2021_04_17 Puyallup Cyclopaths: Orting to Carbon River Entrance to Mt. Rainier & Back

 

Author:  Mike Hassur

 

Well, it’s been over a year since our group has gotten together for a scheduled Puyallup Cyclopath ride thanks to COVID-19.  We, finally, managed to get together for our first group ride of 2021 this past Saturday (April 17^th):  the “Carbon River Entrance to Mt. Rainier Ride”.  The ride is about 52 miles long – starting in Orting and proceeding through South Prairie, Wilkeson, Carbonado, over the Fairfax Bridge and on to our destination – Mt. Rainier’s Carbon River Entrance.  Here are maps of our route:

1st half of ride:  Orting to Carbon River Entrance

2nd half of ride:  slightly different route from Wilkeson to South Prairie

Our plan was to be leaving Orting at 7:30 AM.  It had been fairly cold (~ 40 degrees) at that hour earlier in the week, so there was some concern on my part that the start time should have been moved back until 8:00 or 8:30 AM to provide more time for things to warm up a bit.  I knew that the forecast was for temperatures in the 60's later in the morning, and I didn't want riders having to carry a lot of clothing that they had shed as things warmed up. In the end, we kept the start time at 7:30 AM, the temp was around 44 degrees and riders under-dressed slightly for that temp knowing that it would soon warm up - and, in fact, that is exactly what happened.

We (14 riders) started along the Foothills Trail toward South Prairie just a little after 7:30 AM.  We rode comfortably (~ 18 mph) and chatted all the way.  At South Prairie, we left the trail and headed up the climb on Tubbs Road that is just to the south of South Prairie.  It's a 0.7 mile long climb with grades up to 13-14% in places.  Some folks rode up faster than others, but - in the end - everyone made it without much difficulty.  From there, it was on to Wilkeson where we regrouped at the parking lot next to city hall.  Unfortunately, the public bathrooms were closed; so we chose to make a slight detour to a wooded area just outside of town for a group "potty break" - sorry, no photos.

From Wilkeson, we started the 2.5 mile climb up to Carbonado.  By the time we arrived at Carbonado, it was starting to warm up.  I stopped to take off my cycling vest and to start my GoPro camera (neither of those activities alone would make me stop, but it got slightly complicated so I stopped).  In doing so, I was way behind the group who were well on their way to the Fairfax Bridge by the time I got going.  Thankfully, Dwaine Trummert came back looking for me; so we had a good visit on the way to the bridge and weren't too far behind the group when we arrived.

Our group took off together for the last 6-7 miles to the Carbon River Entrance (Mt. Rainier).  By this time, it was a glorious morning with temps in the mid to high 50's, no wind and lots of sunshine.  We cruised along at a brisk pace with a lot of visiting and laughter mixed in.  I can't speak for everyone, but I relished this section; because it was exactly this type of physical activity mixed with social interaction that I had missed out on for most of 2020.  I loved it!!

When we arrived at our destination, I was shocked.  The road at almost the very end was washed out.  There was probably only 10-20% of the road width left and some very large trees had been uprooted.  It was jarring to be reminded how things that seemed so "permanent" to me could so easily be undone by nature.

We regrouped nearby on the bridge that crossed the Carbon River for our traditional group photo.  

Cyclopaths on Carbon River Bridge

We took our photo and everyone started the trip back to Orting - except me.  We had taken a fair amount of time to regroup on the bridge and get everyone grouped for the photo; and during all of the time, I forgot that I needed to change the battery in my GoPro video camera!!  By the time that I had installed a new battery, everyone was out of sight - of course.  Even though most of the trip back to Orting is slightly downhill, there is a hill that is close to a mile long just as you begin the trip back.  I was hoping that I could catch up with at least part of the group by the top of that hill.  Fortunately for me, that is what happened.  From there it was lots of fast/fun riding with a few stops to regroup along the way.  We pretty much retraced our route on the way back except for a slight change in the portion from Wilkeson to South Prairie.

When we arrived back in Orting, everyone seemed in good spirits and enthused about the opportunity to ride together once again.  There were many unfortunate things associated with COVID-19, but I do believe that it reminded many of us how lucky we are to have a group with whom we enjoy a shared passion.

Next ride:  Alder Lake Loop Ride on May 15th... can't wait!!!