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Biking in Washington - What Are the Options?
By Jerri Brooker
Times have changed since I used to ride my bike over the paved roads of the local cemetery and on the abandoned airstrip at the local airport, hours spent just being a kid and enjoying life on wheels. Today there are too many people, too little places to ride. It's still a lot of fun, though, and more than a competitive sport for many.
The outdoors and sports go together for many Washingtonians. Bicycling, especially. It's big in this state. So this week I'm taking you around Washington State to find the best places to bike. Get that helmet on and join me, won't you? Tour the open road, feel the wind gently brushing your skin as your spirits lift you into feeling free as a bird. Okay, if you're a beginner it may take a while, but you'll get it soon. Promise.
Five Special Bike Rides in Western Washington
There are excellent biking trails throughout our state, north to south in western Washington, so lets visit some of them. Click on the links for more information as you read the following descriptions.
(1) For starters try the Snohomish Valley 29.4-mile Bike Ride. This is a wonderful country route with unspoiled scenery. On Sundays Cathcart's Horseshoe Grange holds a family-style dinner - lots of bikers join in. The ride starts at Monroe Riverside Park.
(2) Want that island biking experience? You won't have a better time than on Lopez Island. The Lopez Island Bike Ride is a smaller, less-densely populated island in the San Juans. Very scenic 29.2 miles. You'll not be alone, as this is a popular spot. But there's not a lot on the island as far as restaurants. Come prepared. The Lopez Island Bike Ride starts at the Upright Head ferry landing - you initially take the ferry from Anacortes.
(3) Another island ride is on Bainbridge Island Bike Ride along saltwater beaches and harbors. Take the ferry from Seattle to Winslow; the 36-mile Bainbridge Island Bike Ride starts there. Pass by some state parks as you view Seattle across Puget Sound. Lots of hills on this one.
(4) South Lake Washington is a fun place to cruise in Seattle. Get with the program on this easy 26-mile South Lake Washington Bike Ride starting at Gene Coulan Park in Renton. Take the family, feed the ducks, have a picnic. On Sundays some roads are closed to make it an easy family ride.
(5) Finally, if flat ground is your thing, try the 32-mile Skagit Flats Bike Ride amidst farms, wildlife and a fishing village, the popular tourist town of LaConner. Travel through Fir Island between the north and south forks of the Skagit. This ride starts at the Mount Vernon Edgewater Park.
Ten Great Biking Trails in Eastern Washington
Sally O'Neal Coates has written an article at GuideOutdoors about Eastern Washington bike trails. She gives information on:
(1) the 9.2 -mile Spokane downtown ride,
(2) the 17.4 Walla Walla Stateline Loop,
(3) the 18.2-mile Winthrop Twin Lakes Loop,
(4) the 36.2-mile Palouse Tour from Colfax,
(5) the 27.2-mile Selah-Naches Valley Ride,
(6) the 29.6 Waitts Lake-Chewelah Scenic Ride,
(7) the 31.5 Richland-Benton city Loop,
(8) the 64.2 Davenport-Fort Spokane Loop,
(9) the 83.9-mile Grand Coulee Coulee Dam Route and
(10) the 87.9-mile Wenatchee-Chelan Overnight Route.
A lot of these routes are not for the novice. Also take into account the hot summer and snowy-cold winters in these areas. Be prepared. You'll see some beautiful country, though, quite different from Western Washington. Every thing from pine-covered mountainous areas to deserts and dams.
Mountain Biking
Want to do some mountain biking? This is serious stuff in our state. Here's a great site to find out about trails all over the state, 128 of them when I last checked the site: http://www.dirtworld.com/trails/traillis... . What I like about this list: it gives skill level and describes the trails and locations for you. There are links to races, travel, community, etc.
Biking Calendar
Here's a good link with the 2001 biking calendar at Gregg's Cycles: http://www.greggscycles.com/ - click on calendar. There are some serious races listed here (mountain bike, road and cyclocross), along with tours and centuries. Group rides are also listed.
The West Coast's only cycling Velodrome is in Redmond, Washington. Watch bike races every Friday night through November.
Bicycle Clubs
More, more, you say? Want to know about races, where you can find a rider buddy, what events are happening and chat with other bikers? Though there are undoubtably more clubs, these are a few places to start:
(1) The Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle.
(2) The Chinook Bicycling Club in Yakima.
(3) The Spokane Bicycle Club.
