Minnesota Mike's Ride Across America

Day 3, Friday, Aug 25th, Leavenworth – Chelan, 56 miles, elevation climb 1,978. Total miles 165.

In an adventure and going into this I knew there would be good days and some not so good. I had a mixture over the past three days!

Started ride in cool, drizzly weather. Nice breakfast at hotel and talked to a nice couple from Hawaii, gave them my condolences on the terrible fire. Overcast weather turned into upper 80’s clear day by afternoon. Had a big climb to ride to Chelan and thru a long tunnel, was able to press a button at start of tunnel to indicate to cars that a bike was in tunnel, no shoulder so was stressful 🤪. I do have a flashing tail light on at all times! Ate sandwich from a couple days ago for dinner and left over pizza. Camped in Chelan, very nice lake community with lots of water activities. No campsites available so put me on a patch of grass by the lawn maintenance equipment.

Day 4. Chelan – Omak, 57 miles, elevation gain 1,663’. Total miles 222

Not a restful sleep, lied in sleeping bag listening to cars for a couple hours before dozing off. Up at 6:15am and off to bakery for a quick breakfast. Nice sunny morning and a downhill to start ride. Took a side road off of 97A for three miles past apple orchards and could not resist, picked a couple apples, felt like Adam😊

Came across a back up of cars on 97. Bad motorcycle/car accident. Responders let me go past on shoulder. I saw the motorcycle sprawled out and occupants of car crying, I looked away. Few minutes later ambulance passed me. Said a lot of prayers for the motorcyclist. I am sure on coming car went out to pass and hit motorcyclist straight on.

Stopped in Brewster for lunch at Subway and charge phone. After motorcycle incident I decided to take Google Maps cycling route to Okanogan. What a mistake. Started with a steep 1 mile climb. Thereafter a primitive road that turned into gravel, sand, boulders. 7 – 8 degree incline had to dismount and push bike up washboard dirt road. Turned into one narrow lane. I was on a jeep trail and did not see another car for almost 2 hours! 10 miles in the foothills! And hot! I was exhausted when I finally got back on 97 and limped into Okanogan. Stopped at gas station in town to look at maps and quick rest back on bike and almost tumbled with a flat front tire!!

Stayed in Omak at a $59 hotel. Was told to bring bike inside. Walked downtown to a Mexican good dinner and beer. Very distressed town. Not a good day. Hoping for better tomorrow. Even convenience store clerk who was smoking a cig outside store told me to bring my bike in store.

Day 5 Omak – Republic. 67 miles, 4,200 elevation gain. Total miles 289. A good day!

Today will be a big day as I go over Wauconda Pass, 4,310’. Hoping to make it to Republic. Headed north into a 20-25 mph headwind for 27 miles into Tonasket. Had a leisurely breakfast outside at 11:20am. I caught up to my original plan route that had to be diverted due to a fire. Can now use Adventure Cycling maps. Stayed at breakfast a little longer, not looking forward to next 40 miles over pass. 3,500 foot elevation climb. Half way up climb saw a handmade sign for a store open. Was Heaven sent, needed more liquids. Hot, in the 90’s. Wind has subsided heading west now. Stopped on side of road for lunch.

Stopped for a drink on descent and heard crashing in the woods. And bugling from a few moose. They were so close! Don’t hear that when wizzing by in a car!! Was a tough but good day. Staying at Northern Inn Motel in Republic. Another big day tomorrow over Sherman Pass, steep climb to 5,575 elevation. Need to lighten my packs!!