Tuesday, July 11, 2017

2016 John Wayne Pioneer Trail - Day 2

During my training and riding I had decided I would ride my Specialized cross bike with touring size tires, 4 panniers (2 small, 2 large) and a handlebar bag.  I also ended up adding a backpack to carry extra water in that was lashed between my two large, rear panniers.  Day 2 is when the trail started to reveal the level of different terrains we'd be facing - some heavier river rock, deep gravel and super rugged areas over multi-use sections in Cle Elum.  These are sections of the trail where ATV's are allowed to also use the trail.  I have lots of different feelings about mixed-use trails, but I'll talk about that in another post...

Trail riding notes: We were not able to make Hyak on our first day of riding, but on my ride in the fall we were able to do so.  When you reach Hyak, the tunnel is very dark and cold; be sure to have adequate headlights/headlamps and you might want to add a jacket or layer.  Water drips from the ceiling and the sides of the trail through the tunnel drop off to keep water off the trail.  Be sure to ride towards the middle of the tunnel rather than the sides as you risk falling when you ride on the sides. The tunnel can also be crowded at times with other riders and lots of walkers. Once you reach the other side of the tunnel there are primitive campsites a little ways past Hyak; at Hyak there are restrooms and showers to use (you need coinage to operate the shower).  The trail continues on from Hyak with no detours and is slightly downhill (a welcome respite after your climb!!).  There are several camp sites and pit toilets along the way between Hyak and Thorp, including the sweet Iron Horse Inn B&B in Cle Elum.  There are several gates prior to gravel road crossings that you can ride or walk around; make sure you close, re-chain and/or lock any gates you go through.  As you approach Thorp you will ride through several tunnels.  These tunnels have been repaired and are safe to ride through; some you will need lights for and others just be sure to take your sunglasses off. 😉 When you reach Thorp, ride a short ways past the fruit/antique stand to the trestle that crosses the Yakima River. Directly before the trestle, down to the right is a very sweet riverside campsite.  Easy river access, lovely sandy spot, flat-ish campsite area, trees to hang clothes on and wonderful place of rest. Please keep this place clean and well kept for future trail users!

Here's our day 2 entry...

Wildlife settings: 3 Douglas squirrels, 3 rabbits, lots of birds, 1 bull snake, 1 lizard, at the last tunnel going into Thorp we saw bats in the tunnel, saw our first livestock - cows

Trail people met: Byron with Bike Hugger, Greg with The Starving Cyclist, Dan on his way to Cle Elum (he helped us unlock Sandy's chain and was our first Trail Angel)

Memorable Moments: Epic ecological transitions, Sandy's chain bent and got stuck, Rachel stabbed herself in the leg with her large bike gear.  So windy on the East side!!  Thank goodness for tail wind!! Set up camp next to the Yakima river at a sweet little spot and bathed in the river.  Smells of dust, smoke and Pine.

Vital Stats:
26 bridges/trestles
5 tunnels (1 was the epic long Snoqualmie/Hyak tunnel)
2 sets of chained gates - no locks
Lots of road crossings
2 railroad crossings
57.4 miles
ATM = 6:46:24
MXS = 34.7 mph
AVS = 8.4 mph

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