Rides

Another high mileage day. Not much climbing though. 101 the whole way today as there are no other roads out here. Very remote. Nice and warm at the beach and little wind. Rode through the Hoh rainforest on a sunny day!

Lots of "head" time today as it was a long ride with not many places to stop or things to do. I recalled the last time I had been in this area was January 1973. It was raining then and it really felt like the rain forest. Not so much today. I don't know how many sunny days they get here and today was certainly one of the finest.

It was great to see the ocean again, especially on a warm day with little wind. Maybe the Washington coast is a secret banana belt. In Oregon if it's hot in the valley, it's usually foggy on the beach. This part of the coast did not have a huge amount of tourist traffic either. We'd see that the next day further south. There weren't many places to stop or get down to the beach along this stretch.

Once again we had a wide open field to camp in at the Quinault high school. While we couldn't see it, we were right above Lake Quinault. What we could see was the amazing view of the Olympics. We also had a spectacular sunset that evening.

The colors of the sunset may have been aided by smoke from the fires. We didn't see any fires, or smoke, but there were some burning nearby. Once again our timing was perfect on this tour.

Spectacular ride around Crescent Lake. Even some MTB trails.

Today's route was a matter of discussion and speculation the whole tour. We had three choices. A longer route sticking close to the Straight on a smaller highway with possible log truck traffic, the most direct route on highway 101 the whole way, with lots of traffic but a decent shoulder, or a route around Crescent Lake that included 3 miles of rough mountain bike trail. Needless to say I jumped on the third option as did Tim, John, and Paul R. Everyone else did 101.

First stop was Joyce for second breakfast and snacks for the day as we didn't expect to see another store before Forks. We dallied here for a bit enjoying the morning sun, before continuing on back roads further and further into the woods. When we first spied the lake it was absolutely spectacular and we stopped again for pictures and to take it all in. At this point I was riding with John and Paul, but a bit later Tim caught up with us.

Lon was waiting at the trail head, which was nice. We had no idea what to expect. We had shed all of our bags, and Tim his trailer, to go as light as possible on the trail. It started out wide and smooth and I was wondering what all the fuss was but then it quickly turned to single track and took a dive down to the lake. I fell into the bushes immediately, which then had me being a little extra cautious for the rest of the trail. Tim and I both had wider tires (35 mm on my bike) but John and Paul were riding skinny tires which certainly made it harder. We got off and walked a lot, Tim least of all and me somewhere in the middle. It was a great trail that would have been lots of fun on an MTB, and the views were incredible.

About halfway through we stopped for a break and Tim jumped in. Check out the look on his face. Think the water was cold? I explored an old tunnel which was partly caved in. This was all railroad at one time.

After about 3 miles or so the single track ended and we were back on the ODT. While the rest of the group was pushing a big climb on 101, we had gentle railroad grade on a smooth gravel path, which soon turned back into pavement. Pretty soon we ran into Robert who and come in from the far end to look for us. He alerted us to another section of th ODT they had found which would cut off another section of 101. It just kept getting better.

The next section of the ODT started out climbing some wonderful "S" curves and then settled back into a gentle slope. Eventually it came to an end on 101, but there was a sign saying it picked up again in a couple of miles. When we got there it was just a logging road which we took, crossed a river, and headed into what looked like a steep logging road through a clear cut. But then just before that road started, almost hidden in the trees, was another trail head for the ODT. This section was what I called a bike super-highway. It was wide smooth and flat. We were in the middle of nowhere but there were lots of people out doing trail maintenance. One man even had a sweeper/blower and was sweeping the fir needles off of the path! Unbelievable. I was very impressed with the ODT and the state of Washington for building it. It made me feel like Oregon is really far behind. Just think if we had a trail like this from Corvallis to the Coast. No doubt it would get far more traffic than the ODT as that part of Washington is really remote.

Eventually we had to leave the woods and suck it up for the final 10 miles into Forks on 101. On any other day this would have seemed like a very nice stretch of road, but after what we had just ridden it just seemed wrong to have to share the road with cars. Soon we were at the Elks Lodge for another great camping spot and some wonderful hospitality.

No question that this day was the most spectacular of the tour.

Bike trail to Elwah River and Ediz Hook, and some cruising around PA.

