2002 CCC

The Cascade/Coulee Cycle Tour

WHEN: June 21-June 28

WHERE: Through North Cascades and Grand Coulee region

WHO: The Frogs and Buffalos, and assorted hangers-on

ITINERARY:

Friday, June 21: Prologue; Bike from our house up to Southworth ferry, across to Vashon, down the Island, across the Talequah ferry thru North Tacoma to the Narrows Bridge, and home again. About 50 miles. Attractions (besides the ferry rides, island and bridge): Lunch at a cute Mexican place on the Vashon side of the Southworth Ferry; Early Dinner at Anthony's Home Port (or not) on the Tacoma side of the Vashon ferry.

Sat, June 22: Day off, to allow the Buffalo to do the Annual Ft Lewis Sprint Triathlon, and the Frogs to meet and greet local friends.

Sun, June 23: Leave EARLY, zoom north on I-5 to Arlington, head east to Darrington. Start ride there, lunch 20 miles away in Newhalem (Picnic). Hardy should will bike up the North Cascades hiway from the dams, wuuses will drive to Rainy Pass, do a little hill climbing to the Cascade Crest, then fly down the hill to Winthrop. Reservations for two campsite (max 4 adults each) at Perrygin Lake St Park outside of town. Biking (without the uphill) 48 miles plus the downhill (?25 miles)

Mon, June 24: Options: Bike up the Chewack river valley, OR down the Methow Valley, OR over to Sun River resort. Evening in Winthrop enjoying the ersatz character of this Wild West Town, night again at the Park. Biking probably less than 50 miles

Tue, June 25: Hardy souls will bike over Loup Loup Summit into the Okanogan; others may bike to Twisp, Drive up the Pass, and then fly down to the town of Okanogan, where we will reserve motel rooms. Total mileage Winthrop to OK: 45 miles. If the trip allows it, a loop along the Okanogan River totals about 40 miles for a sweet afternoon ride.

Wed, June 26: Drive towards Grand Coulee; arrange for camp set up (already reserved two sites) at Steamboat Rock State Park and coordinate a Bike Around the Coulee of about 75 miles. The distance could be shortened to 40 miles if one person drove to the campsite, then looped back around trying to catch everyone else. Or not.

Thur, June 27: Bike or drive up to the town of Grand Coulee, tour the dam, return to campsite for afternoon of sun and swimming.

Fri, June 28: Drive home - about 4-5 hours from Steamboat Rock.