Today while Trump bombed Iran I rode from bethel hill to Cashmere. Cue Led Zeppelin track.  Left the campsite at about 8:30, and rolled into cashmere around 6:30. 167 miles. This included a very hot and uncomfortable stop in Ellensburg  to get gas and water from a 7-11 and a 30 minute nap in a high alpine meadow. The plan was to find a campsite along the last “expert” loop that ended in cashmere but it was not meant to be. After getting shut out of a couple campgrounds in town, I ended up staying in a comfort suites. Sigh. I was hoping to camp all the way to Bellingham. 

The route today included Baby Head Hill, which according to YouTube has evidently broken the spirits (and motorcycles) of countless overweight dudes on full sized adventure bikes. I have to admit that the overly cautions side of me was a little nervous.  But it turned out to be be fine. At least on the DR. Other than that, it was classic BDR. Great views, lots of wildflowers. The day was somewhat overshadowed by wildfire smoke in the morning, but seemed to be dissipating after lunch. 

On to my new section: notes for future trips.

  • Flip flops aren’t good. My feet were cold and you can’t ride to dinner with them if you stay in a hotel. Or you can, but you like look an asswipe
  • My gear weighs so much. I need to tighten it up. 
  • My knees hurt. Bad. I think it’s the cockpit? I hope dropping the pegs will help.