Not quite found

After a night at the Lindernenhütte, a walk to Eggberge and a great view of Vierwäldersee.

Walking from Lindernenhütte

Walking up the hill from Spilauersee

Looking back at Rossstock

A trailrunner making his way towards Lindernenhütte

Walking toward Schön Chulm

Tough walking through the mud

Lone caow on the hill

View from Schön Chulm

Trail down the hill

Trail leading down the hill

Wildflowers

Walking down the hill

Lupine

Winding trail through the woods

White-white-red

Blueberries!

Voew of Vierwäldersee from Eggberge

Stoos SZ - Lidernenhütte

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

9 miles

Elevation

3950 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

External

An easy walking tour from Stoos SZ to the Lindernenhütte SAC.

Grosser Mythen dominating the horizon

Farm road leading into the woods

Looking back to Grosser Mythen while walking along the edge of the farm

Headed toward the higher mountains

View to the waterfall eroding away the ridge

Rocky path

Pass through the notch on the hill

Stairway of logs leading to Lindernenhütte

More steep, rocky walking ahead

Walking through the rocks and shrubs

Early glimpse of Lindernenhütte

View through the hut window

Rossstöckli

Path to Rossstock

Pink flowers

Rocky path to Rossstock

Deep purple flower

Looking across the valley

Clouds over Rossstock

Alpine flowers along the path

Beautiful alpine path back to the hut with the lakes in the distance

Green meadows

Rossstöckli

Early season snow covered the highest mountains

Lindernenhütte

Sunset

Seealpsee

Sun, 28 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

6 miles

Elevation

1220 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Nutrition

Plenty of food & drink options at the lake

Logistics

Take the train to Wasserauen and avoid the avalanche of cars

External

A short, but steep, hike to an alpine lake and wildflower-filled meadow.

Looking across the lake

Looking across the lake from our table at Berggasthaus Forelle.

Cows grazing

Waterfall and yellow flowers

Wildflowers

Insect in flight

Valley floor walk

Alpine cow

Shepherd hut

Hiking through the woods

Waterfall in the woods

Zermatt - Sunnegga - Tufteren

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

10 miles

Elevation

2370 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

External

A long winter walk from Zermatt to Tufteren. We thought the trail looped from Tufteren back to Zermatt but were told it was a summer only trail. Concerned we were running low on light, we walked back to Sunnegga and returned to Zermatt.

The Matterhorn over Zermatt

Trail through the woods

Matterhorn through the trees

Open field

Walk along the cliff edge

Sunlight through the trees

Snowy trail

Snow-covered trail through the village

Matterhorn over the village

Sledge resting against the building

The small village of Tufteren

Schwartzsee - Stafelalp - Zermatt

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

6 miles

Elevation

395 feet

Moving Time

2h0m

External

Descending through the snow under the Matterhorn.

Outside Zum See

Zum See

Beautiful light through woods

Looking down the valley

Matterhorn

Old stone building

Snow!

Glissading

Winter wonderland

Silhaldenstrasse

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

12 miles

Elevation

1060 feet

Moving Time

0h45m

External

Christmas Day weather is generally hit or miss, especially on BI with the frequent rain. I was expecting snow for Christmas after the move to Switzerland but we had far more rain, and far less snow, than Bainbridge this year. I enjoy a good muddy ride and today was no exception.

Muddy gravel road

I saw two people walking away from me in the fog and I really wanted to capture them between the trees. I rode up to a clearing and stopped to take the photo but by the time I was ready they had moved on so I didn’t get the shot I really wanted – still love this one anyway.

Stümpferweg

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

15 miles

Elevation

2170 feet

Moving Time

1h30m

External

I was unprepared for how many forest service roads were riding distance from the house. I knew of the big mountains in the south but the farms and woods closer to Zürich were unexpected. The beautiful fall colors on a cool, quiet day made for the most enjoyable ride.

I started the ride climbing Albispass seeking some new roads. It was my first time riding toward Albishaus, I usually descend toward Albispass with the restaurant to my back. I sought a path through the woods but failed to find, failing again on the side of the road when I was told the road didn’t go through (not sure about this). In any event, I continued on.

Zaanse Schans - Jisp - Noorderweg

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Flat

Distance

14 miles

Elevation

180 feet

Moving Time

1h45m

External

A lovely, flat cycling loop to see the iconic windmalls of the Dutch countryside.

Our trusty bikes

The lock house in Jisp

Such a cute little town

Library

Each home with it’s little bridge

Little side roads in Zaandjik

A bridge down to a canal road

A and A riding

One of the iconic windmills

Beautiful little canal

Animals

Cat out hunting

Another cat hunting

The many sheep

Route

Schwyz - Klausenpass - Glarus

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

51 miles

Elevation

5730 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Logistics

Straight forward route from one major train station to another

External

The Klausen Monument is a annual ride over Klausen Pass with your choice of direction. I chose to ride from the west, the harder side, as it promised to have fewer cyclists than coming from the east.

