Note: You have to keep the downhill in mind.
We got going slowly at Nisa and Don’s place, soaking up the home and the view. It was a bit tough getting momentum.
The Methow Valley is a spectacular place to cycle. At this time of year, it was lush with tall, green grass. The temperature was pleasant and, heading east, it was basically downhill to Winthrop. This gave us time to admire the surroundings.
Upon entering the town, we ducked into the Winthrop Sunday Market. At a small vendor’s stand, both Anders and I ordered chicken teriyaki. We ate on the grass, listening to local musicians sing and play guitar (Rolling Stones, John Prine, Paul Simon).
Moving through the Methow to Twisp was a little stressful in that there was new, unlined pavement for several miles into town.
There were two drivers, pulling massive trailers, who didn’t appear to know how to handle them (they didn’t give the space that they could have). I realize that this may not be popular, but I do believe that if you want to drive a large RV, or pull a mammoth trailer, you should undergo a special driving test. Long-haul truckers as well as motorcyclist are required to. Why not? It may improve safety for cyclists and others using our public roadways. Those selling these vehicles would not be happy...
Upon entering town, the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery sucked us in. They were out of twisps, so we both had fruit smoothies. We groceried up at Chevron, inhaled warm gasoline fumes, then headed down highway 20 bound for Loup Loup Pass.
It was a rather long climb to the top. We know what to expect. I like how my brain goes into a sort of meditative state on these climbs. Instrumental music helps, so does low gearing.
Shooting down the east side of the mountain, we cruised for over eighteen miles into Okanogan, reaching it by just after eight o’clock. Being tired from the day, we decided to give Quality Inn, on the other side of the Okanogan River, a jingle. They had a fairly inexpensive room, so we took it.
Big News: I checked my text messages and found out that Beth and I got the Langley apartment that we wanted!
Our bicycles were stored in a storage room at Quality Inn. Mine seemed to turn to me and give a mournful look as I left it for the night. I hesitated for just a moment before turning away.
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