Northern Transcon Day 1 - Everett to Sedro Woolley WA

Following a filling breakfast, repacking of gear bag and depositing it in the yellow (motel) trailer, I left the Best Western Cascadia Inn a little before 0615 for the 7 mile ride to the Mukilteo ferry.  There was not a mass start of riders - small groups left over a 15 or 20 minute span in time to make it to the ferry by 0650 when we walked our bikes on.  The ferry ride took 20 minutes and brought us to Whidbey Island.

Waiting for ferry to depart Mukilteo for Whidbey Island

Looking across to Whidbey Island

Stiff breeze was blowing

Innovative bike parking

 The next 40 miles had some lumpy terrain, with one long climb of 10% grade.  However, today's climbing will pale compared to some challenges we face in the next month, including tomorrow's route through Washington's North Cascades.

The second rest stop (at 47 miles) was set up at Libbey Beach Park (Point Partridge).  After resting and refueling, we had to tackle the steep climb back up to the main road.

Rest stops every 25 miles today

Point Partridge, Whidbey Island WA

Sridhar and I at Point Partridge

Leaving Point Partridge rest stop

Another 20 miles brought us to the Deception Pass bridge.  It is a narrow two lane bridge with no shoulder, but a car driver courteously stopped and allowed our group of 4 to ride across the bridge in front of him until we got to the scenic pull off area on the other side.

Deception Pass bridge viewed from mainland side

Deception Pass

We had some more climbing before reaching the lunch stop at mile 73.  Lon and Susan are very efficient and don't waste anything, so the lunch utilized leftovers from last night's banquet.  Even the plastic cutlery is washed and reused, and each rider is responsible for bringing a bowl and mug to breakfast to avoid using styrofoam cups and bowls.

Portable benches at the lunch stop

Riders getting ready to depart lunch stop

 25 miles of mostly flat roads brought us to Sedro Woolley, to end a great first day of this journey.