Riding along the lake from Schwyz

Looking across Lake Lucerne

The Alps

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:19:42 +0000

Resources for cycling in the Alps

Buchenegg - Gottschalkenberg - Schönenberg

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

58 miles

Elevation

5565 feet

Moving Time

4h30m

Nutrition

There are a few restaurants at the passes

External

The ride started with an accidental participation in a hill climb on the Buchenegg complete with spectators cheering for me. The highlight of the route was the climb to Gottschalkenberg via Mangeli.

Backside of Buchenegg

Trail through the woods

Recently harvested field

Gottschalkenberg Pass

Looking down onto Ägerisee

Adventure ride along the Sihl

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

30 miles

Elevation

3170 feet

Moving Time

2h45m

Nutrition

There are a few restaurants along the way but fewer water fountains than expected

External

A little bit of everything: chunky gravel, forest service roads, singletrack, oblivious baby goats, tunnels, farm roads, fast descents (some too fast on too chunky gravel!), river views, hike-a-bike, and great weather.

Portions of the route were borrowed from Tempo Sport in Horgen, Original Sihl. All wrong turns were my own 😜.

Näfels - Mühlehorn

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

8 miles

Elevation

1760 feet

Moving Time

3h0m

External

A point-to-point between small villages highlighted by an old stone bridge.

Beautiful views into the valley

Cobbled pathways

Trail through the woods

Peekaboo

Stone wall along the path

Walensee

Obstalden

Sagenbrücke

Flowers

Terraced stream toward the Walensee

Schönried - Rellerligrat - Hundsrügg - Sparenmoos

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

10 miles

Elevation

3290 feet

Moving Time

3h0m

Nutrition

I found no water along the route

Logistics

Don’t plan on a bus at Sparenmoos in summer

External

Our prior walks had all been enjoyable but I really wanted more of an effort and selected the hike from Schönried to Sparenmoos, especially the steep Rellerliweg climb.

Schöried

The start of the climb

Nearing the top of the climb

Along the ridge

Forest service road

Walking the meadow

Walking along Planihubel

Walking along the ridge

Peek-a-boos

Lovely clouds

Headed into the woods

The lone cow

Chriesiwanderung (Walchwil to Zug)

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Rolling

Distance

6 miles

Elevation

935 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Nutrition

A few small farm stores along the way and the terminus in Zug have plenty of options

Logistics

Take the train to Walchwil and walk back to Zug

External

We were looking for a simple walk in the unpredictable April weather and decided on a walk above the Lake Zug and through woods.

We followed a section of a route published by Zug Tourism, choosing a shorter route given the weather conditions.

Flumserberg

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Rolling

Distance

5 miles

Elevation

1130 feet

Moving Time

1h30m

Nutrition

There are a few areas along the trail to eat but I packed my own food

Logistics

Take the train to Tannenboden and the gondola to the resort

External

After a long week at work, I didn’t have the energy for a full day of cross country skiing. Looking for something to do outside but a bit less taxing, I read about the winterwanderweg opportuntiies at Flumersberg, the local resort for all those living in Zürich. This seemed an ideal compromise.

Big Skidder Hill

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

54 miles

Elevation

4350 feet

Moving Time

3h45m

Nutrition

Limited food & drink options outside of Chimacum – bring what you need

Logistics

Park at HJ Carroll Park in Chimacum

External

In January the higher elevation forest service roads are covered in snow & ice and inaccessible, safely, by bike. Wanting to ride some forest service roads, I opted for one of the lower elevation areas which is muddy and cold but generally snow free. The area around Big Skidder Hill is closed to vehicles but open to walker and bikes so it’s a wonderful place to ride in the winter.

Rachel Lake

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

8 miles

Elevation

2265 feet

Moving Time

3h0m

Nutrition

Water is plentiful along the trail

Logistics

Ample parking after a short drive on an easy gravel road

External

The vast majority of my hiking takes place in, and around, Olympic National Park because it doesn’t require a ferry ride. Wanting to see some fall colors, I reviewed some of the popular hikes in the I90 corridor on the WTA site and Rachel Lake was a frequent addition and the photos suggested wonderful fall scenery would be on display.

Marin County All-Road

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
The main climb was up the fire road on Mt Tam, otherwise a bit punchy

Distance

66 miles

Elevation

5215 feet

Moving Time

5h0m

Nutrition

Food options in the towns, water fountains at some of the parks

External

I had long wanted to ride in Marin, birthplace of mountain biking and constant location of adventures in my Strava feed.

I had the good fortune of having two friends ready to ride, so I tackled two separate routes, with two separate riding companions with very different profiles.

Royal Basin

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climbing to, and steep descent from, Royal Lake, a little more modest to Royal Basin

Distance

16 miles

Elevation

3930 feet

Moving Time

4h45m

Nutrition

Stream crossings every five minutes, water is plentiful

External

With the changing fall colors, I wanted to return to Royal Basin to take in the scene. Last time we ran as much as we hiked but this time I went alone and spent a significant amount of time photographing the colors and the abundant small waterfalls and rushing creeks.

