Summary of Day One and Two
Day One: Seattle to Sultan…..83 Km (plus nine extra km biking to the beach to dip our tires).
All the cyclists were up bright and early to pack their supplies in the gear truck, grab their bikes and head off to Golden Garden beach. Seattle is such a bike friendly town that visitors can’t help but notice all the bike paths through out the city. Once at the beach the area churches had a wonderful buffet breakfast set up. Thank you, Seattle for all your wonderful hospitality.
Day One: Seattle to Sultan…..83 Km (plus nine extra km biking to the beach to dip our tires).
All the cyclists were up bright and early to pack their supplies in the gear truck, grab their bikes and head off to Golden Garden beach. Seattle is such a bike friendly town that visitors can’t help but notice all the bike paths through out the city. Once at the beach the area churches had a wonderful buffet breakfast set up. Thank you, Seattle for all your wonderful hospitality.
9 am, cyclists, and support staff gathered at the water’s edge. We recited the Lord’s prayer and then on the count of three stepped back into the water and dipped our back tires in the Pacific ocean. After this cyclists left in assigned groups, every three minutes. We cycled on the bike paths and had to watch out for the posts, in fact one of the cyclists hit a post head on, tumbled over her handlebars, cracked her helmet and suffered a mild concussion. She will not be riding for a few days.
It was good to get off the bike path and pick up our speed. Today we climb just over 2000 ft. The first climb had me in my granny gear in the lowest possible gear. I fear what tomorrow will bring with the major climb of just over 4,061ft. Once these two climbs were out of the way we flew downhill for the rest of the day. Very, very sweet. Temperature on the road hit the high 90’s.
I arrived in camp shortly after 3:30. It was hot setting up, but I did manage to get the tent up on my own accord (another first).
We have a great cooking staff. They are very conscious of what we need in regards to protein and carbs. Another blessing.
The evening ended with a pelaton meeting, and then we gathered in small groups for a short time of devotions. I’m still working on that three hour time change so lights early for me. Tomorrow will bring enough challenges.
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Day Two: Sultan to Leavenworth …..127 km Net uphill 5056ft, downhill 4024ft
4:30am and I’m awake, so I take down my tent and proceed to pack and lunch for the day. It is already warm outside. Today I’m biking with Pete VanNoord and Andy DeVries, both from St. Thomas. Paul and Teresa left the camp just before 7am and we left shortly afterwards. I’m very nervous about the large climb, in fact I was almost reduced to tears before leaving camp… could I do it?
When we caught Paul & Teresa we biked with them till the first SAG wagon stop. We are going slow trying to save our energy for the 4,061ft climb that looms ahead. I wish I could have taken you all on my back (or rather that you where pushing me up). The scenery is breathtaking. Mountains all around us, the sound of rushing water, the feel of the water’s spray as you bike past. Words and pictures do not do it justice.
It was good to get off the bike path and pick up our speed. Today we climb just over 2000 ft. The first climb had me in my granny gear in the lowest possible gear. I fear what tomorrow will bring with the major climb of just over 4,061ft. Once these two climbs were out of the way we flew downhill for the rest of the day. Very, very sweet. Temperature on the road hit the high 90’s.
I arrived in camp shortly after 3:30. It was hot setting up, but I did manage to get the tent up on my own accord (another first).
We have a great cooking staff. They are very conscious of what we need in regards to protein and carbs. Another blessing.
The evening ended with a pelaton meeting, and then we gathered in small groups for a short time of devotions. I’m still working on that three hour time change so lights early for me. Tomorrow will bring enough challenges.
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Day Two: Sultan to Leavenworth …..127 km Net uphill 5056ft, downhill 4024ft
4:30am and I’m awake, so I take down my tent and proceed to pack and lunch for the day. It is already warm outside. Today I’m biking with Pete VanNoord and Andy DeVries, both from St. Thomas. Paul and Teresa left the camp just before 7am and we left shortly afterwards. I’m very nervous about the large climb, in fact I was almost reduced to tears before leaving camp… could I do it?
