FCBA Day 60, 61, 62- Grand Coulee to Twisp to Marblemount to Bellingham

 

Tuesday- What a great day! The only drawback is that I can’t claim I pedaled all the way across America, though I did remain on my bike. It’s apple harvest time here in Washington. The apples are picked, put into massive crates, and the crates are hauled on special use tractors to the packing plant. These tractors travel at relatively slow speeds- the speed of a bicycle as a matter of fact. On the downhill they are easy to pass, but when they reach the next uphill they pass me, so…

I was following really close thinking I’d get a draft behind him, but then just decided to grab hold. It was great just being pulled up the hill and the driver was unaware of me. We got to the crest of the hill and I just launched myself forward giving him a wave as I overtook him. Down the road I had another opportunity, and Kurt caught a few shots of me as I passed. Ride map and data

 

This part of Washington is desert where it isn’t irrigated for farming, but changes quickly in the mountains.

Wednesday- Twisp to Marblemount took us into the Cascades Mountains and a 17 mile climb. The scenery is spectacular, with north faces of the mountains still with snow. I was in need of water, so took advantage of the melt running down the cliff onto the road. From the eastern pass there was a remarkable downhill, and then another climb to the west pass followed by miles of downhill all the way to Marblehead. There were warning signs along the road stating there were strong cross winds and there were- so much so that even though going downhill I had to pedal to keep my speed up at times. The steep peaks towering overhead provided the backdrop for Diablo Lake, a man made water reservoir filling the valley with the most incredible aquamarine colored water, so bright blue for the glacial water washing minerals that accumulate and refract a light that tempted some of our riders to stop and wade. Ride map and data1 Part II

Thursday- I write as the congregation’s Ukrainian choir rehearses and the sun sets over the Pacific. The old world tone is somber and reverent, evoking more emotion from an already emotional day.

 In Marblemount we had an “un-talent” show where those so inclined offered comedy, poetry, song, and unusual skills and competitions. I drove a nail into my face, and another freak act that hopefully will never make YouTube. Nate and the Drag Kings (including Alex, Ben, and Steve) offered video fun at my expense, which simultaneously humiliated, humbled, and flattered me. I will have my revenge one day.

Tonight we are guests of the Bellingham Lutheran Church, who provided dinner. Afterward we had prayer and acts of Christian service. It was a tender sharing that brought tears to all. After experiencing so much for the past 9 weeks we are closely bonded for life, and parting will be most difficult.

It was cold leaving Marblemount but warmed up after our first 20 miles. At the 18 mile mark we were the guests of an alumni, Cher, whose church provided a much better breakfast than we had on our own. From there I got separated from the group and took a detour for 9 miles but got back on track. Partial map and data

Around 50 miles into the ride we could smell the sea, and shortly after found it, following the coastal highway into Bellingham. Pacific coast ride

Tomorrow’s ride takes us to Vancouver where we will go to the Pacific and end our trip by dipping our front wheels. We will have one more night in one more church, and then make our separate ways. I wish I had more time to write, for there is so much more to every day than I can post here. My only hope is that what I do record will be inspiration to me as I reflect in the months to come.