North Cascades

On Friday July 6, Richard Wohns MD, MBA ( a business school classmate of mine) held his almost annual "Boys Night Out" in Mazama. Many of the attendees cycled over the North Cascades highway. I started in Marblemount, which has the last services for 75 miles. The first 15 miles wind along the Skagit river, which was particularly beautiful this year, a stunning emerald green with lots of whitewater. At the company town of Newhalem, the climb stiffens, and basically grinds uphill for 35 miles. I took plenty of water and made decent time, but about 10 miles short of the first summit, I got low on fluids. I looked longingly at each cool, refreshing stream that I passed, and I was tempted to refill my bottles, but I really didn't want to contract giardiasis just before a trip across the country! Fortunately I ran into a older fellow who had parked his RV to walk his dog, and he was able to fill my bottles. I got to the top of Rainy Pass, then descended a bit, then went up another 1000 vertical feet to Washington Pass (5400'). From there it was all downhill to Mazama, where a great steak dinner and Pinot Noir wine tasting awaited. Total of 75 miles and 6500 vertical feet.

My bike computer now says that I have done over 52,000 vertical feet in the last month, so I think I'm ready. I'll do a few short rides this week to get my legs loose, but basically rest up. Less than a week to go now until I leave......