Happy Biking Trails to You
Guess this is it for now. Get those legs in shape and get going. See Washington up-close-and-personal. Feel the freedom. Bike!
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Cycling in Britain
by Myra VanInwegen
This provides information for visitors to Britain who would like to do some cycling while they are here. I try to cover both on and off-road cycling.
Finding your way around
Maps
Most people use maps made by the Ordnance Survey (OS). They have several categories of maps.
If you're a road biker, the most useful to you would be the Landranger (bright pink cover, 1:50,000 scale, 2cm to 1km or 1 1/4" to 1mi) for detail, and Road maps (green cover, 1:250,000 scale, 1cm to 6.25km or 1" to 10 miles) for route planning (helps to see the big picture). Also useful are the Touring maps, which have various scales, depending on the density of roads (1:500,000 for Scotland to 1:75,000 for London).
The Landranger maps also have all trails on them as well as contour lines, so you can use them for walking and mountain biking too. They have sufficient detail in the villages to enable you to find your way through them, and also to find pubs, windmills, and other interesting features. However, to find street names you'll need to buy specific city and town maps.
Road maps show much more area per map, and thus are good for long-distance route planning. They also mean that you need to carry far fewer maps for a given area. Nowadays I only use these maps for road touring, as I don't seem to need the extra detail of the Landranger maps. The Road maps show fewer contour lines and only the vague outlines of the longest paths, but they show most if not all of the roads in the area. There are private companies (like Philip's and A-Z) that make maps of about the same scale as the OS maps. They show even less off-road info than the Travelmaster maps, but this leads for a less cluttered map if you're only interested in the roads. Note: different maps show different types of accomodation. OS maps show both campgrounds and youth hostels, Philip's show only youth hostels, and A-Z maps don't show either.
I haven't actually used the Touring maps (they're quite new), but they look to be useful, having the right scale for the area they are covering.
Off-road paths are marked on the Landranger (pink cover, 1:50,000 scale) and Explorer (orange cover, 1:25,000 scale) and Outdoor Leisure (yellow cover, 1:25,000 scale).
Categories of roads
Motorways: equivalent to American interstate highways. Bikes are forbidden from these. On maps they're identified by color (blue on Landranger maps) and name (like M11).
A-roads: these range from something that pretty much looks like a motorway to a simple road that has one lane in each direction and only a line down the middle dividing the two lanes. You want to avoid the first kind, but the smaller A-roads are OK. Usually the lanes are reasonably wide and the road surface is good. They're good for getting places if you want to get there fast, but since in general they have a fair amount of traffic they're not all that pleasant. These are also identified by color (red on Landranger maps) and name (like A14) on maps.
B-roads: typically a road with medium width lanes, one lane in each direction. Less traffic than an A-road, and not quite as well paved. Shown by color (orangy-brown on Landranger maps) and name on maps.
Unclassified roads: roads that aren't motorways, A-roads, or B-roads. They are shown in yellow on Landranger maps and are sometimes called yellow roads, also called C-roads. These don't get names on maps. You navigate using village names. Villages are scattered throughout the countryside here. You plan your route by noting which villages you will go through. At every intersection there are signs showing the direction and distance to the nearby villages. Another hint to help you find your way is that in towns and villages, roads that leave the town are often named after the town or village they lead to. So if you're in Barton and want to go to Comberton, you take Comberton Road. The same road changes name to become Barton Road as you get to Comberton.
For maximum riding pleasure, unclassified roads are the best for riding on, as they have the least traffic and the most scenery. They are also the most hilly. Some of them are marked as being very skinny on the map. These are called single track roads, so called because they aren't wide enough for two cars to pass. There are frequent "passing places", paved places where you can pull off the road to let someone coming in the opposite direction get by you. However, for long-distance riding, I prefer B-roads. Generally these are a bit better paved and navigation is easy because you can just get on the road and follow the signs to stay on it, rather than doing the navigate-by-villages thing.
Long Distance Cycle Routes
An organization called Sustrans has been working on establishing a network of signed paths called the National Cycle Network. They generally use the smallest roads that go in the general desired direction, and often go off-road onto cycle paths when suitable roads aren't available. They offer great scenery, but are best suited for rides when you don't want to get anywhere fast. The routes tend to be circuitous and quite hilly, and a few of the off-road bits are very tough.
