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
Trip Report
Jessica Kelley: Solitude and Longing in the Yukon
I first got to know Coach Jessica Kelley in 2013 when she was a Cycle University coach. At the time she considered herself a triathlete and was training for the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, an Ironman-scale competition with the ocean swim in a Fjord, and the run including a long mountain climb: Jessica’s idea of fun. Since then, Jessica’s athletic progression has led her away … [Read more...] about Jessica Kelley: Solitude and Longing in the Yukon
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
SR 520 Trail Opening Day
Wednesday 12/20 at 3PM was the long-anticipated official opening of the SR 520 Trail across Lake Washington. The new multi-use path opens up new recreational, commuter, and pedestrian options between Seattle and the east side. There is still some work yet to be completed for the 24th Avenue East Bridge, so anticipate detours through this area for bicycles, pedestrians, and … [Read more...] about SR 520 Trail Opening Day
Destination: Walla Walla
Walla Walla is highly regarded for its sweet onions, wine and food, and for being a top-tier cycling destination. Although I've lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1994, I'm embarrassed to admit I rarely venture east of the Cascade Crest. Given the great cycling in the places I've lived during that time--Bellingham, Eugene, and Seattle--I've been lazy about exploring … [Read more...] about Destination: Walla Walla