Tubal Cain

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
The route is generally an out-and-back pyramid, with a second out-and-back pyramid if visiting the crash site

Distance

13 miles

Elevation

2590 feet

Moving Time

3h45m

Nutrition

Water is available easily along the trail, especially before clearing the trees

Logistics

The road to the TH is in great condition

External

Road

The road to the trailhead, FS 2870, received a much needed road grading (in fact, the grader was still operating and let us pass) so the road is in wonderful condition – any vehicle can make it easily.

Tunnel Creek

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
The trail is relatively modest until crossing the bridge over Tunnel Creek, then it turns up

Distance

9 miles

Elevation

2635 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

Nutrition

Water is plentiful along the trail from Tunnel Creek; the lake water looked less inviting

External

The hike to Tunnel Creek showed up in my Strava feed, and with no firm plans for the weekend, off I went. The views looked nice and the hike wasn’t an elevation or distance killer so it wouldn’t consume the entire day. I also really love hiking along creeks & rivers to photograph baby waterfalls.

Grand & Badger Valley

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
An inverted pyramid, starting at the high point, descending, then uphill to the trailhead

Distance

10 miles

Elevation

3095 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

Nutrition

The trail along Lillian Ridge is dry, otherwise water is plentiful, especially by the lakes and in Badger Valley

Logistics

The trailhead is at the end of Obstruction Point Road which is reached after driving up Hurricane Ridge road

External

The smoke cleared so R. and I decided to return to Hurricane Ridge for a full-day loop of the Grand and Badger Valleys. I had last been to the area in 2013 so I was looking forward to a return trip and seeing some trails I had never covered or didn’t see because eight years ago we covered the trail in a complete fog whiteout.

Hurricane Ridge

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Flat

Distance

3 miles

Elevation

815 feet

Moving Time

1h0m

External

R. and I had a three-day, two-night trip planned from Obstruction Point and through Grand Valley with two nights at Upper Cameron, an area of the Park I’ve never seen. Unfortunately we were hit with the double-whammy of an excessive heat warning and an air quality alert from forest fire smoke. We talked it over with a few Rangers at the WIC in Port Angeles and ultimately decided, after a few re-routing discussions, to cancel the trip and try another time when the conditions improved.

Flying Wheels++

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

139 miles

Elevation

6695 feet

Moving Time

8h45m

External

A group from Seattle I had toured around BI a year ago had been planning a ride of the Flying Wheels 100M route for a few months, being pushed off by a number of factors. Finally this weekend, albeit without perfect weather, we were able to ride the course. To mix it up, we opted to ride it backwards and, with inspiration from Jan from BQ, I rode two transport stages as well.

Second Beach

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Flat

Distance

3 miles

Elevation

20 feet

Moving Time

1h0m

Nutrition

Best to bring your own water but there is a small stream about a mile south of the trailhead with enough flow while we there to be filtered

Logistics

It’s a popular beach but has ample parking; we found a terrific camp site above the sand just south of the large rock near the trailhead; the forest walk has limited elevation gain / loss and the beach walking is flat; do watch the tides!

External

A tale of so many fronts: sun, fog, thicker fog, sun breaks. “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” was never truer advice.

Marmot Pass

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

11 miles

Elevation

3500 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

Nutrition

Streams are plentiful until Camp Mystery after which it’s dry

External

The upper meadow at Marmot Pass is one of my favorite locations in the Olympics having hiked there a few times. The WTA reports suggested the wildflowers were in bloom – perfect!

A good sign for the day ahead, Seattle and the Cascades in beautiful morning light.

Sunrise on the drive to the mountains

Seattle in the early morning

Icicle Creek Road

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

34 miles

Elevation

2250 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Nutrition

Water available at the turnaround point

Logistics

Easily accessible from Leavenworth; rough asphalt followed by gravel

External

Strava | Komoot | Ride with GPS | Photos

I rarely ride out-and-backs and when I do it’s usually a hill climb. The ride up Icicle Creek Road isn’t as impressive as Hurricane Ridge or Mt Baker but it offered an exceptional experience on an early morning ride.

Things I saw:

Gorgeous early morning light
A hawk fly across the road in front of me carrying a fat mouse
A beautiful buck walk across the road and up a hill (see photo; one of the few times I wished for a longer lens than my 16mm)

Lovely easy ride to end our short stay in the mountains.

Icicle Creek Gorge

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Flat

Distance

4 miles

Elevation

400 feet

Moving Time

1h30m

Logistics

Easy parking after a short drive on a rough gravel road

External

A nice morning loop around Icicle Creek with a variety of forest, hill, and water views.

Trail along the creek

Icicle Creek through the gorge

Rushing waters of the Icicle Creek

Clear waters

Branch of the creek

Views of the hills and river

Pinesap

Eightmile Lake

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Buggy, muddy trail

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

1600 feet

Moving Time

3h0m

Nutrition

Plenty of water available along the trail.

