Wednesday, September 2, 2009

DAY 3 - Twisp to Chelan

Methow to Chelan
Smoldering road like sweet tea
Hot heads in water -Birkin's post

Bakery breakfast courtesy of Central Music Student Claire---very appropriate. Perfectly pastoral ride through Methow Valley, with some unexpected hills, due to my lack of memory. Alta Lake State Park entry road was a killer. Clean, clear, cold water with no toilet paper on this day.
Marji's post.

The day started off with a 20 minute walk to the Twisp Bakery and a 20 minute walk back to the hotel. It was going to be another hot day. After the two mile trek uphill to Alta Lake for lunch, we all took a long dip in the lake. After heading up Apple Acre Road into Chelan, the thermometer on Chris' bike read 108 degrees; they told us 93 degrees at the motel in Chelan. So far three days with over 90 degree temperatures! CWU gathering in the park and pizza at Local Myth. Everybody's favorite was BobO Likes it Hot ~ Debbie's post.

The news for today was that I did not bonk. I made it up Apple Acre Road - the views were fantastic. Earlier in the day saw me having yet another tire issue. Some people say I am full of hot air but my tire would just not hold any. The views at Alta Lake were stunning and the well water we all filled our bottles with stayed cold until we reached Chelan. What a ride. The Midtowner Motel in Chelan was very comfortable - think I'd better take the family there for a vacation. Dinner at the local pizza joint was a lot of fun - I haven't had pizza this good since my trip to Italy in 1982. Guess I don't travel much. Tomorrow is another great day - I only hope my "saddle" doesn't get too sore.
Sarah's post

So we started out our pre-ride talk with this statement from Marji: "there are no climbs today". Nice, just what we needed after doing Loup Loup. A beautiful ride through the Methow Valley following the river. Then the turn off to Alta Lake, our lunch stop. Straight up...no kidding. 98 degrees...no kidding! When I got to the top I called back to Monica to tell her to give the others a warning about the hill. Probably didn't do any good, we all had to ride it. Then we recovered over a great lunch spot right on the lake where most of us jumped in with bike clothes on. Then we left for the next ride, but were told about "a climb" in the next stage. Sure enough a humongous climb up a road called Apple Acre Rd. My bike thermometer was hitting over 100 degrees and I'm thinking "this is fun...this is fun". Then finally I rode through an orchard area and the temp dropped at least 10 degrees, then down the hill into Chelan. Cooled off under a nice shower, then to the CWU presentation then great pizza! Overall a fun day.
Chris' post

What I've been learning from my peers, in alphabetical order:
from Birkin:
--River therapy. Immerse tight muscles in the cold stream/river/lake, let the water flow around you, either sit still or grab onto rocks with your elbows and let the current float all the tension out of you. Stay like that until your toes go numb. A spiritual experience.
from Chris:
--Mine is not the best method for changing bicycle tire tubes.
--Four-inch bungee cords come in quite handy.
--A truck bike rack makes a perfect bike-repair stand.
from Debbie:
--It is recommended to continue one's yoga practice during one's five-day bike ride.
--Like the rest of us, Debbie wasn't sure she could do this ride. However, in her case, I don't see why. She's done half-marathons, marathons, 50-mile ultra races, and 100-mile ultras. Really -- 100 miles. The true athlete among us.
from Marji:
--All bicycle shorts are not created equal.
--So many people and groups are supporting us through this ride. We are not alone out here.
--One cannot measure hills by Marji alone (especially when she's checking out the route beforehand from the safety of her car).
from Monica:
--One does not need to bring one's own ibuprofen. It is fun to rely on friends.
--A big orange "Bikes on Road" sign does not always stand on its own the first time one attempts to place it along a winding, mountain-pass route.
from Sarah:
--This woman is bravery incarnate. She's been through three surgeries in two years. She bikes up hills with marked steadiness and determination. And she flies down them ... no brakes.
--When filling a Camelbak or water bottle, start with ice.
Other, generalized knowledge acquired:
--All bicycle tires are not created equal. Had to change my bike tire (thanks, Chris) midway through this ride, and what a difference! No more vibration over 20 mph. Turns out my tires had been recalled.
--One finds poetry in unexpected places ... an evening's dinner gathering ... a bicycle blogging post ...
Teresa's post

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