Month: July 2013

Orcas Island – Mount Constitution in the Snow

/ Paula+Timothy / Leave a comment

In mid-April we headed for a four-day trip to Orcas Island, part of the renowned San Juan Islands.  Highlight: the climb up Mount Constitution. Lowlight: the descent down Mount Constitution.

While Timothy prospers at both climbing and descending, Paula had never before uttered the words “going up was a lot easier than going down.” Especially when we’re talking about 2,600 feet of vertical gain over 4.5 miles.

But here’s where heading up a Washington State mountain in mid-April proved perhaps not the best idea: The chilly rain that we encountered on the way to the mountain turned to snow and freezing temps at the summit. And after we spent arguably more time than was wise taking pictures at the top — the structure erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 is a cool castle-fortress — our fingers could not feel the brake levers on the way back down again.  Paula was quite certain she would die of frostbite, or at least lose a finger or two, as she quaked and quivered and shook and shivered while inching down what should have been a glorious descent.

Timothy, being the seasoned cold-mountain veteran that he is, found it simply a little annoying.

But we survived. And a few miles down the road, we took shelter in the welcome warmth of the Moran State Park offices — where the very kind staff took pity on us and served us hugely appreciated hot chocolate.

Chilly Hilly and Camano Island (and Hampsten)

/ Paula+Timothy / Leave a comment

Our first major event with the Cascade Bicycle Club was its well known Chilly Hilly — which, in fact, isn’t all that hilly and this year wasn’t very chilly (until it came time to wait an hour for the ferry in damp bike clothes …)

This was a great introduction to beautiful Bainbridge Island. And though we didn’t know it at the time, it also kicked off our unofficial Tour de Islands, still in progress. We did know that we’d return to Bainbridge, as the route was just gorgeous. Even on an overcast February day. And even though we didn’t manage to take pictures.

But: The most notable moments came after we finished pedaling.  Big events such as the Chilly Hilly are more than just rides. They’re also unofficial bike expos. Timothy had spent much of the ride, and the pre- and post-ride gatherings, ogling other bikes. Paula largely ignored this.

Until, that is, she emerged from a Port-a-John to discover Tim examining what was propped on the other side.  And it was love at first sight. And second and third and fourth.  It was a spectacular Hampsten Strada Bianca. Just luscious. She couldn’t stop gazing at it.

Then Timothy explained the Hampsten story.  And she got home and read more.  One week later …  well, stay tuned.

A month later we did Island No. 2 (or No. 3, if you count Mercer Island).  This time, we drove a little more than an hour north of Seattle to Camano. This ride was led by our new friend Bob, who’s been fabulous in making us feet at home and happy in the Seattle cycling scene. He’s a great person and a great ride leader, and we’re very lucky to have met him on one of our very first club rides.

The route was a loop of the island, and another little slice of heaven.  Too bad we didn’t linger long enough to get any photos, either here or on Bainbridge. We shall return!