decyclesindiananame

deCycles Pacific Mountains 2010
Journal Entry
Date: June 14
Day 2: Monday
Departure: Eatonville, WA
Arrival: Randle, WA

Distance: 86 miles
Highlights: Climb the base of Mt. Rainier in the national park
Description: Today was cooooold! Perhaps the coldest all day ride on any recent deCycles trip. It never got over the mid-40s all day. There were some spots that probably dipped into the 30s as we climbed 4500-ft in Mt. Rainier NP. The ascent was gradual which eased the challenge for the day. But the cold was the real limiter. Laura Emery was freezing. Everyone was shivering. When stopping at a rest stop and eating, our limbs would get colder and it was hard to get back on the bike and move up the road. So we shortened our rest stops to keep everyone warm with their own body heat generating pedal power.

At the top, we were afforded spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and surrounding snow…..up to 10-ft tall. It looked like March in Colorado. And it felt like it too. The climb causes us to sweat. Then the descent is absolutely face-numbing. The student riders would complain that they were freezing but when you see what they wear, they are severely underdressed by their own choice. All the adults had 3-4 layers. Some riders only had one layer. GEEZ! Seems like warnings aren’t enough with teenagers. At least everyone cranked out 86-miles without significant mishaps.

Arrival in Randle was about 6pm. It’s a small church and we’ll be cramped. We will be pedaling around Mt. St. Helens tomorrow. It will be another challenging day. Today was one of the most challenging second day on a deCycles trip, so these kids are to be congratulated. They’ve been on top of the world today.
Climate: Cloudy, cold, mid-40s
Overnight: First United Methodist Church of Randle

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