America One Spoke At a Time: King of the Mountains

Helen Eating Dinner
Colonial Canpgrond

We woke at our campsite at a US National Park near Lake Diablo, high in the Northern Cascade Mountains. We have become accepting of this season’s unusually cold temperatures ranging in the mid 50s to low 40’s. The previous evening we made dinner then sat around our campfire for warmth.

The big event today was Jay riding 65 miles over Rainy Pass and Washington Pass. The first 33 miles consisted of continuous climbing. The cumulative uphill climb was 5,700 feet (a mile is 5,280 feet) and 5,157 feet of descent.

Given the mountainous climbs, Jay left camp early and Helen spent another hour cleaning breakfast dishes and packing up the Prius.

We are now writing this blog at day’s end at a KOA Campground in Winthrop. Jay confessed it was his toughest day of cycling. North Georgia mountains are challenging, but climbs are only in the 8 – 12 mile range. Thirty-three miles of climbing presented him with a new challenge.

Crater Peak
From Jay Bike Route

His strategy of slow and steady was put to the test today. After 15 miles of climbing, he switched his bike’s computer from mileage to time. Ride for 15 minutes then rest. Repeat. With this timed strategy he finally arrived at snow-covered Rainy Pass. The final ascent to Washington Pass was much steeper. Fifteen minutes became 10 minutes, but eventually the mountain’s peak was reached.

Snow On Road Side
Near Rainy Pass

Despite the stress of such a strenuous climb, there was time to “smell the roses,” or more appropriately, gaze at the snow- covered Northern Cascade Mountains. We are east coast Appalachian Mountain people; west coast Rocky Mountains have a soaring majesty that doesn't compare. Jay’s frequent rest stops gave him an opportunity to absorb and incorporate these mountains into his life experience.

Helen had the more mundane duties today of packing up, finding food and acquiring new campsite for this evening.

During dinner of turkey tacos, Jay remarked that the idea of doing this ride solo and self-supported in retrospect looks pretty crazy. However, our hats are extended to our church members and friends Keith and Marcia who did such a trip on their tandem bicycle. What an adventure they had!

We are now planning how to cross the final set of Washington State mountains. We think it will take about five days to reach the Washington – Idaho border.

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