Author of this post: Jim Wilcher
6/16/2012
With the original Skate Creek ride cancelled due to a forecast of an inch of snow at Paradise and high winds up to 40 miles per hour! The Cyclopath in charge called off the ride (thank you Leon) and subsequently two makeup rides were formed. It was Leon, Mike and Tom forming the first make up ride on the following Thursday and then John Winter, Dan, Jim, Mark, Rod and his friend David rallied to form the Saturday group.
David (left), Rod (center) and John
Mike Hassur calls this ride the "first real mountain ride of the season" and even though it is a mere 80 miles, it packs a real punch and serves well as preparation for the rides soon to follow; like next weeks Triple By-Pass.
Saturday group ride summary:
It was a 7:30 AM departure from Ashford with friendly conversation as usual. Oops, only a few miles in and POW, Mark flats. Back on the road and the pace is picking up -- Rod is out in front and by the time we reach Longmire, Rod takes off with David and John in hot chase, while most of us return to a more moderate pace. We stretched out on the long road to Paradise, up, up and into the cloudy mist. At the top, Rod, David and John head to the lodge for hot drinks. It turns out that Mark flatted again at the Nisqually River bridge and Dan, being the fine wing-man he is, helped Mark with his second tire change. Upon reaching Paradise, Dan and Mark decided to head back down due to time constraints and a lack of spare tubes.
Warming up by the fire at Paradise Lodge (hot coffee already consumed)
Detailed ride description link:
Read Rod's blog called Riding With Rod, and his wonderful description of the ride in Skate Creek Loop part 1, Skate Creek Loop part 2 and Skate Creek Loop part 3 where Rod learns a lesson in refilling his water bottle in Packwood! Rod's a fun guy and his blog is fun to read.
David, Jim and John at the finish
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