Some of the more hardy riders were going for Hurricane ridge, but I was ready for an easy day. About a mile from the fairgrounds the ODT started up again for a short stretch out to the Elwah river where they had built a double decker bridge, the lower deck being the bike path. The Elwah is well know in environmental circles as it was a test case to see how a river would recover after the dams were removed. Evidently pretty well.

It was only a few miles out to the Elwah and I was up for some more exploring so I headed back down to the waterfront and took the bike path out to Ediz Hook. Ediz Hook is a skinny spit of land that sticks out into the Straight of Juan de Fuca and forms the bay and harbor for Port Angles. At the base of the hook is a big mill that the bike path winds right through. Then it's not much wider than the road with a few rocky beaches on the bay side. It widens out at the end which is a Coast Guard station. Just before that is a nice little park where I stopped for a bit. It was sunny and warm but quite windy.

It was a pretty good ride into the wind heading back out of Ediz Hook, but then a tail wind back into PA. I explored a bit before heading back to the campground.

Another awesome day of bike touring. 30 miles of bike trail along Discovery Bay and more. Super hospitality by the Women on Wheles in Sequim, and the mayor and more of Port Angeles. 

This would be a long day. I started out solo but ran into Lyle right away on the path heading out of town, just as he had stopped to take this picture of a family of otters heading back out into the water. The rain was long gone now and it was shaping up to be a gorgeous day.

We then had a highway or two to navigate before getting back out on some quiet back roads. That's where we saw the awesome Jefferson County fire station where we took a break. They had a beautiful antique fire truck inside, which I neglected to photograph. As usual at a fire house the firemen were friendly and happy to let us use the facilities and fill our water bottles. Lyle was wanting a longer break than I was so I jumped on with the next group of riders that came by. This proved to be a nice challenge as they were setting a good pace, but by day 4 of the tour my legs were feeling up for it.

After a few more back roads got to Blyn, we hit the crown jewel of this tour, the Olympic Discovery Trail, which would take us the rest of the way to Port Angeles. I can't rave enough about this trail. To be able to ride a long distance, away from the cars, and trough some beautiful woods was an amazing experience.

And while I'm talking about amazing experiences we had one waiting for us when we got to Sequim where the Women on Wheels club had setup a rest stop for us. How nice! They knew how many riders where coming and had a little packet of goodies for each one of us. Plus brownies, cookies, and watermelon! A perfect break as it was pretty warm now. They even provided us an escort out of town to get us back on route. Many thanks Women on Wheels, you made us feel right at home. I hope they decide to come ride through Corvallis one day and let us host them.

Pretty soon we were back on the Olympic Discovery Trail. This section of the trail crossed many streets and the trail heads were not always obvious. Many thanks to Tim for his excellent navigation skills on this section. On my own I would have missed the trail for sure. Tim also set a great pace. It was a spirited ride, augmented by some steep swoops down and up where they took out the railroad bridge and built the bike path along the contour of the land.

Eventually we found ourselves back on the waterfront as we approached PA (local vernacular for these two towns is PT and PA). When we ran into Lon along the waterfront we though it was beer time, but now we had a steep long climb to get up to the fairgrounds. Not satisfied with 70 miles I managed to ride right past the fairgrounds and had to back track. Oh well. once again we had great place to camp with an incredible view of the Olympics. After showers we all piled into the sag wagons and head to town for pizza and beer, hosted by the mayor, ex-mayor, and other very friendly people. Another awesome day of bike touring.

Woke up to a gentle rain whip persisted through the morning. Mostly sunny when we got to PT. The first interesting thing on our route was the Hood Canal bridge. This is the famous bridge that was blown away by a hurricane in 1979. I had fun riding across the bridge with John. Right after the bridge was a steep hill which led to more hills throughout the day.

Right before we got to Port Townsend we got on a nice little bike path along the bay, and came into town through some ship yards. This was very scenic and i liked Port Townsend right away. Our campgrounds for the night was the fairgrounds which was a mile or so up out of town, a pattern that would be repeated several more times on this tour. Before heading up to the fairgrounds I went with John into town to look for a bike shop. The main part of town was about a half mile further from the harbor area where we came in. We found a nice bike shop but it didn't have the part he needed. On the way up to the fairgrounds we passed the food co-op and a vaguely remembered something about Port Townsend having one of the original co-ops. I would come back and check it out further in the morning.

