Rick's bicycle ride across America

 I had already decided I  was taking 2 days off. I'm  glad I  did because it took 2 days to get my bicycle  done. I've had some wonderful  quality  time with Betty. The cats won't  leave me alone and I  have been reevaluating what I'm  carrying.  I removed  about 25 lbs of stuff taking my weight down  to 85 lbs. Betty is dropping  me off in Newport, wa in the morning so I  can continue  my journey. Betty's  tattoo  is done and looks awesome. 

 I had no cell service for thr last 2 days so this is a long update. Day 7 was from Okanagan  to Havillah. The closed bicycle shop opened to replace my seat post The shop owner gave me a alternate route that was 22 miles further, but the 2 pass climbs were easier and the traffic was extremely  light. I was on my way for a new adventure. The climb out of Tonasket was 19 miles with a ski resort at the top. I made it 16 and stopped in Havillah at a Lutheran church that is a trail angel. The church was open to sleep in, bathroom,  and the refrigerator  was stocked with food. What a relaxing night. Day 8 was from Havillah, Wa to the top of Boulder Pass. It started with the final 3 miles of 1100' climb to the Shitzmark ski resort. I went through another  small town Chesaw and then to Curlew, wa. I thought I  would supply my evening  there, but it was Sunday  and the town was shut down. I  started the climb with as much water as I  could c...

 After a great night with our Warmshower host the 5 of us took off on our own. I might not see them again. It was a beautiful  ride to Winthrop where I  stopped for a mocha. Winthrop  is hosting  a Norton motorcycle gathering  this weekend.  There are over 250 old, loud, 2 cylinder Nortons all over Winthrop. After Twisp,Wa I  started climbing Loup Loup Pass. After taking a break, getting back on the road with all 100lbs of bike I  crashed and split the seat tube. A little road rash on my knee and some duct tape to hold the seat straight and I  was off again. The pass was a challenge, 3000 feet of climbing with no flat spots. About half way up there was a cooler on the side of the road with a sign on it that said bicyclist cold water. There were bottles of cold water in the cooler,  I  took two. Getting into Okanagan, wa I talked to a local that called the owner of the closed bicycle shop and arranged  a new seat post to be...

 Woke up to blue skies and a little chill in the air. The first 35 miles I  climbed,  4860' to Rainy Pass then 5477' to Washington Pass. A total of almost 5100'. Of course it rained and hailed on me the last 1 1/2 miles up to Rainy Pass.  The last 25 miles was all downhill to Mazama, Wa. Used my Warmshowers app and got a great family that took me and my new German  friends in to camp in their back yard. 

Day started off cold and rainy. The shoulder was much more defined on Hwy 20 today. I started the climb to Rainy  Pass and stopped at Colonial Creek Campground. There is supposed  to be hiker/biker campsites, but I  couldn't  find them. A couple from Germany  was also looking for them. We ended up befriending  a couple in a Rv that let us use the tent pad. No cell service today

 Today  started off with breakfast  with my daughter  Glenna. I was so happy to spend time with her. I caught  the Whidbey Island ferry and off I  went, 77 miles today. It was cold all day, never any sun breaks, and a little drizzle. Highway  20 on Whidbey had some pretty non existent shoulders for a bicycle.  Deception Pass was cool, I  used the whole lane to cross the bridge.  Cycling  trails would start then just disappear. I'm  staying  at Razar  State Park tonight.  They have three hiker/biker campsites, I'm  the only one  here

 It was a much dryer day today.  It is still cold, 48 degrees when I  got up this morning. Kim, my host last night, rode with me to Sequim. He knew all the little quirks of the Olympic Discovery trail, and educated me on a lot of fun facts.  I rode across a lot of old railroad  trestles across deep raviens. As I  got closer to Port Townsend  I  rode on the Larry Scott trail. I'm  staying the night with my hiking buddy Doug and his wife Beth. It was great to chat with them. Beth has a really green thumb. Their yard is beautiful,  with flowers growing everywhere. It was fun to to watch the Hummingbird  wars at their 2 feeders. 

 First day is in the books. It poured rain for the first 40 miles of the ride on the Olympic Discovery trail. The trail  is amazing. I guess thats what you get when you start your ride in the shadow if a rain forest. Rain gear can only do do much, I  was soaked. I got an offer to stay with some lovely  people in Port Angeles. Great dinner, dryer for my clothes, warm bed, and Hazel the crazy dog. Life is good. 

 I cooked my last home cooked meal tonight. It was grilled copper river salmon, shrimp, mushrooms,  and Fettuccine  Alfredo. The Rav is packed, I'm ready to go, I'm  standing here outside your door, already I'm so lonesome I could cry. So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you'll  wait  for me, hold me like you'll  never let me go.

 It's  5 days before I  start my ride across America. I turned 67 on June  12th, so I  rode 67 miles to celebrate. I had a great stop in downtown Coeur d'Alene  for Gelato, Tiramisu yum. Packing is coming together and I'm  making last minute  tweaks  to the bike. 

 Only 1 1/2 weeks before I leave on my Trans American  bicycle ride. I rode up Mt Spokane  yesterday, struggled  a little but it's  a hard climb. I'm  getting serious  about preparation loading my Panniers, making  sure all my shelter parts are there, and puting food stuff together.