Estamos en Canada! The morning started out with a lovely breakfast made by our gracious host family George and Patti. Let me just say that Patti makes delicious homemade bread, topped with raspberry currant preserves made for a perfect way to start the day. We decided to bicycle an alternate route that George directed us to, it was amazing! The scenery was so beautiful as we rode along side the Kettle River all the way into Canada.

Last night we stayed with a fellow cyclist at the City Park, his name was Dwight and what a character he was! We rode 70 miles, our longest day yet.

Today we continued to follow the map that George drew out for us back to Washington. It really was a fantastic detour especially since we avoided Sherman Pass. Yay for me! We crossed back over the border and met some really nice people, Officer Stevens was very kind to chat with us and wish us well on the rest of our trip. We rode for another two minutes before Officer Brian stopped us to ask about our trek and bicycle gear. He gave us some good advice about bear safety. Rule number 1: "if you see a bear on the trail ride pass it and kick it on the butt." (Sounds reasonable). Rule number 2: "if you see a moose pedal faster because the moose here are crazy." Thank you Officer Brian!

I'm feeling really great so far and enjoying all of the people and places that Chloe and I are visiting. My only complaint is that my Brooks saddle is still not my friend yet, if you know what I mean. But I am optimistic that another 2,000 miles will change her for the better. All of the food so far has been delicious, fresh, and organic. Although, I have to admit that last night I had a bit of a fat girl moment when I started to indulge in a strawberry shake at the 50's Happy Diner in Grand Forks and decided that it would be even better followed by a homemade maple doughnut.Yes that really did happen. After inducing myself into a sugar coma, the sweet owner of the store came over and handed Chloe and I a bag filled with two more chocolate doughnuts! Yum! (But don't worry we gave one to Dwight, I won't tell you what happened to the other...)

We are meeting up with Papa Rice later today! I am so excited! We don't know where we are going tomorrow but I bet it will be someplace beautiful.

Hannah

P.S Thank you to our host families: Papa Jason & Mama Valerie you are so wonderful! I will definitely be back to Mazama for another visit. In addition to George & Patti your gracious company and kindness will stay with us forever, sending you warm wishes for the wedding!

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