Coming in Hot

Mazama Wa to Tonasket Wa 88 miles. August 22
Long Ride on a hot day. After a hearty breakfast of eggs, pancakes, juice, coffee and Pea Protein. We started where we dined last night. Terrific Mazama Country Store (MPLS reference think blend of Kowalski’s and Bibelots).
Met Bob charter member of S-L-I-M-E. (see photo). Strong candidate for IPOD. Under the guidance of Adventure Cycling Norther Tier maps we rode along the Methow River Valley largely avoiding Hwy 20 East bound.

After a stop for the best coffee on the planet at Blue Star coffee shop in Twisp; we climbed up Loup Loup Pass. The long descent to Okanago. was a thrill.
Time for lunch, we met Charles Morey who suggested the Taco truck then belted out a sterling rendition of “hooked on a feeling”, before being shouted back to the work crew.
Food from the Taco truck hit the spot, fresh and authentic. Kevin told his Mormon joke to the local who helped us navigate the menu.
The last 30 miles was a blur. We held a strong pace fueled by homemade energy balls from the Mazama Country Store a steady downhill and nice breeze over the left shoulder. Sarah was an all star and took our packs with 15 to go. Although the heat was around 94F and lack of shade was impressive.
Things seen on the road

– camp site for a large group of fire jumpers and helicopters 

– deer

– rattle snake skin

– abandoned toilet with a flower in the bowl

– hundreds of broken down vehicles from the last 55 years

– tumbleweed

– Ranches with breathtaking views.
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