Given that just a few days ago the forecast was a bit dismal for today, we were thrilled when the updated forecast called for clear skies. It would have been a bit of trial to ride 100 miles in the rain. Sure enough, we woke up to a beautiful day. Breakfast at 5:30 at the trailer. First up, we rode through the town of Winthrop. I chose not to go in yesterday, so a nice surprise this morning. The downtown is based on an old west theme. Looks like there were some nice shops, but cheaper to go through when they're closed.
At 9 miles we turned off of SR 20 onto the quiet but hilly Goat Creek Road.
The temperature started out about -1C this morning. Brrrr! It stayed cold for quite a while. Between the early hour of departure and the fact that we rode for quite a while in the shade, everyone was wearing their many layers for quite a while. After a 5 mile detour we were back onto SR 20 and really started to see the majestic mountains. At 17 miles we started to climb in earnest so I was down to a single layer. Pretty sure I was the only one with less than a half dozen layers on. When I try to preach moisture management, they just scoff. As we climbed, the mountains just got more and more majestic and snow-topped.
A little bit of snow in evidence as we neared the top. Apparently the road is closed for the winter and was opened April 26th this year.
The last couple of miles reminded me of the Big Bend on the Icefields Parkway. Same swing out to the left and then diagonally up in front of you.
Here's Ann pointing out the route as a logging truck makes its way up.
Some views looking back from whence we came.
And - at the top of the first pass of the day. Washington Pass.
A quick run down the other side. Crossed the Pacific Crest Trail for the last time. At one time a few of us were talking about hiking the last section of the PCT in September. It just dawned on me that this is probably the trailhead that we would be leaving from (well, the northbound one......).
Then it was another short climb to Rainy Pass.
Down the other side and the views just continued coming. Hard to get any mileage in when I want to stop so often to take pictures. I believe this might be Crater Mountain below.
Into the Ross Lake area. Ross Lake is a beautiful man-made lake (dammed for power generation). It is 24 miles long and extends north into Canada. I've heard that it is a great lake to paddle. Might have to put it on the list.
More outstanding views coming down, down, down. Saw the Ross Dam along the way and then Diablo Lake came into view. Eventually we were down to lake level and crossed it.
Next up - Gorge Lake.
At about 70 miles there were two tunnels. Here's the first.
The second was more of a challenge getting through. Longer and darker, but no problem as I got through without any traffic. There were lots of beautiful waterfalls all around - which I failed to take pictures of. Also - we followed a river (the Skagit I'm assuming) for much of the later part of our ride. I love hearing and smelling the rivers and forests. I made a 1.5 mile detour into the North Cascades National Park Visitors Center at mile 73. In April I had bought a North Cascades hiking book in Canmore. Now that I've seen the surroundings, I really want to come back and do some hiking!
Once we left the park the last 15 miles to our cabins in the woods in Rockport were a bit tedious. A few miles out I met Ann so we stopped in at a winery. I did a wine tasting (yum!) and she had a glass of wine. We had a nice relaxing hour or so there and I also had a chance to eat some more lunch. Perfect timing - as soon as we got to the cabins Cindi rolled in. She had never done a century (100 miles) before, so Fiona, Ann & I got back on our bikes and accompanied her an additional 5 miles out and 5 miles back to make it an even 100 for her. So happy she was able to do it!
Two easier days ahead of us, but the forecast looks very wet for tomorrow. Yuck! Guess I'll be digging out the rain gear........
Stats for the day:
165 km / 102 miles from Winthrop WA to Rockport WA
6172 feet up
7326 feet down
Weather: spectacular. Started out a bit chilly. -1C and then hovered around 0C for quite a while until we got into the sun. Warmed up nicely - into the high 20sC by mid-afternoon
Thats a big day-I am now following about 2 days behind you-on my way to Leavonworth tomorrow-hope there's a town left after your gang has been through it
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the accordion festival!
ReplyDelete