop it off at our campsite :-)) Oh, and coffee and breakfast in the am would also be much appreciated (french toast with fresh berries and maple syrup would be wooooonderful, thank you)! I'm pretty excited about this trip. Jen is a seasoned multi-day cyclist. A few years ago, she biked across the U.S. solo. I don't think I could ever do a multi-day ride by myself...I would drive myself crazy. I would rather drive someone else crazy. Stay tuned....
2 comments:
To "Don" who posted a question about route 530 from Arlington to Darrington.
First, our ride is also delayed due to my riding partner's injury. She is the one who worked out the itinerary so I'll ask her more about 530 and let you know what she says. And, please pass on any info on roads that are more bike-friendly.
Best of luck to you on your ride! I can't wait to hit the road.
Jocelyn
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