otg 

I took the Trek 660 out for about a 35 miler this morning. Here in CT, we seem to be in the middle of a Gypsy Moth problem. I don't notice at home, we have mostly pine trees around my house, but I got out into the back roads and oak trees and found myself riding on a carpet of gook. Not really a problem, but the stuff was caked on the bike pretty good. It washed off easily enough.

zukahn1 

I road about 20 miles cross biking in the Mountain Fairplay to Alma and back one of the highest maintained bike paths there is.

Bad Lag

There was plenty of food available but the British masters would not provide for those in desperate, deathly need. Almost all famine is caused by man. Almost always used as a tool against an enemy. It's happening in Africa right now.

<rant mode off>


I have been scouting out some new roads to ride. There are many designated bike paths but they are along side major thoroughfares (40-50 mph). The nearby side roads are largely empty except for the few going into or out of their houses.

A side benefit of the side roads (pun?) is you can break up the climbing - a mile north, a mile east, a mile south, a mile east, a mile north,... etc. It is more pleasurable to me, albeit longer, than 4 miles east with a non-stop 1,000 foot elevation gain (from 5,200 ft to 6,200 feet in a 42X24 low gear).

Bikerider007

Took the old Superior on wood wheels out set up as fixed this morning. Hit Westgate stadium area. Just under 24 miles round trip over a couple hours








The field rolled out



Yea I knocked it down, just kidding...



Coyotes arena

northbend 

A friend of mine hosted a fully supported ride this past weekend he calls DarWin. This was the 11th edition this year and I was one of a fortunate few to participate.


Normally this ride begins on Saturday in Western Washington just outside the town of Darrington and we ride 114 miles over the North Cascades Highway to Winthrop in Eastern Washington. We stay overnight in a rented Farmhouse and return partway on Sunday by riding up to the top of Washington Pass where the support van takes us back to Darrington.


This year however, mother nature forced us to change our plans because of rain and cold temperatures. On Saturday, we drove directly to Winthrop and unloaded our gear at the farmhouse. The weather in Winthrop was great: Mostly sunny and slightly cool, our ride leader led us on a 50 mile ride that took up to the top of Loup Loup Pass.
The climb up to Lopp Loop pass by NBend, on Flickr


This was intended to be an out and back route but several of us decided on an alternate route back to Winthrop. We split off in the town of Twisp and headed out the Twisp River Road.
Twisp River Road by NBend, on Flickr


Some miles later we turned onto a gravel road that promised to take us to Sun Mountain Road just outside of Winthrop.
We head up Elbow Cyn by NBend, on Flickr
The road was in great shape and we enjoyed the quiet and varied scenery.
Hillsides burned last year by NBend, on Flickr
Passing by a small lake by NBend, on Flickr


We stopped for a post ride beer at the Schoolhouse before going to the Farmhouse where everyone else was.
Post ride beers at the schoolhouse by NBend, on Flickr


After a big spaghetti dinner and some wine, we’re all ready for bed - more riding in the morning so off to sleep we go..

northbend 

On Sunday, we wake up to clear skies and warm temperatures. A large country breakfast of french toast, fruit compote and sausage are washed down with coffee. Dishes are washed, we pack our bags and toss them in the support van. Riders set out in twos or threes at their own pace on the way up to Washington Pass.
Photo courtesy Robert C. by NBend, on Flickr


Our support team was great! 3 vehicles in support. Stopping along the route, there was an ample supply of home made rice cakes, bagel sandwiches, cookies, fruit and water
Our support by NBend, on Flickr


The team would stop and take photos as we’d ride by. Here’s a few they took of me
Photo Courtesy of Jeff S. by NBend, on Flickr
Photo Courtesy of Eric B. the final pitch up Washington Pass by NBend, on Flickr


As you approach Washington Pass, liberty bell looms ahead of you. There is plenty of energy left to spare because we are so well supported.
Cindy by NBend, on Flickr


The final pitch of the day. The road cuts across the foot of Liberty Bell
Liberty Bell by NBend, on Flickr


