On September 6, just a few days before the 2020 smokestorm hit Washington, Corbin Hudacek and Jamie Van Beek teamed up for a 7-day south-to-north off-road cycling adventure based on the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route. The duo covered 640 miles and over 72,000′ of climbing in 7 days all off-road and gravel except for a few paved … [Read more...] about Hudacek & Van Beek: Hood River to Canadian Border
GPS
Destination: Bridle Trails
With so many fantastic hiking opportunities within easy reach of Seattle, it's no surprise that Bellevue's Bridle Trails State Park gets overlooked. I think people are missing out on a tranquil, convenient place to walk and run. Depending on where you live, it may actually be easier to get to Bridle Trails than other more popular parks. For example, I live in Seattle's Central … [Read more...] about Destination: Bridle Trails
Smoke Season Weather Window
I'm surprised to see how many folks have been out running and cycling during the recent smoky weather. It's as if the rest of us need to HTFU. Current AQI: Exercising in unhealthy air isn't like lifting weights: it's not going to make your lungs "stronger." And, just because you don't feel irritation or soreness doesn't mean you aren't doing damage. If you are … [Read more...] about Smoke Season Weather Window
Newcastle Climb
The climb to Newcastle Golf Course is a short .65 mile spur that frequently gets added to rides up and over Cougar Mt. Of course bragging rights come with getting to the vista at the head of the pack, but most group rides in Seattle typically regroup after all climbs and Newcastle is no exception. Folks often take a group photo as evidence of the climbing fun … [Read more...] about Newcastle Climb
Cycling the North Cascades Highway
By this time of year, I've usually cycled the North Cascades Hwy (WA State Hwy 20) out-and-back to Mazama at least twice. Unfortunately asthma has delayed my usual hit list of ambitious summertime rides. It's usually too hot in July to do a long ride with minimal water and shade, but last weekend high temps were only in the mid-80s so it was a go: A friend and I did the … [Read more...] about Cycling the North Cascades Highway
Annette Lake Trail
Sad to say, as far as area hikes go, I tend to replay my "greatest hits" list over and over. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1994 and only just got around to the Annette Lake Trail last weekend. Last Saturday I volunteered to help at the mile 10.4 aid station of the Cascade Super Series' Super Marathon. The Super Marathon is unique in that it is a Boston … [Read more...] about Annette Lake Trail
The Double Grind | Trombley Begins
In this episode of The Double Grind Michael and Craig chat with Seattle-area gravel veteran Robert Trombley about Dirty Kanza, gravel and endurance rides, and gear. Other discussion topics include: condom colored chain wax, comebacks, what we rode, what we gonna ride, and Chef Craig tolerates the Oddly Incompetent Middle-Aged Man and maybe teaches us how to cook some carrots … [Read more...] about The Double Grind | Trombley Begins
Chelan Century Challenge 2018
The Chelan Century Challenge is one of the best event rides in Washington state: --the Chelan Rotary does a great job hosting and supporting the ride --the scenery is (mostly) spectacular --the course is challenging --Fresh cherries --Abundant wineries Check out the posts about it from 2011 and 2014. This combination makes for a great weekend in Chelan. One … [Read more...] about Chelan Century Challenge 2018
Three Views of King County
I've never been a fan of the area's multi-use trails. My disdain is mainly the result of undesirable experiences on the Burke Gilman Trail between the University of Washington and Log Boom Park. But, the recent opening of a section of the Eastside Rail Corridor Trail between I-90 and Gene Coulon Park, along with the East Lake Sammamish Trail, and the new 520 bridge trail have … [Read more...] about Three Views of King County