When we caught Paul & Teresa we biked with them till the first SAG wagon stop. We are going slow trying to save our energy for the 4,061ft climb that looms ahead. I wish I could have taken you all on my back (or rather that you where pushing me up). The scenery is breathtaking. Mountains all around us, the sound of rushing water, the feel of the water’s spray as you bike past. Words and pictures do not do it justice.
Today the challenge was to make it up to Steven’s Pass and I’m happy to report that I made it. We where greeted by another SAG wagon at the top, lots of smiling faces. Now all we have left is another few hours and it’s downhill all the way. We did make a stop in at a rest room that was advertisings FREE coffee. Had they known that there where approximately 140 (give or take a few) cyclist of mainly dutch descent, I think they would have changed that sign! When we pulled into the rest stop it was also cookies and lemonade…Bonus! One more stop to dip our tired feet in the cold water, very refreshing.
The town of Leavenworth is an eye candy treat. It’s quaint and I really wish we could have stopped to sight see, but we heard thunder in the distance so we pressed on.
The town of Leavenworth is an eye candy treat. It’s quaint and I really wish we could have stopped to sight see, but we heard thunder in the distance so we pressed on.
P.S. Tomorrow I'll insert some photos, but it is now 1:35am and I need to get some sleep because tomorrow promises to be another day of climbing. Till later, Cynthia
10 comments:
Cynthia -
First off, congratulations to all the riders for taversing Steven's Pass. Living in Seattle, I cannot even imagine doing that on a bike. Attending the rally Sunday evening, along with the feelings of encouragement and prayers was the thought of "do you have any idea what Tuesday is going to bring?" That is certainly and accomplishment.
On another matter, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has a web cam at the summit of Steven's Pass for cabon based travlers to check ski/pass conditions during the winter months. The camera refreshes every five seconds. In addition, the pictures from 8:00 AM, noon, and 4:00 PM are retained on the site for three days.
The picture from noon on 1-July-08 shows the Sea-to-Sea caravan rigs in the parking lot next to the highway.
Our prayers and encouragement ride with you all.
See, those mountains aren't so bad. Just think of it this way: the bigger the hill, the more beautiful the scenery! It almost covers up the pain...almost, haha!
It sounds like you had a few fun-packed days. don't worry, things will slow down a bit (just like your devotion the other day). Keep smiling!
Hi Cynthia,
What an amazing feat you accomplished yesterday. Your e-mail was great to read. I plan to follow it through the tour. Keep strong, safe and enjoy each day.
-Corrie- sister of George van der Kuur who is also in the tour and cycling somewhere with you.
Cynthia: Way to go!!!! Thank goodness for that granny gear. I am proud of you-and just think, now that you've done these passes, you will do great for the rest of the ride! Now you can be the one pushing me up the mountain in New York! Can't wait to join you!
Melissa.
Congratulations I knew you would make it to the top. Had coffee with Wilma at Alice's this afternoon. She is doing really well. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep Wheel'n girl.
Hi Cynthia,
Keith and I just read you blog. It looks like everything is going well so far. Glad to hear that it was not you that hit the pole in Seattle.
We are thinking of you everyday, and wish you Godspeed.
Later. Keith and Wyn
Hi Cynthia,
Its amazing what a person can do if you put your mind to it.
Driving through these mountains is one thing, biking is quite an other.
There is an e-mail on the way for you.
Cheers
Ralph W
Hi Cynthia
You did it! That Steven's Pass sounds scary (and you were up early that day - you must have been bushed by the end of the day).
Can't wait to see the pictures. You're doing great by the sounds of it. We are thinking about you. Nellie and I had coffee with Alice this afternoon. We missed you. Right now it's raining like crazy outside. I'm keeping you in my prayers. Wilma
Cynthia
Job well done. Two days already, and you have climbed mountains. A little different than the "flat lands of Ontario" EH.
Our thoughts and prayers go with you.
Hi, Cynthia - you are doing an amazing job at your blog! Thanks! In one way this trip is grueling but in another way, so rewarding as you meet so many neat people. On our trip to BC in June we drove through parts of Washington State and Oregon so we have a little bit of an inkling what the scenery is like.
We are well and hope the same for Ralph and your family - what an amazing story you will have for your grandchild! Love - Kees/Liz
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