Author: Jim Wilcher
As an alternative to
the Triple-By-Pass ride that many of the Cyclopaths rode, Chris and I decided
to seek cooler temps by escaping to the Puget Sound islands. Chris Fox is an
expert guide of the back roads of Whidbey Island, and he loves to share them so
off we set at 6:00AM towards the Mukilteo Ferry landing. We parked the car and
boarded with our bikes and big smiles. Oddly, there were only a few cars on the
ferry which bid well for our plans to ride car free (carefree) roads.
Chris prepared his
GoPro, and we set off with a quick left-hand turn just off the ferry dock. The
high-bank island provides an immediate climb up to commanding views, a cool
breeze and vacant roads. I remembered the first time that Chris had invited me
to ride with him on Whidbey — assuming the island was flat. I was unprepared
for the steepness and number of climbs — a mistake I hope not to repeat. This
time I loaded my jersey with road snacks and prepared myself for some steep
hills.
“Watch for deer” Chris
barked as he hooked a right turn that dove under tall alder trees and onto a narrow
path lined with stinging nettles. Soon, we returned to the quiet roads where we
pedaled steadily and spied views of the Sound between cottages and beach homes.
We saw a few runners, just a few cars, and – yes - we saw a deer. A short stop
at the coffee shop had a deadline of just a few minutes to get coffee, use the
bathroom and remount in order to catch the ferry for the return trip. No more
lolly-gagging, we had an agenda, we were going to be riding fast from here on
out. We reached the Three Bitches, a series of hills that lived up to their name
in terms of steepness - then the forested ride up the long track dubbed the
Cathedral — an inspiring climb through an enchanted island forest and dappled
light streaming though the semi-old growth Cedars.
The last few miles
were an all out push in pace line formation to catch the ferry, zipping over
the dock just in time. On the front deck of the ferry, we basked in cool
breeze, rejuvenated, all of it punctuated by the morning sun glinting off the
Puget Sound. On the way back to the mainland, we turned our thoughts to our
cyclo-brothers as they would soon be chomped down on the hot tarmac of Cayuse
Pass in what was sure to be a bit warmer temps.
Link to Chris Fox's
short video of the ride: https://youtu.be/mVDMzloM9WQ
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| Chris and Jim on the ferry... |
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