Cycle Paths and Pavements
Cycle paths are (usually) paved paths that either run next to roads (on what we call the pavements, known in the US as sidewalks) or through parks, along rivers, and whatnot. Unless the pavement has a sign designating it a cycle path, you are not allowed to ride on it. (Nevertheless, many beginner cyclists do.) The cycle paths not next to roads can be of great value, allowing you to take a shorter, perhaps more scenic, route to get where you're going. However, cycle paths next to roads are usually of no benefit for experienced cyclists and are best avoided.
A slightly tricky question is: if a cycle path is provided next to a road, do you have to use it? The answer is that you are not legally obliged to use it. The Highway Code suggests that you should, but this is not a legally binding document, it's just a collection of suggestions for safe use of roads. I would suggest that as long as you know how to handle yourself on the road (e.g. getting into the proper position on the road as you approach junctions, signalling clearly, etc) that you ignore the cycle paths and use the roads. Riding on cycle paths is a hassle as you have to give way at every junction, and because of the increased danger at every junction, you're more likely to be hit by a car. If you ride on the road, motorists may honk their horns at you and point at the cycle path, but you should ignore them: you are riding safely and properly.
Navigation off-road
Off-road paths are marked on the Landranger (pink cover, 1:50,000 scale) and Explorer (orange cover, 1:25,000 scale) and Outdoor Leisure (yellow cover, 1:25,000 scale). The paths that the public are allowed to use are called rights-of-way. All of them are marked on the Landranger maps, but you'll get more detail on the Explorer or Outdoor Leisure maps. There are four types of rights-of-way: footpaths, bridleways, RUPPs (road used as public path) and BOATs (byway open to all traffic). The RUPPS are in the process of going away, being replaced by bridleways or byways.
Walkers can use all of these paths; horses and cyclists can use the bridleways, RUPPs, and byways; and motorized vehicles can only use the RUPPs and byways.
There are also some ambiguous markings. A black dotted line means a path that is not a right of way. Sometimes you're allowed on these paths, sometimes not. It's up to the landowner to decide (I think). There are also "white roads", which are not colored (hence white) on the map. Again, sometimes you are allowed, sometimes not. My approach to these paths and roads is to head towards them, and as long as I don't see any signs saying I shouldn't be there, I assume I'm allowed. (Officially I think you're supposed to get the permission of the landowner first.)
Most footpaths, bridleways, and byways are marked by signs along the roads. These are usually green metal (sometimes wooden) and on poles so they're about 2 meters above the ground. Sometimes the sign will tell you what villages the paths lead to and the distance to them (e.g. public footpath Hauxton 2 1/2), but sometimes they just identify the direction and type of path. Where paths intersect out in the country you'll sometimes see signs like the ones along the road, but you'll often see simple waymarks instead. These are metal circles with colored arrows nailed to posts along the trail. A yellow arrow indicates footpath, a blue arrow a bridleway, and a red arrow a byway.
Hazards peculiar to riding on British roads
The main "hazard" is roundabouts. To get these safely you need to know the traffic rules relating to them. I have an article on cycling in traffic; the roundabouts section is here. Actually, the entire article is worth reading if you're not familiar with effective cycling techniques.
The main other possible hazard I can think of is that the roads around here are fairly narrow. The main place in which this causes difficulties is in towns. The cars have less opportunity to pass you, and they can sometimes get impatient, and then pass you with too little room (in my opinion) to spare. But I have never felt in any real danger because of this.
In comparison to riding in the US, you're far less likely to be the victim of a violent attack here. It's very rare in the US, I know, and I felt reasonably safe during my two solo tours there. But it's almost unheard of over here. I feel perfectly safe riding by myself in the night on lonely country roads. Also you're far less likely to get things hurled at you, and slightly less likely to have insults hurled at you.
Where to stay
The main choices for travellers are camping, youth hostels, and B&Bs/hotels. Some people are hardy enough to do camping trips, but it's not very warm here even in the summer, and it can be fairly rainy, so this isn't the best way to travel. Youth hostels offer a nice, reasonably priced way to get around. A bunk in a hostel is inexpensive (usually around 10 pounds per night), and most hostels have washing and drying facilities as well as a locked shed for bikes. Usually they have a kitchen where you can cook your own food; some have a cafeteria where you can buy meals. Most of the hostels in Britain are part of the YHA (many in Ireland are independently owned). Sometimes hostels are completely filled on weekends with school groups, so it's a good idea to book ahead if you know where you're going to be.
