Northern Transcon Day 2 - Sedro Woolley to Winthrop WA

Breakfast in the motel parking lot 0600 - 0630, followed by loading of gear bags.  I wanted to get going early, so left around 0640.  We had great weather for about the first 80 miles.  Terrain was pretty flat for 40 or 50 miles out of Sedro Woolley, but we were seeing threatening skies to our back with blue skies ahead.  However, by the lunch stop at 74 miles, Susan was asking if everyone had a rain jacket.  Thunder could be heard in the distance, and things weren't looking good toward Rainy Pass in the North Cascades.  Sure enough, that pass lived up to its name and about half way up the climb I had to stop and don a rain jacket and helmet cover.  The temperature dropped about 25 degrees F and the rain gathered intensity.  By the time I reached the rest stop at the top of Washington Pass, I was completely soaked and cold, not to mention suffering from a little bonking.  The crew members had hot coffee and several snacks.  I put on my remaining clothes (leg warmers, vest, long fingered gloves), and started down the 10 mile descent from Washington Pass.  On a sunny warm day this descent would have been an absolute blast.  However, with driving rain and cold temperatures, it was a case of enduring and hoping for a safe end.  I braked a lot to hold my speed to under 30 mph.  My hands were too numb to shift gears, but they thawed out by about 15 miles from Winthrop.

Highlight of the day:  Lon Haldeman drafted behind me for 10 miles and never told me I needed to correct my riding style, adjust my seat height, etc.

Skagit River near Marblemount

First rest stop

Looking down at Ross Lake, formed by Ross Dam across Skagit River

Ross Lake

Emerald green water of Ross Lake

View along North Cascades Highway (State Route 20)

Skagit River