When the most recent Puyallup Cyclopaths ride was cancelled an
opportunity was created. Adam and I had planned to attend the Cyclopath
road ride. We pivotted quickly to fill the day by returning to the
Palouse to Cascades Trail for some smooth gravel adventuring. Patrick, a
fellow cyclocross and gravel racer, joined us.
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Adam and Patrick were looking cool for the camera as we took in the
views from one of the elevated trestles. When the builders converted
these trestles from rail to trail they kindly installed guard rails for
the pedestrians and nice gravel for the cyclists.
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Patrick disappeared into the distance as my camera took the time to
capture one more frame. These trestles provided the most spectacular
views from the trail as it passed between the Western terminus and
Snoqualmie Pass.
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| Twenty seven miles from the start and the tunnel was in sight. Adam was
caught 'gearing up' for the two mile cave sector with an extra layer and a
mouthfull of nutrition. The tunnel was cold and dark just as we
expected and we were prepared with an extra layer of clothing and our
brightest lights. For added spookiness there was a noticeable tail wind
which elevated our speed and made the ride eerily quiet. |
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| Snow stopped our progress just East of Hyak but not before we caught
sight of Keechelus Lake. Our previous trip included a private helicopter
landing on a rock outcropping just off shore. No such luck this time. | |
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| The cold air blowing out of the East end of the tunnel was felt hundreds
of meters before the entrance. We pedalled through with just a few
interuptions. My Garmin continually reported that we were 'off course'
and Adam continually joked that we missed a turn. I stopped just short
of the tunnel exit and snapped a photo just as Adam and Patrick had
returned to the warm sunshine of Western Washington. |
We
finished our ride before noon with 62 miles of perfect gravel having
passed under our tires. We enjoyed this ride on the Palouse to Cascades
Trail more than the first and plan to be back again this Summer.
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