The campsite was great. Plenty of room and by now the sun was out so we could dry out our tents, which we had packed up in the rain in the morning. There was a stiff breeze which helped the drying process. I'm pretty sure there is always a stiff breeze at this spot. After getting setup and squared away I headed back downtown to explore and find some dinner. I ran into John and Paul at a nice seafood place and had a great meal and some good beer. A very fulfilling day!

A little of everything and some really steep hills. Started out along the south shore of Hood Canal to Belfair which may have been the most scenic part of the route. I made a wrong turn in Belfair and added an extra 6 miles before I was back on course. Then some big hills to avoid the traffic in Bremerton. Getting through Bremerton was a real chore.

When we got to the park it looked nice, along the water, but that was not where we were to camp. Our campground was beyond the park and up a hill. Once again a nice place to camp with inadequate toilet facilities. Showers were back at the main park and required tokens, but were very nice.

The picture is the Skokomish River  

With a little  help from Amtrak. 

Day one started early for me. Up at 4 and out before 5 to catch the train in Albany. I got there early. Then a relaxing 4 hour train ride to Olympia. It was raining when I got there.. Surprise. I found shelter and got out my rain jacket. Turned in to one of those days where the rain, and the jacket, were on and off all day. And as it was too warm with it on I was just as wet either way.

A couple of really nice bike paths between Lacy and Olympia, then the city streets gave way to country roads, and finally the long slog on 101. Nice shoulder with a rumble strip and then 8-12 feet of bike lane. This lasted to Shelton but then deteriated from there.

I was the last one to arrive at camp so I guess my ride was a little longer or everyone else got started sooner. Campground was nice but the toilet was not.

Ready for a bike tour. It has cooled off a bit. More like normal. 

Annual ride. I got out by 7:15 and made it up before the heat. Lyle and Bruce were at the top with watermelon and drinks. 

Hot, hot, and hotter. 

BBQ potluck at the Millars. Was going to be a hot day, but surprise morning rain, and clouds kept it down. Out Bellfountain. Hot on the way home though 93. Came home on 99w. 

Started out hot, got much hotter. I've never seen a June like this, even in Ashland. Rode the Gando all week. Took it in and had the rear hub lubed. Much quieter now. 

Buena Vista ferry, Jefferson, Marion, Stayton, Scio, Albany, Corvallis. 

2 days on this bike. Hauled my garlic harvest home in the panniers. 

3 days on this bike. Trying to ride it more. Windy. 

Great ride. Perfect weather except for the strong north wind that came up. Fast pace until the wind wore me out. 

3 days. Wonderful weather, but windy in the afternoon. Took it slow and easy as I want to be rested for the Strawberry Century.

Once again, ride to Albany, Amtrak to Seattle. The occasion this time was Sophia's HS graduation. Found a better route up the hill to Tabitha's house. Had time for a ride Monday morning. Through the arboretum and out the Burke-Gillman. Perfect weather and great riding. 

June came in with cool rain. By end of week it was near 90. 

Very slow ride. DId not push it at all. It was already getting hot at the bottom, but cooled off up higher. Too hazy for a good view. Decided to reurn via Woods Creek. Good choice. The road between the gates was perfect for the Grando. Smooth dirt with little gravel and few bumps or holes. Woods Creek road was good too.

4 day week. Warming up. Mostly just riding to the garden after work.

Ferry loop. Dan and I did an overnight trip to Willamette Mission park. Eileen rode with us as far as Buena Vista but then headed back while Dan and I took the ferry across to the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. This is my favorite part of this ride, past the Ankeny wildlife refuge, on up the hills over the river, and then back down to the Independence bridge.

River road heading into Salem I could do without, but today wasn't bad. We met a fellow out on a day ride who said he would be doing the loop tour with us. Might have been Steve.

We got to the park plenty early. Two other groups of riders joined us. We met Brock, Aaron, and Adelle, hosts of The Sprocket Podcast out of Portland. It was fun chatting with them

We decided to take the Wheatland Ferry back to make it a loop. The terminal is about a mile north of the park on a nice bike path. The ferry is about twice the size as the Buena Vista ferry. The road on the west bank went up a hill and then took a left on a road that started out quiet, but picked up as we approached Salem. We went through the town of Lincoln, another place I had never been before.

