Rise and Shine
Chris and I have had this ride on our brains for just about the whole year. I can’t promise that you’ll have “fun” and I certainly can’t promise tailwinds the entire ride, but I can promise that you won’t soon forget these roads. Chris and I scouted the roads this weekend, catching a few errors and snapping a few photos just to get you all pumped up for the real deal.
Highlights:
Old Cascade Highway – I’ve done Stevens Pass a number of times, but taking the old highway is easily the coolest way to do it. The final section mixes in some hard packed gravel and encroaching wildlife (the roads aren’t really maintained anymore). Expect a foot bridge midway up the final section that we advise that you walk over. It is short though, and as a bonus, it cuts off car traffic completely. It will just be you, the trees, and the endless sky.
Alt Highway 97 – This road reminds me of just how varied the terrain in Washington really can be. You will follow the Wenatchee river all the way in to Pateros.
I’ve done a lot of mountain pass climbing since I joined SIR, but nothing quite compares to Washington Pass. You will just have to experience it to understand.
Come on out for the ride, food, and beer. We have the entire Mt. Gardener Inn hotel rented out and will be cooking dinner and breakfast for all of you hungry riders. Jane just picked up a massive batch of blueberries at the farmer’s market for pancakes. Nothing helps you tackle a mountain pass like some pancakes.
Seriously though, go sign up. Let me know if you are unable to ride, but can volunteer.
More pictures can be found here.