Logistics

Straight forward hike from the trailhead; the bugs were fierce.

External

Trail

We go to the trail early (7:30 am) mid-week to plenty of parking. The trail to Eightmile Lake starts through a burn from 2017 resulting in little cover from the sun and a lot of shrubby new growth. Fortunately the views along the trail are plentiful from the start and the grade wasn’t too bad for our mixed-skills hiking party.

Tyler Peak & Maynard Burn Loop

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

3400 feet

Moving Time

2h45m

Nutrition

There is a good stream about a mile (and 1000 feet of elevation!) from the trailhead, otherwise it’s dry to the top

Logistics

The access to the trailhead via FS 2870 is rough with frequent, car-eating potholes but otherwise easy to navigate

External

With record breaking heat descending on the PNW, I sought relief in the mountains and took advantage of the snow melt to photograph wildflowers. I really enjoyed this loop and until recently it was not on my radar; nor others apparently because very few trip reports were available at the WTA.

Islands & Bridges

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

64 miles

Elevation

3945 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

Nutrition

Food is available throughout the ride

Logistics

Ferry from Bainbridge, around the bridges, and back

External

A departure from my usual farm and logging road riding, this loop offered a lot more city riding along with bridges and islands I had never visited on bike.

I was impressed with the 520 bridge’s pedestrian and bike lane. It was wide, clean, and felt very safe. This is how all bridges should be constructed and I would be less apprehensive crossing the Hood Canal Bridge if the same care for cyclists had been taken.

Mt Townsend via Little Quilcene Trail

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

2400 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Nutrition

Bring water & food, there’s only one small stream near the trailhead

Logistics

Park at the trailhead, road to the trailhead is enjoyable mountain driving

External

A nice day hike to Mt Townsend from a new-to-me trailhead. The wildflowers are out in force and the trail is in great shape without a single blow down.

Having not used this trailhead before, but having been to Mt Townsend multiple times, I was curious to try the new approach. The drive to the trail head was fun and covered many of the same roads I ride on the bike.

Colchuck Lake

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

8 miles

Elevation

2600 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

External

With the snow mostly gone, I opted for the classic hike to this gorgeous alpine lake.

The weather was variable at the start and I was undecided on shorts or pants, trail runners or boots. I opted for pants and boots and was not disappointed in the decision as the trail had a lot of water and near the lake it started to flurry.

Gran Fondo Leavenworth

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two major gravel climbs with a flat section on Highway 2 along the Columbia River

Distance

81 miles

Elevation

7520 feet

Moving Time

6h0m

Nutrition

Food and water provided as part of the event

External

I had signed up to ride GFL in 2020 but, like most events, it was cancelled so I eagerly awaited an opportunity to ride it when it was next scheduled.

I woke up to ideal weather conditions for a long ride through the mountains: slightly overcast and not too warm. The morning light was quite pleasant.

Mountain Home

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

20 miles

Elevation

2100 feet

Moving Time

1h30m

Nutrition

Bring what you need

External

Though this ride is short it packs a lot of awesome into its 20 miles. There are wildflowers, terrific gravel, great views, and abandon railroads. I was delighted with this loop.

Little Reds

Mountain Home Road curving through the hills

Lupine

Wildflowers along the descent back to Leavenworth

Abandoned railroad tracks

Gated tunnel

Valley view

Fields of flowers

Port Gamble

Sat, 29 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

63 miles

Elevation

5300 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

Food and drink available in Poulsbo and Port Gamble (Butcher & Baker and the General Store being two favorites)

External

A quiet roads ride with plenty of gravel options from Bainbridge to Port Gamble’s Stottlemeyer trail system.

Red barn

There are plenty of route options from Bainbridge to PG, sometimes I ride from the east, sometimes the west. On this particular day I chose to ride from the west along Big Valley Road (one of the 3 valley roads) and up Sawdust Hill Road (one of my favorite roads in the area).

Bon Jon Pass

Sun, 16 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

50 miles

Elevation

5700 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

Nutrition

Bring what you need, some water sources along the way

External

I’ve climbed Bon Jon before and with the great weather decided to have a crack at it again.

Peakaboo views

Climbing the asphalt to Bon Jon Pass

A clearing for lunch

Primitive road

Snow Creek Road

Leland Flyover

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

67 miles

Elevation

5400 feet

Moving Time

4h45m

Nutrition

Limited food & drink options

Logistics

Park at the middle school in Quilcene

External

Unseasonably warm weather encouraged a discovery ride through the Olympic National Forest and through the trails of Miller Peninsula State Park. I had a large gap on my personal heatmap for the Miller Peninsula and sought to fill it with this ride.

The ride started from Quilcene and heads northwest into the foothills of the Olympic Mountains with a quick ride by of Lord’s Lake. The gravel roads leading to Bear Mountain (near the high point of the ride) are in great shape and were easy riding.

