Day Thirteen - Sweetest Downhill Ever

Day Thirteen – Sweetest Downhill Ever

Daily Brief

Zoom zoom. Welcome to downhill paradise.

Flying Down from Snoqualmie Pass

We awoke in Ensign Ranch, ate breakfast, and suited up. We weren’t sure what the conditions of the summit were going to be as we ascended another 1,000 vertical feet so we dressed for a little chill but also with the hope that if we needed more cloths that the support van would be close. Shaun declared this day the EB Trek’s Alp D’huez, although if it was, it was an Alp D’huez in reverse (then what they do in the tour).

We started up the slope on I-90 and came across some beautiful views. Thick pine tree forests and snow capped mountains with intermittent lakes that were as smooth as glass. We’re definitely not in Idaho anymore. As we biked on I-90 we would feel the sun warmed wind coming down from above, but when ever the wind came through the tree’s it was like getting hit with an artic blast. The air coming through the tree’s was like one last spiteful chilly breath as winter finally lost his hold on the mountains for this year.

As we went upwards we came across ski resorts and snow still on the slopes. I really really wanted to stop and play in the snow, but the snow on either side of the highway was dirty as mud, so that was a no go. Still, I bet that bicycle shoes would make some pretty sweet makeshift sleds.

We summated Snoqualmie pass and all felt fine and ready to take on more. Shaun made the observation that our worst climbing day was still day three, and we had to agree. We have yet to face a climbing day like that one.

Coming over the pass, we started off with reckless abandon. We strayed apart as we each went flying down the descents. Chris and Shaun both clocked in at about 40 MPH. My favorite part was when a Semi slowed down enough for me to draft behind it, and for 20 seconds I grew wings. Chandler lead the group down, but we all got separated, and since Shaun got a flat it took a little while to regroup, which we finally did at exit 47, just past some of the steepest downhill runs.

After we regrouped we continued to cruise downward until we took another break by a mountain stream. We all took a dip, Chandler took a bath. Moving along towards Belmont, we did have some climbs but it was mostly a downhill journey as we came down, 3,000 feet from the summit. We continued to enjoy the scenery, despite the incessant traffic that kept speeding by.

We ended our trek for the day in our planned location at Belmont, and swung up to check out the LDS temple where we were picked up by Kregg’s sister Kelly. She drove us from Belmont to her parents’ home where we are staying the night and Sunday night. (Up in Everett, WA)

Daily Stats

Distance: 67.06
Time: 4:26
Avg. Speed: 15.1
Max Speed: 37.6

Total Distance: 956.23

P & C Pushups: 180