Day Two – Stevens Pass to Quincy, WA
5/6/07
“Yee Haw!” With snow-covered Cowboy Mountain as a backdrop, the THF Coast to Coast riders departed Stevens Pass, dressed warmly for the 34 degree morning. We were also two riders stronger: Tom Maher and Chris Rudolf of Stevens Pass Ski Area proved they could do more than cook tortellini as they donned their lycra and joined the group for the 35 mile plunge off the pass to Leavenworth, Washington.
After a difficult climb the day before, the descent was a welcome thrill ride, and the group enjoyed the amazing scenery as they followed the Wenatchee River through steep canyons and impressive sections of white water frothy with spring runoff. Chris and Tom provided interpretive services, enlightening the out-of-towners on the geology, flora and fauna of the region. Tom added his wisdom about the river’s many whitewater challenges – experience gained by his years as a professional river guide all over the northwest.
The team emerged from the canyon into the “Bavarian” village of Leavenworth, WA, where the lovely Icicle Inn donated a hearty breakfast and needed caffeine. We were led out of town by Joel Martinez, a member of the senior management team at Stevens Pass – riding his mountain bike and decked out in flip flops and jeans.
Next was a gradual descent through fruit orchards toward Wenatchee, Wa. The team noted the dramatic change in scenery as the day wore on and the landscape became arid, the temperature began to climb and the vegetation became dominated by sagebrush instead of trees. Through Wenatchee we diverged from the busy highway to a wonderful urban bike path, and we said goodbye to the last our temporary teammates for the day.
Out in the flats of the eastern Washington high plateau, the group moved quickly as a stiff tailwind developed. The riders breezed into the agricultural town of Quincy, Washington with the snowcapped Cascades, our starting point only 8 hours before, still visible in the distance. The warm showers at the Traditional Inn near the entrance to town were welcome. After some bike maintenance and a big mexican dinner we crawled into our beds and crashed. Tomorrow will be a shorter-mileage day, but the forecast is calling for sun and temperatures into the 70s so we’ll have to stock up on water.
5/6/07
“Yee Haw!” With snow-covered Cowboy Mountain as a backdrop, the THF Coast to Coast riders departed Stevens Pass, dressed warmly for the 34 degree morning. We were also two riders stronger: Tom Maher and Chris Rudolf of Stevens Pass Ski Area proved they could do more than cook tortellini as they donned their lycra and joined the group for the 35 mile plunge off the pass to Leavenworth, Washington.
After a difficult climb the day before, the descent was a welcome thrill ride, and the group enjoyed the amazing scenery as they followed the Wenatchee River through steep canyons and impressive sections of white water frothy with spring runoff. Chris and Tom provided interpretive services, enlightening the out-of-towners on the geology, flora and fauna of the region. Tom added his wisdom about the river’s many whitewater challenges – experience gained by his years as a professional river guide all over the northwest.
The team emerged from the canyon into the “Bavarian” village of Leavenworth, WA, where the lovely Icicle Inn donated a hearty breakfast and needed caffeine. We were led out of town by Joel Martinez, a member of the senior management team at Stevens Pass – riding his mountain bike and decked out in flip flops and jeans.
Next was a gradual descent through fruit orchards toward Wenatchee, Wa. The team noted the dramatic change in scenery as the day wore on and the landscape became arid, the temperature began to climb and the vegetation became dominated by sagebrush instead of trees. Through Wenatchee we diverged from the busy highway to a wonderful urban bike path, and we said goodbye to the last our temporary teammates for the day.
Out in the flats of the eastern Washington high plateau, the group moved quickly as a stiff tailwind developed. The riders breezed into the agricultural town of Quincy, Washington with the snowcapped Cascades, our starting point only 8 hours before, still visible in the distance. The warm showers at the Traditional Inn near the entrance to town were welcome. After some bike maintenance and a big mexican dinner we crawled into our beds and crashed. Tomorrow will be a shorter-mileage day, but the forecast is calling for sun and temperatures into the 70s so we’ll have to stock up on water.
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