Skagit Valley

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Flat

Distance

34 miles

Elevation

385 feet

Moving Time

2h30m

Nutrition

Food & drink available in La Conner and Edison

Logistics

Parking in La Conner, try near the marina

External

Every April Skagit Valley fields explode in brilliant colors thanks to the very special crops of daffodils and tulips. We arrived during peak daffodil season, just ahead of the multi-colored landscape generated by the tulips.

Rainbow Bridge

Our ride began in the town of La Conner with a stop at the Calico Cupboard for a pastry eaten within a short ride of the Rainbow Bridge.

Vashon & Maury Islands

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

52 miles

Elevation

4800 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

Nutrition

A great coffee stand in Burton and the town of Vashon provide everything you’ll need

Logistics

By far the best option is riding on from either the Southworth or Fauntleroy

External

Blue skies and warming temperatures promised ideal riding conditions so I chose to venture to Vashon Island to tour the farms, coffee stands, and bakeries. I started with a route from the Seattle International Randonneurs, 2020 WTS #9: Vashon Island, and modified it slightly to add some gravel and a trip through Dockton Forest, both of which turned out to be great additions to the route.

Lower Big Quilcene & Notch Pass

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

13 miles

Elevation

2500 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

Nutrition

Bring what you need to eat, water is plentiful

Logistics

Park at the Lower Big Quilcene Trail #833 trailhead and go clockwise stitching together trails & forest service roads

External

We wanted a bit of an adventure run without a lot of running through snow and this route was nearly perfect.

We started our run at the Lower Big Quilcene Trail #833 trail head which was easily accessible with no snow at all on the road. The plan was to run to the junction of Lower Big Quilcene and Notch Pass trails, possibly run a bit down the LBQ trail to add a few miles, and then continue on a loop using the Notch Pass trail and a few forest service roads.

#Festive500

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

64 miles

Elevation

3300 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

Streams are plentiful; food available in Sequim.

Logistics

Parked in Sequim at the high school though next time I’d park at the ODT park.

External

I’m a huge fan of Rapha’s annual #Festive500 challenge. The challenge rules are simple: ride 500KM in the 8 days between Christmas Eve and New Years’ Eve, inclusive. I look forward to it every year because there’s something about riding in the cold, dark, wind, and rain which appeals to me.

Capital Forest

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two primary climbs, C-Line being the more challenging

Distance

45 miles

Elevation

5700 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

No services, bring what you need for food & water

Logistics

The Safeway seems to be the most popular starting point, several rides originate from it’s lot.

External

I rode the Capital Forest once before, for the 2019 Cascadia Super Gravel and I got lit up. I was riding my 29er mountain bike on which I didn’t have many miles and I had almost no idea what I was doing racing on gravel. I remember the climbs being steep, the descents fast, and the overall environment pretty incredible.

Photo Gallery

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 22:02:02 +0000

Mountain Loop Highway & Barlow Pass

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Lots of flat sections, huge variety of terrain, and punchy gravel climbing.

Distance

98 miles

Elevation

4300 feet

Moving Time

6h15m

Nutrition

Food available in Darrington, numerous water access points in the national forest

Logistics

Parked at Granite Falls HS

External

I finally had time and cooperative weather to ride this classic PNW loop through the mountains. The Seattle Randonneurs have a 200K brevet route but since I was riding on my own I decided to shorted it by ~30 miles and avoid some of the less scenic city riding.

3 Valleys

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

90 miles

Elevation

6750 feet

Moving Time

5h45m

Nutrition

Great food at Chimacum Farm Stand

Logistics

Rode from BI, over the bridges, and through the woods.

External

Fantastic tour under blue skies, under falling leaves, and quiet roads among farmland. I started the ride from BI on the normal loop to Port Gamble with a small detour for a road closure.

Once across the Hood Canal Bridge, one of my least favorite stretches of road to ride, the quiet roads begin with an immediate right hand turn onto Paradise Bay Road. The next eight miles are easy punchy miles as you make your way to one of the true gems of the ride, Larson Lake Road.

Mt Townsend & Silver Lakes

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two steep climbs, two even steeper descents.

Distance

17 miles

Elevation

5700 feet

Moving Time

5h0m

Nutrition

The trail from the parking lot to the MT summit is pretty dry. Silver Creek runs alongside the Silver Lakes Way Trail and provides plenty of water.

Logistics

A short section on FR 2870 otherwise all ’trail'.

External

Mt Townsend is an extremely popular hike in the Olympics appearing in all the popular day hike books. This route built on the standard hike by adding an extension to make a loop via a short jaunt on FR 2870 and the Silver Lakes Way Trail.

Royal Basin

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climbing to, and steep descent from, Royal Lake, a little more modest to Royal Basin

Distance

17 miles

Elevation

4000 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

Stream crossings every five minutes, water is plentiful

External

I hadn’t been to Royal Lake since a backpacking trip in July 2011. At the time we were unable to make it to the upper basin because of a late melting snow pack. I was excited to explore the upper basin on this trip as over the last few years I had become pretty familiar with the region from prior rides and hikes.

