Meat's Back on the Menu

Yes we claim vegetarian but after you've biked your last 12 miles up a mountain 2,300 feet I'm sure you'd feel the same. Besides our warm shower hosts said the lamb was completely free range and never left the land. I'm sure my NRG family will be happy to hear that, especially Ashley. We're on the outskirts of Tonasket in the most eclectic, Lord of The Rings type house. Our hosts, George and Patty, have been so gracious in making us dinner (potatoes and lamb sausage) and allowing us to shower and wash our clothes. Which we desperately needed after accidentally climbing the majority of Loup Loup Pass. That night we camped in a very limited campsite. We have been fortunate to experience this hospitality yet again. Our first warm showers stay was with Jason and Valerie in Mazama. We made it to the top of Rainy Pass and stopped for lunch when a fellow recreator, Mark, yelled across the road "I've never been crazy enough to bike up these passes". Insult or compliment we have yet to decide but he shared one of his beers so we could cheers to him once we reached the top of Washington Pass. And no there is no motor and Hannah didn't have a tailwind. The stay in Mazama was very cozy, you could tell we enjoyed it since we didn't leave until 11. Jason was so nice to drive us around for a local tour, to get groceries, and find a place for dinner. In the morning Valerie made the most delicious vegan and gluten free blueberry pancakes that stuck with us 1/2 mile to the Mazama store. I thought of my roommate Alexa and how she would've really enjoyed all of Valerie's goodies. I think you're all caught up on what we've done the past few days. I have yet to fulfill my donut quota and we have yet to take a rest day. Our bodies are a bit sore but I'm more concerned about the donut. This is our eighth day in the saddle and we're headed for Republic or somewhere. Hannah is in charge of the map today so who knows. Cheers and Happy Cycling, Chloe

Day 4 Marblemount to Colonial Campground

Would you like a tuna melt? She asks at the end of the day. We have made it to the Northern Cascades National Park. Tonight we are camping at the Colonial Campground in Diablo WA. Chloe and I have our tent pitched above Lake Diablo and are watching the fisherman canoe across the lake, it is so quiet and peaceful. Well, except for the fisherman who just yelled that he is stuck in a sandbar while the other one is telling him to follow the white rabbit. Whatever that means.  The day started out in Marblemount where we stayed the night at a bed and breakfast called the Buffalo Run Inn. It was charming and comfortable. While there we met our first pair of cyclists! Anna and David are from Minnesota and are cycling the entire perimeter of the U.S, so far they have cycled over 9,000 miles and have been on the road since June 2011!  Incredible! I hope it doesn't take that long to reach Maine. So far we have crossed many bridges and have experienced some of the most beautiful and greenest country that I have ever laid eyes on. Chloe and I have been quick to learn some of our strengths and weaknesses while riding together. For example:  Chloe is a very strong uphill climber, which is still a bit of an understatement, she is a maquina. I on the other hand, am more of a downhill rider. Which leads me to believe that Chloe has a microscopic motor hidden somewhere on her bicycle. I say this because every time we start climbing she somehow passes me without a climbing gear and at an average pace of at least 9 mph regardless of how steep the hill is. Yesterday we both lost our breath laughing as she came up to pass my bicycle on the left. I pedaled with great might still desperate for another gear as she passed me with a smile! Don't worry I will continue the search for her secret, but for now I will concentrate on excelling at the downhill. Mañana we'll tackle Rainy and Washington pass at an elevation of 5,477 ft. Wish me tail winds and sunshine  and Chloe a broken spoke. Cheers and Happy Cycling, Hannah

May is Bicycle Month!

We're starting this blog to give folks back at home (mostly our mom) a little peace of mind, not to mention to document and share all of our adventures along the northern tier bike route. That being said I think we're taking this bike month to a whole 'nother level. 4,285 miles is what we'll complete after all of this is over. From Anacortes, WA to Bar Harbor, ME we're expecting the unexpected. From frigid rain and blistering heat to bear attacks and anything else that may come our way. You may not be riding with us, but by reading this blog you can certainly follow us and experience all of the excitement and adventure that touring has to offer. Cheers and happy pedaling! With love and tailwinds, H&C