Day 2
Easton to Vantage, Washington
71 miles
Fellow recumbent rider David Ramsey prepares for the day's ride.
Today's ride was much easier than yesterday's. We headed out of our state park campsite and turned east, running slightly downhill with another friendly tail wind. That meant that David Ramsey, on his recumbent tricycle, and I could race along at 18 to 20 miles per hour for long, wonderful stretches. There was one long climb toward the end, but that effort was rewarded with a great, last view of Mt. Rainier far to the west. We made the trip in 7.5 hours, with a rolling average of 12.8 mph.
We're settling in to the routine for the trip. Our luggage is carried on a truck, so we can travel light on our bikes. Before we leave, we pick up sandwiches and other goodies for lunch on the way. During the day, Adventure Cycling staff members patrol the route in a van. They make sure no one is having difficulties and that we all have enough water, a dire necessity as we drink continuously as we pedal. At the end of a day's ride, we pick up our luggage and set up our own tents. Dinner and breakfast are catered, and they've been excellent. This morning we dined on delicious pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit, coffee, breads, all prepared perfectly. This afternoon in Vantage, most riders got in by mid-afternoon, showered, hit the nearby grocery store for ice and beer, and now they're reliving the day's adventures.
Bill--
If you weren't working so hard to earn them, I'd be jealous of the flapjacks. I //am// jealous of the trip. Keep flying.
Kim
Posted by: Kim | June 25, 2006 at 11:51 PM