Nordic Skiing

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 07:30:51 -0700

Corduroy among the trees in the Cascades.

Swiss Alps

Resources

Snow Reports

Cascades

Locations

Sno-Parks

Sno-Parks require a permit, either daily or annual. An annual pass pays for itself with more than three times a season.

Cabin Creek
- Racing venue, groomed for skating and classic
- Hills and flats (The Road)
- Excellent real-time weather and grooming reports
Crystal Springs
- Hills and flats, connects to Hyak / Iron Horse
- Parking lot shared with snowmobiles
Hyak / Iron Horse
- Converted Rails-to-Trails
- Heated changing rooms / bathrooms
- The parking lot is shared with a sled hill so it can be very crowded if you get there late. If so, go to Crystal Springs as you can ski the same flat Iron Horse trail and the parking lot is never full.

Nordic Ski Camp

I have twice attended Glenn Bond’s XC Ski Camp at Whistler and strongly endorse it. It’s a combination of skills work and skiing sessions.

Wander

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 14:47:06 -0700

Paradise

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Ridden anticlockwise, a long descent on a tree covered road followed by a fully exposed epic climb

Distance

61 miles

Elevation

5600 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Logistics

Park at Longmire

External

Strava | Ride with GPS | Relive | Photos

I started this ride by entering through the Park entrance at Longmire and parking in the day use lot behind the lodge.

Bridge over the Nisqually River at Longmire

The ride starts by riding behind the lodge and over the Nisqually River via a pretty cool bridge. This will lead through a campground and eventually onto NF-012, a modest gravel road, before hooking with NF-52, Skate Creek Road. It’s a relatively long descent of 16 miles into Packwood. The majority of the ride is along Skate Creek. There’s not much in the way of scenery or anything particularly unique about this portion of the ride.

Babyshoe Pass

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two main climbs and a long descent

Distance

83 miles

Elevation

6800 feet

Moving Time

6h0m

Nutrition

All food must be brought with you, some creeks for filtering water

Logistics

Parked at the closed (COVID-19) ranger station in Randle

External

Strava | Ride with GPS | Relive | Photos

I’d been planning this ride for months ever since reading about the climb to Babyshoe Pass in BQ. The climb from Highway 12 to the summit at the intersection with FS 2150 has an average grade of 6% and a max grade of 20% with soft, loose gravel and rough washboard making it tough to keep traction and rhythm.

Washington Pass

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Straightforward gravel climb to NF 2464 with a fast descent on near-perfect pavement (10 road miles, 26 gravel)

Distance

36 miles

Elevation

3800 feet

Moving Time

2h45m

Nutrition

All food must be brought with you, some creeks for filtering water

Logistics

Parking available in the gravel lot across from the Hamma Hamma Oyster Company (probably their overflow parking)

External

The tour ridden clockwise ascends gravel and descends a near-perfect paved road.

Don’t question the hard right hand turn onto FS 2464 and the baseball-sized rocks at the entrance, it’s a wonderful road with almost no traffic, scenic viewpoints, baby rock slides, and wildflowers.

Riding the Hurricane to Obstruction Point

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
An HC climb to Obstruction Point Road, then punchy gravel, followed by a long descent (39 road miles, 16 gravel)

Distance

55 miles

Elevation

8000 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

Food available during the event up to the visitors center, after that you’re on your own

External

This year’s edition of Ride the Hurricane had two great changes from last year:

starting at sea level (official)
extending the ride to Obstruction Point Road (unofficial)

I’ve driven Obstruction Point Road before but had never ridden it so when the ride was announced I was excited to extend the ride with a great gravel addition. PJAMM ranks the climb #2 on their list of the Top 10 Most Scenic rides in the US but they didn’t continue to Obstruction Point Road.

Threading the Needle

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy
Entirely road riding

Distance

161 miles

Elevation

10000 feet

Moving Time

10h0m

External

Strava | Komoot | Ride with GPS | Photos

✅ Ride from BI to Deception Pass and back in one day.

Our plan had been to ride a full loop north to La Conner and back down to Seattle but for a number of reasons we switched gears to a long out-and-back.

Some excellent cafes along the way:

Seal Dog
- Filled our water bottles!
Pane d’Amore
- Fig Anise bread!
Little Red Hen
- Veggie & ice cream sandwich!

R. in the early morning on Port Gamble Road

The Hood Canal Bridge all to ourselves

The gravel trail along the water into Port Townsend

Pane d’Amore

Seal Dog Cafe

Seal Dog Cafe espresso

The view from the PT - Coupeville ferry

R. riding from the ferry to Coupeville

Sheep

Farms and lavender

Deception Pass

Our trusty bikes

Little Red Hen Bakery

An owl welcoming me home

Route

South Fork Skokomish

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy
Two climbs with a lot of flat

Distance

53 miles

Elevation

2700 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

Logistics

Park at Potlatch State Park

External

Strava | Komoot | Ride with GPS | Photos

The primary goal of the ride had been to see | ride what had become known as the scary bridge – the High Steel Bridge, the highest railway arch bridge ever built in the United States.

