A few days before our flight I picked up a box from a local bike shop, one less box for them to break down. The bike fit by removing the front wheel, fender and rack along with the pedals and pulling out the seat post and handlebars. I loosened the rear fender so it sit snug against the back wheel and box. I’ve read more than a few trip reports that started with bikes damaged in shipping so I tried my best to see that everything was secure and protected. I cut a piece of wood to fit between the forks for added protection and wrapped most of the frame in pipe insulations along with the forks and top of the seat tube. The bike fit snug, not too loose or too tight so I felt confident it was well protected. I took one of my rear panniers as a carryon and stuffed the other three into a large duffel bag.
Michelle dropped me off at the airport with the bike before dropping off the car so we didn’t have to worry about fitting it in the shuttle. Getting my box and bags in the airport was easier than expected since the checkin was right inside the door. When I dropped the bike at security they looked a bit perplexed. I heard one say it won’t fit in the scanner and saw her grab for a knife. A few swipes later my box was opened with two agents rummaging around. So much for my careful packing.
After landing in Seattle we both traveled to the car rental facility leaving the bike at the airport. Getting the box on the shuttle didn’t look feasible and it did give me an opportunity to test out the Apple AirTag I have stashed on the bike. From the rental desk I could see the bike sitting at the airport, cool. Car rentals are insane now! We paid more for our car rental than the plane tickets and we only rented a normal full size sedan. The back seats dropped down so the whole bike box just slid inside.
The next day I assembled the bike and brought it over to a bike shop for a quick tuneup. I meant to call last week and make an appointment but completely forgot. The gears could use a little adjusting so I figured best to get it professionally adjusted before heading into the Cascades. They were crazy busy, as are all bike shops around here for some reason, I guess the riding season beginning, but since I’m heading out in a couple days they agreed to take a quick look. They only charged me $10 labor. When did you last get anything done for $10. Thanks Skagit Cycle Center!
I went out and bought food for the first few days and reorganized my gear after stuffing everything in a duffel bag. Things were not fitting as planned, bags were overflowing. I laid out all my get into two piles, essentials and non essentials making difficult choices. I decided to pair down my clothes a bit and drop a few items like my rain pants. If it rains I still have a jacket to stay mostly dry and the weather forecast for the next 10 days looks great so I should avoid the cold mountain weather I had feared months ago. I’ll send some items home with Michelle.
Weeks ago I made reservations for the first few nights as campgrounds seemed to be booking up in the area. All weekends starting in June were fully booked. I want to stay close to the start of the Washington pass climb the night before which is about 100 miles away so I’ll break that into two days for an easy start. First night will be in Concrete at Rasar State Park, about 57 miles away. The second day will be super short, only about 45 miles to Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake, right at the start of the climb. Third day is my concern, my first mountain climb up to 5,000+ feet. I’m staying that night at the Pine Near RV park in Winthrop. Finding accommodations the following days shouldn’t be too difficult.
We spent the last couple days on Camano Island in a house on the water owned by Michelle’s friends she made while walking the Camino de Santiago (her retirement trip). They’ve been super helpful along with giving me some pointers on places to stop as I ride through the Cascades. Thank you Julie and Carolyn! I start tomorrow morning around 8:30.