B&B/hotels are another nice way to see the country. Many people do B&B (bed & breakfast) for some extra income, so if you're just cycling around, as long as the road isn't too small, there's a good chance you'll find a B&B when you're getting ready to retire for the night. However, in peak season in the most touristy areas, B&Bs in towns can fill up, especially during special events. B&B price is typically somewhere near 20 pounds a night, often more in larger towns and cities. Some of them serve an evening meal, especially if you ask in advance, but most only do breakfast, so you'll have to go to a restaurant or pub for dinner.
Hotels can also be useful for accomodation, but they aren't as frequent as B&Bs, so are better used when you're planning a trip in advance. Hotels tend to be more expensive than B&Bs. They usually include breakfast in the cost, and are more likely to do dinners than B&Bs.
Where to eat
If you're out for a long ride it's nice to take a break in the middle of the day for a rest and refuel stop. The usual places to stop for a sit-down meal are cafes, pubs, and tea rooms. Most villages have at least one, and they are generally very welcoming to cyclists, even in bright lycra. Lunch times are typically noon to 2pm.
If you don't want a sit-down meal, but just want to get some food to eat while sitting on a park bench or from the saddle, then most villages have shops/newsagents where you can buy biscuits (cookies), chocolate bars, or cereal bars. Most petrol station shops have sandwiches, if you're looking for something a bit more substantial. Some village shops stay open quite late, but some close early. The petrol station shops usually stay open very late.
Bike hire
It's rare to be able to rent (hire, in UK English) nice road bikes. There are lots of bike hire places, but they're mainly for visiting students and tourists who aren't serious bikers. They only rent out either cheap mountain bikes or cheap town bikes (with fenders, front baskets, generators, etc). If you want to ride a nice road bike it's probably best to bring your own. Or, if you desire a touring bike, buy one while you're here. There's much more choice here than in the US. If you're in a good MTBing area, there's a chance you'll be able to rent a fairly trail-worthy bike from a nearby bike shop.
The CTC
The Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) is Britain's largest bike organization. Originally it was mostly a bike touring club (hence the name) but now it is the most active organization involved in lobbying for cyclists' right, and it includes a growing off-road section as well.
If you're looking for lots of route information, it may be useful to join the CTC, as this info is free to members. See their Web pages. Also, there are CTC District Associations all over Britain, and sufficiently fit (check with the DA: this varies alot!) people are welcomed on the rides.
Other info
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Ingredients for the perfect trail
By Bike Addict
I used to think I knew what the perfect trail was. It was behind my house, easy access, had lot's of rollers and then ended with a big drop called "death hill", followed by a huge jump. Of course I was 10 at the time, living in Pleasant Hill, California, and my world had a 15 mile radius.
Over 20 years later, I still look for "rollers", "big drops" and "huge jumps", but I don't think that's all it takes to be the perfect trail.
Trail material: Soft but packed soil. The kind that has just enough moisture to allow someone to follow behind you without having to breath through a filter. Northwest forest soil.
Width: About 24" on the straights and increasing at varying amounts for corners depending on need. Singletrack only.
Length : If it weren't for fatigue, thirst and sore hands from braking, I'd say all trails were too short. Trails should end while you're still having fun, so you don't add it to your list of trails never to ride again. (i.e. Great Western Trail, Payson Bush Trail)
Edges : Trail should curve up slightly at each edge about 3 to 5 inches. Just enough to keep you on the trail, but not so much as to be a trough that can toss you with one mistake.
Incline/Decline: I think if I had my druthers, I would be in perfect shape regardless of exercise and eating habits and all trails would be downhill. I will say, although I really hate climbing, I love how I feel after a long ascent and believe I've earned the downhill. That said, I think I'd still take a chairlift. Decline should be just enough to keep you from having to pedal, but not so steep as to force you to brake constantly.
Corners/Turns: 3 or 4 turns in groups followed by long straight or slightly twisting sections. Should have huge berms so you can ride your bike at a 90 degree angle if you want. You shouldn't have to slow down for them.
Obstacles: Rock beds, logs, boulders, rivers. Keep them together in sections with long fast stretches between them. Should all be rideable/jumpable without loss of velocity. Absolutely no hikers, horses, or bikers going the reverse direction.
Drops/Jumps: These should be much more frequent than obstacles and come in all sizes. They should still come in sections though. Neither should take you from your "riding rhythm" and shouldn't require you to stop and prepare. Both should have landings with downward slopes, but airtime is unlimited, as long as the landing is smooth and within your bike and body's pounding limits.