High Steel Bridge - photo courtesy outdoors.com

Flat farmland in the valley

The turn on to W Govey Rd.

Toby and Elisa setting the pace

Bikes on the High Steel Bridge

View into the canyon created by the South Fork of the Skokomish from the High Steel Bridge

Spur road leading to a creek for a critical water bottle refill

Freshly grated gravel, a little soft

Route

Dosewallips Lunchpacking

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Lots of hike-a-bike, some of it requiring ropes

Distance

14 miles

Elevation

1700 feet

Moving Time

2h0m

Nutrition

No services, water available for filtering from the river

Logistics

Parking available at the trailhead but it might crowded, we parked a short distance away and rode in.

External

An abandoned forest service road, a beautiful river, great views, and a mac & cheese lunch. Pretty perfect ride with Kid.

All loaded up for a day trip

The Kid and I decided on a short trip down the Dosewallips River Trail as a trial run for a future bikepacking trip. The now-abandoned car-camping campground would be our destination so loaded up with a stove, food, and water filter, we were on our way.

Two Kittens Wrestling

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

108 miles

Elevation

5500 feet

Moving Time

6h30m

Nutrition

Food available at Summertide Resort as well as in Belfair & Union

Logistics

Easy parking at Belfair State Park

External

It’s not an adventure until something goes wrong.

Even with a few wrong turns, one too many “This is not a trail” dead ends (how can a road exist on a dozen maps but not exist in real life?!), and a 🐝 sting, what a day!

B.U.T.W.H.Y.?

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy
Punchy as hell

Distance

55 miles

Elevation

5400 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

External

Who knew Bainbridge could hurt this much? This route was created by Tom of BI Cycle as a challenge for the locals tackle all the major hills on the island from the hard direction. It’s quite a bit longer and hillier than the Chilly Hilly. Come prepared!

B.U.T.W.H.Y.

Point White Pier

Tolo!

South Beach & Toe Jam Hill

Jimmycomelately

Sun, 07 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy
Solid climb, gentle descent on mostly gravel

Distance

30 miles

Elevation

3600 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Logistics

Public parking along the water by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe headquarters.

External

Intersection of Forest Road 2850 and Forest Road 2906

Intersection of Forest Road 2845 and Forest Road 2852

Farmland after mountains

Riding along Palo Alto Road

Route

Bon Jon Pass

Sat, 23 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Lots of climbing, starting with an HC climb to the Pass

Distance

50 miles

Elevation

5800 feet

Moving Time

3h45m

Logistics

Parked at the closed (COVID-19) ranger station in Quilcene

External

Wet pavement on Forest Road 27 at the start of the climb

Rock slide, good thing we’re on bikes

Fog settling in the trees

Intersection of Forest Road 28 and Forest Road 2840

Finished up back in Quilcene.

A Winter Attempt on Bon Jon Pass

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Ice, snow, and cold all greeted us on this ride

Distance

30 miles

Elevation

3500 feet

Moving Time

2h30m

Nutrition

Bring everything you need, no services at all

Logistics

Parked at the (closed) ranger station in Quilcene

External

We’d been waiting anxiously for the weather to be favorable for an attempt at cycling to Bon Jon Pass for a few weeks. Kiel Reijnen’s posted a ride on Strava going over the pass so we decided it was high time we gave it a try.

Tahuya Hills

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy
A longer flat stretch along the water (59 road miles, 6 gravel)

Distance

65 miles

Elevation

4600 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

External

The Tahuya Hills is sparsely populated area nestled inside the hook of the Hood Canal. The ride is predominantly a road ride though the six mile section of gravel on North Shore Road is certainly the highlight of the ride. Legend has it the road was hand built and riding it one has no reason to believe otherwise. It’s a roller coaster of steep gravel climbs followed by steep, twisting descents on roads which receive little maintenance. The joy of riding such a road is highlighted with peek-a-boo views of the Canal and Olympics.

Levi’s Gran Fondo

Sat, 05 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two major climbs with a few punchers thrown in for good measure

Distance

102 miles

Elevation

9530 feet

Moving Time

6h0m

Logistics

Fully supported ride with frequent and wonderful sag stops

External

A great day of riding with E. among the forests, over the hills, and along the coast. A really enjoyable ride and one I would definitely repeat.

Nervous anticipation

Rolling descents to the ocean

Our bikes

A gorgeous seascape

Kicking ass on the climb

Hansen Ridge

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy

Distance

13 miles

Elevation

2400 feet

Moving Time

1h45m

Logistics

Parking at the Hansen Ridge trailhead; no facilities

External

Impressive rock bridge

Our trail work!