The final pitch before the summit by NBend, on Flickr


Big switchback by NBend, on Flickr


And we reach the summit.
I put the bike into the trailer and the van takes us back home. What a nice weekend.
2016 DarWin riders by NBend, on Flickr

Vonruden

Amazing weekend @northbend

jimmuller 

Yeah. What he said, nb.

northbend 

Glad you liked it VR and JM. Since we didn't do the traditional Eastward ride on Saturday, we missed the fabulous presentation of the Methow Valley you get when dropping down of the Eastern side of Washington Pass. When I climbed up on Sunday, I put on my GoPro and turned back and did a partial descent of the final pitch on the Eastern side. Here is a short video clip of that descent (click on the picture to access the video):
WashintonPass by NBend, on Flickr

gomango

Agreed.

Fantastic pics.

curbtender

Hey Northbend, Great scenery up there. Casey and Laura, at the Old School House, are old friends. Ruud Awakening
Ruud Awakening IPA - Old Schoolhouse Brewery

obrentharris 

Color me envious!
Thanks NB.
Brent

jefnvk

After a wonderful memorial to the legendary hockey player Gordie Howe, I took his jersey for a ride through Detroit, including Belle Isle and finally got to ride the Dequindre Cut

Quebber

Enjoyed the Sports at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge outside of Philly.


Downtown Philly visible very remotely in second shot....

Ed.

[QUOTE=zukahn1;18840099]I road about 20 miles cross biking in the Mountain Fairplay to Alma and back one of the highest maintained bike paths there is.


Hey, they beat out Leadville (10,152'), tho Leadville is able to maintain its claim as the highest incorporated city:


https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...fe&oe=57D47536

I was there, many years ago, but not by bike.

Ed.

Did you know Mr Hockey? One of my childhood heroes, tho I did have the excitement of playing hockey against Fernie Flamen of the Boston Bruins. About 20 kids ~ ages 6 to 8 on one side, and he on the other. He won.

Ed.

I rode on Spring Lane today. First time on a bike since 31 March. I might have done a few hundred yards, but Sophia was very understanding of my limitations.

jimmuller 

@Ed., great news!

jefnvk

Sadly, I did not, this was a public visitation they had yesterday. He was one of the few celebrities I had always wanted to meet, but it never ended up happening until it was too late. They had a wonderful memorial for him, lying in state at center ice of the Joe with his family there greeting the public and his memorabilia on display. I ended up speaking to his son Mark briefly, and thanking the family for the awareness they have raised towards the possibilities of stem cells.

Having lived in the area for most of his life, there were plenty of local people who had the opportunity to meet and get to know him, and I cannot remember another celebrity who has passed that so many people had so many fond PERSONAL memories of the man. It is tossed around a lot, but he was truly a wonderful human, possibly even more than he was a great hockey player.

HamboneSlim

Lehigh Gorge Rail-Trail from White Haven to Jim Thorpe, Penna.


Plenty of nice views and little waterfalls.


Should've brought a fly rod.


Lehigh River.


Reading & Northern GP39 on "The Road of Anthracite."


Architecture from the Mauch Chunk days.


Used to be people who knew how to build this.

Timothy

Ed.

I weep when I look at what is getting built around here these days... I'm reminded of "little boxes made of ticky tacky", but they're all 'up-scale' McMansions (assuming we're talking housing). Commercial is worse...

Kobe 

I have been meaning to do this ride for some time with my kids by taking the bike train up. Seems like a good way to motivate them.

It looks like you are doing all you can to get the Tourist to fit you. Perfect bike for that ride.

fender1

Meh...this was equivalent 100+years ago. Every generation loves nostalgia.

Ed.

I pity a generation that looks back on this with nostalgia.

fender1

Why? It is already happening with "mid-century modern"...I lost count of how many dumpsters I filled with "mid-century modern" appliances and fixtures while working for a general contractor re-doing kitchens/houses in the late 80's and early 90's. Now, there are whole industries around restoring and refurbishing what used to be considered trash. The time period is marketed as a high point of American quality with things being "built to last" and Made in the USA" and "repairable, not disposable" (sound familiar? cough.. C&V... cough) Its an endless cycle. Average becomes valuable as time goes by.