Location: Right behind your house, but nobody else knows about it except your closest friends. And they have to ask you for directions every time they go.
Temperature: 80 degrees for descents and 65 degrees for climbs.
Scenery: Green meadows, huge mountains, thick forests, aspens, pines, lakes, rivers, moose, deer, etc. Lot's of variety.
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Mountain Biking
The Right Trip
By David Noland
Mountain bikers get to marvel that they didn’t see a single person all day or brag about the big air they got coming down that last stretch of singletrack. No matter where you go, of that much you can be sure. But you’ll need to consider what kind of trip is your speed, both on the trail and off.
Where to Go
Popular U.S. mountain-bike destinations include southeast Utah, northern California, and North Carolina. Overseas hot spots include Costa Rica, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. In general, mountain-bike trips focus on wilderness rather than culture.
Degree of Difficulty
Some mountain-bike excursions are essentially road-style trips that just happen to be on dirt roads. Most fat-tire trips, however, involve some singletrack riding and require technical skills. The big draw is the adrenaline rush of flying down tricky terrain. If you choose the latter, be very sure that your skills are up to snuff. If not, extensive walking may result.
Variations on a Theme
No matter how challenging or leisurely your trip, everybody is going to have a few sore parts at the day’s end. But all mountain-bike excursions are not created equal: For some riders, nightfall brings a cozy campfire and a tent under big starry skies, while others will rest their weary selves in the luxury of a historic inn, spa, or lodge. It all depends upon what kind of experience you want. But in general, off-road trips tend to be cheaper because they involve camping or stays in fairly primitive off-the-beaten-path accommodations.
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Mountain Biking in the Bay Area
By Sharael Feist
With sunny skies and dry trails, spring is a great time to hop on your mountain bike and go for a ride. The San Francisco Bay Area, the birthplace of mountain biking, has a plethora of places of explore on your bike.
North Bay :
China Camp State Park: This 1,640-acre park is a very popular mountain biking location, with vistas of the San Francisco Bay and rolling single track trails. Both beginners and more advanced riders will enjoy this area. For more information visit the following Web site: "http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=466".
Mount Tamalpais State Park : Located in Marin County, this is a great ride for those wanting a long, steep workout. A fireroad takes riders up the sweeping slopes of Mount Tam. Once you reach the top--2,571 feet--the views of the Bay are well worth the tough ride to get there. The ride back down is the fun part--all down hill! For more information visit the following Web site: "http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=471".
Peninsula :
Water Dog Lake Park: With seven miles of trails, this isn't a large park, but for those looking for some challenging terrain, there are plenty of steep single track trails to get you huffin' and puffin'. There are a limited number of fire roads as well. This park is located in the city of Belmont. For more information visit the following Web site: "http://mtb.live.com/rides/WaterDog.html".
El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve : Better known as Skeggs (named after Skeggs Point where the parking lot is located), this spot is for serious mountain bikers--with lots of technical single track trails. The 2,821-acre area winds through redwoods and offers various vistas worth stopping to take a look at..
South Bay :
Henry W. Coe State Park: This 80,000-acre park has plenty of trails and varied terrain to keep mountain bikers entertained for hours. For more information visit the following Web site: "http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=561".
Wilder Ranch State Park : With 34 miles of trails, this park is a great place for all levels of bikers to enjoy. The area can tend to be a bit foggy since it's near the coast, but don't let that stop you. There is also a coastal trail for those wanting a less mountainy ride with views of the ocean. While you're in the area, also check out Big Basin State Park. There's a nice wooded ride that leads to a short hike to a waterfall. For more information visit the following Web site: "http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=549".
East Bay :
Mount Diablo State Park:
Riding to the top of the 3,849-foot summit is challenging ride that pays off with the spectacular views of the Bay Area. This is also a popular rock climbing destination. For more information visit the following Web site: "http://cal-parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=517".
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Riverside State Park
By Jerri Brooker
Riverside State Park northwest of Spokane skirts the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers. It’s a great place to camp if you enjoy the water and has beautiful scenic views, but it’s also a fun place to hike and see some history on the side.
Since I talked about walking in my last article, I was ready for some action. We packed up our grandkids on spring break and headed to the park by the Little Spokane River to see the Indian Painted Rocks.
