HEATWAVE FINALLY BREAKS

View of valley from our climb up Liberty Mt.

DATE:  Wed, Sept. 14, 2011
HOME:  Ellensberg, WA   Best Western Plus
DISTANCE: 53 miles
ALTITUDE:  3600
WEATHER:  Perfect.  Mostly shade morning; 87 high
NARRATIVE:
Finally, the temperatures are trending downward.  It was cool this morning, we had to wear our windbreakers.  And, we were in the shade most of the morning as we climbed 3000 ft. to Blewett Pass.
Unfortunately, the first part of the ride was on 97 – a road made for high speed; at least it had a very wide shoulder (where trucks are supposed to go to let cars by) so we were never in danger, but my idea of fun is not to see a beautiful canyon with lots of cars speeding by.  Towards the top – a 3,000ft. 20 mile ascent – we were able to get off the road and onto the “old road.”  Beautiful ride to the summit with NO traffic.

We didn’t hit 97 again till partway down the mountain, then it was a short stint with traffic, and a 600 ft. climb to the top of liberty – in the afternoon sun but it was pleasant and we had views of the valley and farms below.

A GREAT DAY OF RIDING!

Cultural Note:  Ellensberg.  A small town trying to renovate it’s “historic” downtown.  But, with I90 passing right through town the usual “freeway” development is cropping up.  Our hotel was one of those + a steakhouse (Roadhouse Grill) right next door.  Both were fine:  a Jacuzzi in our room and surprisingly OK food at the Roadhouse.  It took 18 minutes for Bob’s dessert so we got it for free – quick turnaround is important, I guess.

The real Bummer of the day was having to cancel our Mr. Rainier lodge reservations.  The spur road to Rainier from our route is closed all winter long for major construction.  The other road is 21/2 hours by car!  So, we spent the evening re-routing ourselves for the next few nights.