July 8, Stage 2

July 8, Sedro Woolley to Winthrop, WA A long day in the saddle. The first 55 miles were quite flat and fast. The next 40 had an average incline of 6%, with 7 and 8 tossed in for variety. The next 30 were downhill--more later. Views of the Northern Cascades were spectacular--used that word yesterday, but these were the real thing! Mt. Baker, waterfalls, tree canopied roads, mountain lakes and streams, ferns, a white-footed rabbit, couple of deer--the creation that is ever-evolving. The grind up hill was relentless--I will say that again in the Big Horns in a few days. It was a long day because travelling 6-8 mph does not take a chunk out of 40 miles very quickly. Heart rate was bouncing up to 130 or so a few times. (Marsha, relax.) I am so glad Ernie Fisher ordered and installed a 32 tooth cog in the back and a longer cage derailleur last Tuesday. With a 27 as my maximum gear in the rear, I would not have made it today. Five miles from the top of the climb, the support crew tried to talk me into letting them drive me to the top, and then I could coast down the other side. They said, "it is 4:00 o'clock, you know." I blurted out: "That would be cheating." I rode on to the top of Washington Pass, then this incredible descent for 6 miles--32 to 39.5 mph--wanted to hit 40--with mountain scenery all around that I pretty much did not see. Then more sections of downhill, finally levelling out into Winthrop--a nice little western-type town. I finished the day at 6:30, with a few folks still out on the road. Actually, I felt and feel pretty good. Took a few pictures. Ate well--Gu, Essential Amino tablets, Oreos, pretzels, Pringles, turkey sandwich, more junk, more sugar, Perpetuem, Heed, Gatorade, Sustained Energy, watermelon, peaches, chips, and Chips Ahoy. Will sleep well tonight. We get to sleep in for another hour tomorrow since it is a short day. After the first 20 miles toward Grand Coulee tomorrow, 2000 ft climb in the next 10 miles, then ups and downs for a total of 99.5 miles. Thanks for reading. Ellery (limited Sprint coverage out here)