Dan had a taken the WVSB when it was routed on this side of the river and remembered a big hill through West Salem. Google Maps suggested Doaks Ferry Road, which looks reasonable on the map. Sure enough we had some serious climbing. Several times we though we were over it but then it headed up again. Finally we had the long fast downhill, to a very busy highway 22. We only had a mile or less to go on 22, and there was a good shoulder, but still way too much traffic. It was also no fun making the left onto Independence road, but once we did everything mellowed out again and it was a pleasant ride home on familiar roads.

Got a late start. Wanted to scout the first part of the route to Valsetz. Carwell hill was hard. Large loose gravel and steep. Fortunately the uphill is not very long. I turned on RideWith GPS for the ride over Cardwell - http://ridewithgps.com/trips/4737698 . Dark, cool day. After Cardwll I headed noth and then took Alexander road. This is a nice gravel road, mostly downhill heading north. It was 18 miles from my house to Hoskins junction. I wanted to go up the Upper Luckiamute to Wildwood road but it was already late afternoon. I started up the Upper Luckimute telling myself I would soon turn around, but It was so nice I just kept going. I finally turned around after 4 miles. Then back to Kings Valley and over Maxfield Creek - Airlee road - Berry Creek - Tampico - and back 99.

Includes the Ride of Silience and an extra ride back to town on Saturday morning. Cool and windy.

Hauled the trailer. Got some compost and plants. Nice day.

First a loop around Corvallis. Then brunch at Teddi and Fran Crotti's, which was excellent. Then out 99 to Tyee Winery for desert. The ride was organized by Dave and Lindsey. After desert we came in on Bellfountain. Then John Ro, Tracey, and I went out Cresent Valley, and Pettibone and back in on 20 to get another 10 miles.

Cool week. A little rain. Took it easy.

Headed out early, knowing it would be a hot day. Out Tangent to Lebanon and then followed the Strawberry Century route to Roaring River park. Continued up to the fish hatchery and then to where the road turns to gravel. It said dead end but looked enticing. back though Crabtree an Knox Butte Road to Albany. Gibson Hill, Metge home. 

Took January on the tag a long for ride to school day. Hauled the trailer with a load of grass clippings to the garden. 

3 rides on the saga. Recovering from a cold. 

4 days. Nice weather. One trip to Philomath, several to the garden. 

3 different rides really. First was last Sunday out to Dan and Shawn's place for a potluck meetup with around the world cyclists Adela and Kris from Poland. 

Today's road cleanup on Plymouth road is an annual event the club does. After that and lunch in Philomath, Robert, John ?, and I went mountain biking on a logging road between Henkle road an Old Peak road. Lots of fun and the Grando did very well, even on some steep climbs. 

Relatively cool, a little rain. Lots of wind. 

Early start. Cold but the sun would soon warm things up. Sunny and clear all day. Head wind on Peoria wore me out. Ride was not as well organized this year. Less people. We need to see if the bike club can help. 

Just kept getting nicer each day. 70 by Friday.

I left early and did an extra 10 miles. Met the club in Pilomath and header out 34 and back over Decker. Cold, windy, and rainy.

One nice after work ride. Ran into a group of tenners on Thursday and rode to Decker road and back on 34. That was the only warm afternoon. Mostly cool.

Hauled the trailer to the garden. Cool with showers.

Started with the tenners and parted ways in Philomath. Out 34 back over Alsea falls. Cool day with on short shower. I went hard up the first big climb, which kind of wore me out for the rest of the ride. We stopped at Rann and Doreen's house near Alpine on the way home. Then down to Monroe and 99 back to Corvallis. We were racing a rain storm for the last 5 miles and actually beat it.

This was my birthday ride. 10 miles over. It used to be a challenge to meet the miles. Hope I can keep it up.

Saturday - Around Corvallis and to garden

Sunday - To Albany, train to Seattle, around Seattle and to Tabitha's

Monday, Tues., Wed. - Commute from Tabitha's to Bell Harbor conference center.

Thursday - Lake Washington drive to University District, Burke - Gillman trail to Freemont. Back over Freemont bridge. Canal trail to Elliot bay, back to King street station.

Seattle has hills! Big hills! Steep hills! I had a great time. See blog post.