Improved drainage and embankment

Fog and flowers

Riding off into the fog

Chunky gravel, perhaps a little too rough for the gravel bike

Singletrack

Route

Lake Angeles & Klahhne Ridge

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Very steep climbing all the way to the lake

Distance

11 miles

Elevation

4500 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

Logistics

Park at the Lake Angeles trail head right before entering the Park

External

My fifth trip up to Lake Angeles, but first time in the summer, did not disappoint. A beautiful lake view rewards this steep Olympics climb. Unlike my typical winter foray we left the lake behind us and climbed the Klahhane Ridge Trail to an exceptional lunch spot with clear views to Mt Olympus and its glaciers.

Ride the Hurricane

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
An HC climb to the visitor center

Distance

49 miles

Elevation

5500 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

Nutrition

Food & drink available on the route and at the top

External

I had been wanting to ride this event for a long time but the timing never worked out. Finally this year the dates aligned and I was able to ride it.

From the registration area I rode down to the water and as far out on Ediz Hook Road as I was allowed, then turned around and started the long climb to the visitor center. A true sea-to-sky climb, excited to ride it again.

Slab Camp & Deer Ridge

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Three Forks Ascent is brutal otherwise it's a rolling profile

Distance

18 miles

Elevation

5000 feet

Moving Time

5h30m

External

Hiked the loop clockwise through the woods and down to the impressive, fast moving Gray Wolf. The trail is in great shape and the numerous river and creek crossings were made uneventful by the bridges. There were a few blow downs but nothing requiring significant effort.

After a long walk through the woods, protected all the while from the sun, it was on to the Three Forks ascent. It’s a tough climb with numerous switchbacks and steady elevation gain. The effort culminates in wonderful mountain views, sunshine, and wildflowers at Deer Ridge. From the ridge it’s an equally steady (read: brutal) descent all the way back to the trailhead.

Einsiedeln

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

An excellent trail system in Einsiedeln, a town known for its famous Abbey. Open farmland is transformed into rolling trails an easy train ride from Zürich.

By the Numbers

Rolling

Distance

10 miles

Elevation

600 feet

Moving Time

1h0m

Logistics

Take the train from Zürich to the town of Einsiedeln and walk a few blocks to the trails

External

Groomed trails through the farmland

The Swiss Alps in the distance

Well skied trails

To the Alps and Sihlsee

Route

Deadfall & Mount Zion

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

3095 feet

Moving Time

2h30m

External

Mount Zion summit

The trail is as advertised, steep and with little in the way of scenery. This is the kind of hike where the effort is the reward, especially on a socked in winter day. It was also eerily quiet as I was the only person around until I arrived within a quarter mile of the trailhead on my return. All said however it was what I wanted, a short hike with lots of effort close to home.

High Divide & Seven Lakes Basin

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climb to the basin, then a sharp downhill

Distance

18 miles

Elevation

4500 feet

Moving Time

5h45m

Logistics

Parking available at Sol Duc

External

Deer Lake

Boardwalk

Huckleberries in full fall colors

The many lakes of Seven Lakes Basin

Beautiful red foilage

Heart Lake

Stream for filtered water

Coral mushrooms

Route

Navaho Pass & Navaho Peak

Sat, 13 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climbing to, and steep descent from, Navaho Pass, even steeper to Navaho Peak

Distance

14 miles

Elevation

4200 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

External

Enjoyable hike in perfect fall conditions. Started hiking around 10am with air temperature just above freezing so dress appropriately. The trail is in good condition but lacks any signage so be sure to follow the directions, particularly bearing to the right at the T. Arrived at the ridge around noon.

Marmot Pass

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

13 miles

Elevation

4750 feet

Moving Time

4h45m

External

Wonderful day hike to Marmot Pass and to Buckhorn Mountain. The weather was nearly perfect, all in all a great day. The trail leading to Marmot Pass was in great shape and the meadow at the junction with the Tubal Cain trail never disappoints. I stopped for short lunch overlooking the meadow and mountains before summiting Buckhorn Mountain.

The trail to Buckhorn Mountain was a little loose and I was happy to have poles for the descent. The sky was clear enough to see both Rainier and Baker. On the way down two deer walked across the path in front of me with the mountains making an ideal backdrop.

Rifugio Stevia

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Punchy
Very steep climbs with some rollers

Distance

10 miles

Elevation

3500 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

External

Trail hugging the mountain side with a view of the hole in the mountain in the distance

Trail leading to Rifugio Stevia

Ribbon of trail

Rifugio Stevia

A commanding view of the valley below

Lounging

Descending

Small farms dotting the high alpine meadow

Gravel roads!

The Pale Mountains

A boot path along the fence line

Trailside markers

Limestone

Trails for miles

Route

Trift

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

5 miles

Elevation

2000 feet

Moving Time

2h0m

Nutrition

Huts along the way

Logistics

Easy access to the trailhead from within the town of Zermatt

External