Sierra Cascades – 8/16/2013 – Kent to Eatonville, Wa.

 

Due to light rain we did not get in a test ride yesterday.  I just didn’t want to get the bike dirty before the tour started. So maybe I’ll have to make adjustments on the ride today.

 Alison originally did not want tandems on the ride; she was afraid of a breakdown and her inability to help anyone in need.  But Chuck assured her that the tandem riders could take care of themselves.   So it was somewhat embarrassing that one of the tandems broke down even before we got out of the parking lot.

The captain couldn’t solve the problem and a bike shop could not solve the problem; it took a machine shop. But the tandem team was back on the road by noon.

 

Today's ride (click for details) was really three rides

The first 23 miles were a delight.  Sunny, temperature in the mid 70’s, a light breeze, no hills and most of the route was on bike paths (e.g. no traffic).  We started in industrial areas but were soon in farm-land. Everyone was enjoying the ride and rode leisurely.  After all, only 44 miles today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch in Orting we had a tough climb, no bike path, no shoulders on the road, lots of traffic and it was hot in the sun.  After the mile climb, we had more big hills.  But this “second ride” only lasted about 5 miles.

The third part was again pleasant but quite different.  Rolling hills, slightly down and heavily forested, we frequently had a canopy of trees over our head.  There was another mile climb  into Eatonville but it was pretty easy.

 

Starting at about mile 20 we had different views of Mt Rainier. Mount Rainier is the most topographically prominent mountain in the contiguous United States and the Cascade Volcanic Arc, with a summit elevation of 14,411 feet.  It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and is on the Decade Volcano list.  This is a list of 16 volcanoes worthy of particular study in light of their history of large, destructive eruptions and proximity to populated areas.  We see it bigger than life from our motel.  Should we be worried?  Well, maybe - yes – we should be worried - about the next three days rides.

WHERE ARE WE?

Eatonville  For centuries, Nisqually people roamed the rivers and streams of the Eatonville area. Leschi, one of the main leaders of Nisqually was born in this area in 1808.  Indian Henry, another Nisqually, was one of those who, in 1889, guided the town's founder, Thomas C. Van Eaton, from Mashell Prairie to the present site of Eatonville. It is said that upon arrival, Henry declared, "This good place. Not much snow."  Ok: Not much snow, but not much of anything else either.  A single stop sign and 4 cafes.  I saw a sign to an airport but don’t believe it.  As of the 2010 census, there were 2,758 people, 992 households, and 714 families residing in the town.  Number of dogs is unknown.

WHO’S RIDING?

I had not intended an introduction of the riders until later in the ride.  But today I have to talk about “Beany”; it’s her 74th birthday.  Beany’s personality is a colorful as her bike and helmet. When I first saw her yesterday, I went and hugged her. She reached around and grabbed my ass.  Women aren’t supposed to do this one day before they turn 74!  But Beany marches to a different drummer; she’s always cheerful and the life of any party.  And she sure can ride her bike.

 

Beany not only has a birthday cake, she also has her favorite drink, Gin and Tonic.  This is my 57th BAC tour and I’ve never before found hard liquor.  But hold on; I’ve seen bottles of pre-mixed Margaritas in the van.

I asked Beany to give me a 50-word summary of her 74-year life.  Here’s her response: “I was a born  nomadic and by age 15 was wandering the world.  ‘Enrolled in the Peace Corps in JFK’s time (1964-66) and spent 2 years in Africa.  I then married a Chicago boy in East Africa.  I’ve cycled in Asia, Africa, Europe and the US  (even Texas).  I’ve twice cycled over the Himalaya's.  My husband and I run an import business, handling primarily Ethnic art from Africa and Asia.” 

So Beany is 2 years older than me.  I’ve got a lot of catching up to do!  But first, I’ve got to climb Bear Prairie Pass tomorrow, a 31 mile climb.

Miles = 44, Elevation gain = 1,334.                                                        Total miles = 44, Tot Elevation gain = 1,334