NumbBuns

Day 5. Packwood OR to a little past White Pass. 30 miles 3854 feet of climb. Temps in the 30s, snowing heavy at times..and a dominant headwind. It’s a ride for the memory books.

Google says there is a moderate hill today. when this was told to the locals they laughed!

Buck got his speaker charged, put on the bike, connected, & playing some music for today’s ride. They had a 30second stop to shed some clothes. I saw an elk beside the road. This is an area I’d think we could see a bear or lion. I’m sure we will see several areas like this.

I’m at a CLOSED campground 2.5 miles from the end of the 1st climb waiting for them. I’m sure in a few miles the break will include me making some hot chocolate for them.

They arrived at the break point. With no cell signal, Buck didn’t need his music box any more so he got rid of it. After less than a 5 minute break they decided they wanted to ride 3 miles. After a short downhill the rest was ALL up! With a passing lane. It happened that at the 3 mile mark there was a scenic view point. It appears that the semis coming up the hill aren’t having any trouble. I doubt the bikers will be saying that!

“We are 1/2 way from the motel to the top. I’m sure this 2nd 1/2 will be a little squeaky.”

“ It’s not all that hot up here. Heat isn’t a problem up here.”

They wanted the next stop to be goat rocks overlook and thought it might be about 3 miles away. I went 6 miles and didn’t see it so I circled back to a pull off about 3 miles from the last scenic overlook. The temperature is still 39° but I’m seeing the occasional white precipitation.

We have seen a snow plow come down & one go up! I wonder what is ahead of us.

There wasn’t much of a break at the summit. They ride downhill maybe three miles and got in to warm up.

After the summit it was ALL DOWNHILL. They stopped short of the spreadsheet goal due to being cold & wet. They will be able to make it to Yakima tomorrow to get back on schedule.

Al quote: We knew that White Pass would be our tallest single climb. And we conquered it in less than ideal conditions. Buck is a great, motivating friend.
Buck quote: Man, I’m glad to be off the bike and warm.

Al quote #2: when traveling by bicycle, you hear every rock that tumbles down the slide areas. We hear small rocks falling about a dozen times. Yikes!