We arrived and scurried out of our two cars, leaving the packed picnic for later. The parking fee in our state parks is $5 for all day. We paid our fee and got everyone situated on this sunny morning, ready to get on the trail to our destination.
The first thing I noticed when we arrived was a rattlesnake warning; be sure you keep your eyes and ears open as you hike when it gets warmer.
Anyway, with excited kids and curious minds we were so busy getting ready to walk we didn't get our bearings. We took a trail to the right of the parking lot without realizing the trail to the left right behind the sign held the wonders of the Native American pictographs.
Valley Trail
As we wandered off with five kids and our daughter along what was labeled the Valley Trail we soon saw evidence of lots of wildlife - droppings and footprints of coyotes, deer, possibly bear or cougar. The three girls were so noisy I think they kept most of the critters at bay. One deer managed to hang around for one of us to see, so did a couple of magpies.
We finally realized we were surely on the wrong trail as we kept walking the rustic road with no pictographs or signs within eyesight. After about a half hour we turned back, but not before the kids came upon a deer carcass that had been stripped clean by other hungry animals. That was the highlight of their day for them. I could have done without that sight, though I realize that’s how nature operates.
This trail did make me feel I was back in time, with all the wildlife activity evident, not an everyday event. If you are the adventuresome type and like pine forests and all the surprises they have to offer, this trail is for you.
Looking back, I smile. Every time we decided to turn back someone in the group said, "Let's see what's around that next corner." We went quite a bit further that way. It's sort of like life; you never know what's around the next corner. But soon we let the next corner be and headed back to where we started.
Indian Painted Rocks
When we got back to the parking lot we saw our very apparent mistake and headed to see the pictographs that were right by the parking lot! They're fenced to keep onlookers out so they aren’t destroyed, but I managed to put my camera between bars for this shot.
It’s always a shame to see fencing, but we enjoyed seeing the drawings anyway. Guess I can imagine the human spirit would like to touch if possible, then eventually the paintings would fade. The brochure said the paint the Native Americans used was a mixture of ochre, saliva and animal grease or fish oil; the paint was reddish. I much prefer modern artistic tools, thank you!
Little Spokane River Natural Area
The kids were getting hungry so we didn’t walk too far down the other trail, but we saw some Canada Geese nesting in the reeds, some ducks, some squirrels. We smelled the presence of a skunk – I was ready to head elsewhere, so we did. It’s really a pretty trail and I can’t wait until we make it back to explore some more another day.
The park brochure on this Natural Area trail says you walk “through a dry pine forest and grass meadows and climb a granite rock, all while being able to view the freshwater marshes.” It is a lovely place. Kayakers may also launch here and enjoy the Little Spokane River.
Suspension Bridge
Getting situated back at the car we then drove to the picnic area, which is well marked, and ate our lunch overlooking the Spokane River. Finished, we trekked on down to walk over the foot-traffic-only suspension bridge. It was originally built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and was rebuilt using their plans in 1998. Since the spring runoff is heavy right now, the river was mighty powerful.
I was amazed to learn they built the bridge in two pieces in the 30's and then transported it to the site. I still wonder how they put it all together over that raging river.
Pitcher and Bowl
Looking down the river we saw the “pitcher” of the famous Bowl and Pitcher basalt rocks. Couldn’t see the bowl.
We did see lots of "day hikers." If you’re a hiker and want to hook up to the Centennial Trail that goes through Spokane and clear into Idaho, you can catch the trail just a half-mile from the other side of the bridge. It's a 37-mile-long trail.
Park Particulars
The kids were wearing down and it was time to head home, but it was a great shot-in-the-arm for this nature lover. Hope you make it to the area if you can. The 10,000-acre park is a keeper.
There is a mile of disabled access in the park, 55 miles of hiking trail, 55 miles of biking trails, 25 miles of horse trails and a 600-acre area for riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles in season. There’s a boat ramp; the river is restricted to kayaks, canoes and rafts. There are three kitchen shelters and if you can’t find a table in the 132-table picnic area, well, what can I say?
If camping is your thing, there’s a group camp area with 13 hook-up sites and a large tent area. The main campground has 19 non-hook-up sites and three hook-up sites. For more information on all the sites and fees go to http://www.riversidestatepark.org/ . You can reserve a site by calling (509) 465-5064. The website provides a lot of other information for the park visitor. Check it out.
Washington Parks have all kinds of experiences to offer; this is one - a fun one by a river, an impressive river at that. Don’t take my word for it, though; get out there and see it for yourself. It's even more enjoyable if you share the experience with family or friends.
