Monday, May 13, 1996
Day 2
Skykomish, Washington to Leavenworth, Washington
Today's Miles: 54
Cumulative Miles for the Tour: 105
Degree of Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Terrain: Long Climbing Grade with Gradual Descent
When we woke up this morning, the clouds had lifted a bit and by the time we got started at 9:15am, the rain had slowed to a light drizzle. The morning started off well with a three bike pile-up within the first 30 seconds. Lee's rear wheel was tweaked. Dave threw Lee's bike in the back of the truck and took it to a bike shop 50 miles up the road in Leavenworth. Lee borrowed Dave's big road hog of a bike and started about 25 minutes behind everyone.
Lee, Ken and Adam
Our first view of the train tracks
that would pace us to the Mississippi River
The beginning of the day started with a 3 hour, 4000 foot elevation gain, 16 mile climb over Stevens Pass. This is the type of steady climb that makes it impossible to hurry. We all agreed afterward that it was a difficult climb, but the 35 mile downhill ride into Leavenworth more than compensated for it.
Highway 2 follows the river from Stevens Pass all the way down through Leavenworth. Sometimes I would find myself racing the rapids as they ran right next to the road. Even during a 30mph downhill, I had to pull over because the power of the current and the sound of the water was overwhelming to the senses.
Looking back after the climb over
Steven's Pass
15 miles before Leavenworth, we stopped in to a new place called "59er Diner". "Pleasantly surprised" would be an understatement. I've never been to a place where you can get a decent meal for $3.00! If you are passing through, please stop in and say hi to Becka, Nicole and Doug. You won't regret it.
At this minute, I'm sitting at a campground in Leavenworth, smelling the tacos cooking over the campfire stove. The rain letup about 10 miles after Steven's Pass, so it looks like a very comfortable night. Talk to you tomorrow.
Dave, Paul and Adam
"Big Foot" found wandering in Western Washington
Mark Miller
May 13, 1996
Bike America Tours
dblair@wtp.net
1-800-738-7271