Wow. Hard day on the bike. Climb, climb, climb. While I don't normally recommend it, I shoved in headphones and listened to music on the way up. From Newhalem (~500 ft) to Washington pass (5477 feet) was roughly 42 miles. On the surface if you spread it out it doesn't sound so bad, but as with most roads it's not just up, it's a big climb up, then a run down. While you appreciate the downhill, it just means you have to climb it again. Several other bikes on the road, mostly skinny people on racing bikes. They looked at me like I was from Mars. Some really amazing scenery and Tower of Power turned up to 11 did help the miles grind by.
Trip down the other side was great fun; first 7 miles were straight down. Didn't mean to, but the odometer says I maxed out at 47mph. Glad I didn't know that at the time. The touring bike loaded down with gear handles really well. Another 10 into Mazama where I grabbed a bite to eat and got some liquids on board.
From there it was another 15 mile slog to the far side of Winthrop near Twisp where the campground was. Nice RV/tent campground on the river, not a bad view from my tent.
Sunday is a rest day, then Monday off to Chelan and Tuesday to Leavenworth to start the festivities of the reunion.