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Mountain Biking
Top 10 Mountain Biking Trips
You won’t cover as much ground as you would on pavement. And no, there may not be a quaint little inn at the end of the day’s ride. But that’s it for the drawbacks of touring on a mountain bike. The advantages? Read on: We’re content to let our picks for the world’s best rides do the talking for us.
1. Slickrock Trail, Utah, U.S.A.
For any off-road rider, Moab’s singular challenge is an essential right of passage. Slickrock is nothing more than a series of white dots painted onto a huge expanse of solid sandstone, but it’s also hallowed ground, featuring some of the most legendary--and legendarily steep--mountain-bike terrain in the world. Contrary to its name, the smooth surface actually provides superb traction, so conquering the countless climbs and drop-offs is a matter of pure skill, strength, and nerve.
2. King’s Trail, Grand Paradiso National Park, Italy.
In the shadow of the Alps’ grandest peaks, Mount Blanc and the Matterhorn, this park was once the private hunting grounds of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who sent his minions to carve a trail into the mountains so he could build a lofty lodge. Now mountain bikers revel in the switchbacks left behind, covering 34 miles and nearly 4,000 vertical feet.
3. Big Boulder Ride, California, U.S.A.
By definition, most of the world’s best off-road rides are in the middle of nowhere. Case in point: the Big Boulder, which starts from the tiny gold-rush mining town of Downieville, hidden in the Tahoe National Forest four hours northeast of San Francisco. The 22-mile loop through endless evergreen forests includes more than 7,000 feet of climbing, but the payoff is the two-hour streamside singletrack descent that brings the ride back home.
4. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
On safari…via mountain bike. The QE is a 60-mile-long swath of grasslands and water-filled cinder cones that runs along Lake Edwards on Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pedal the park’s dirt roads amid hippos, elephants, impalas, warthogs, and even lions--the last being why it’s best to ride midday, when the cats are resting.
5. Deer Trail, Colorado, U.S.A.
Take a ski town, place it at the end of a 30-mile box canyon, and sprinkle in a maze of abandoned mining roads and trails. Then spice with fields of lupine, Indian paintbrush, and quaking aspens. The classic route through this singletrack Valhalla, otherwise known as Crested Butte, is the Deer Trail, which winds high into the surrounding mountains. If the view of craggy Rocky peaks doesn’t make you gasp, the thin air above 10,000 feet surely will.
6. Kettle Valley Railbed, Canada.
For those who want a full-on backcountry experience without bruising climbs or tricky singletrack, this is the place. The trail follows an abandoned 350-mile railway built through the rugged mountains of British Columbia at the turn of the century to transport minerals to the coast. Its highlight is the section through Myra Canyon, complete with 18 trestles, two tunnels (still maintained and passable), and grades that max out at a gentle 3 percent.
7. Gauley Headwaters Trail, West Virginia, U.S.A.
Appalachia has all the key ingredients for off-road riding: deep woods, high hills, and trails galore. The crème de la crème is the Gauley Headwaters, which snakes 30 miles and 5,000 vertical feet through the Allegheny Mountains in Monongahela National Forest. Advanced riders will revel in the root- and rock-covered singletrack, set in hardwood forests and dense thickets of rhododendron.
8. North Face of the Eiger, Switzerland.
No, we’re not suggesting you bike up the 5,000-foot face that Clint Eastwood (or at least Clint Eastwood’s double) clung to in The Eiger Sanction. Rather, we’re talking about a sweet-and-much-lower-down tour that includes a combination of singletrack and old farm roads that wind around the north side of this majestic 13,000-foot peak. Base yourself out of Murren, a quintessential Swiss village that happens to be automobile-free (it’s accessible only by cable car).
9. Centennial Trail, South Dakota, U.S.A.
This 111-mile route is like riding through a Western movie, complete with buttes, prairie, caves, bison, and countless other Western icons. The terrain varies from tame to burly, with a favorite for technical riding being the stretch through Custer State Park.
10. Route of the Conquistadors, Costa Rica.
Where they pillaged and plundered, you grunt and sweat. The 270-mile trail crosses the spine of the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific--meaning a climb from sea level to more than 10,000 feet and back again--through a constantly changing landscape that ranges from barren lava fields to lush rainforest. It’s an experience neither you nor your quadriceps are likely to forget.
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