(Temporary Backup) Fire and Ice and Mosquitos and Dust-Day 3

Laying in our tents last night, we were observing the large number of insects wishing they could join us. We knew that they would be patient little bloodsuckers, knowing we would have to come out sometime. Sure enough, when I got out to pee at about 5:00am, they were right there waiting. I did manage to get back inside without letting any in (that I know of).

Normally when I get up, I get dressed in my cycling clothes first thing. I did do that, but I also put my long pants on. Once everything was packed up, then and only then did I take my pants off, and immediately spray bug spray on my legs. 

We left the campsite at 7:00! I chalk it up to the mosquito motivator!

Katie returning to the road. 

Onward for the last day. 

It was a nice downhill to a section of pavement on FS 30. 

Morning shadows!

Photo by Katie

We made quick work of the first several miles as there was only one short climb. I pointed out the shelter that Makaela and I only found the morning after we camped just across the creek in the rain. 

Not much further, we made the turn onto Outlaw Rd, and the longest climb of the day. It was 3.1 miles with an average grade of 5%. Of course, Geraldine and Katie, strong climbers that they are, shot right up the road. Me…not so much. There was even a spot where I ended up walking a 10% grade because my rear wheel was spinning out in the gravel, and I was running out of steam. 

Geraldine (who has now also been given the “trail name” Extra Credit) passed me going back down. When she caught up to me, we looked to our right and saw Mt. St. Helen’s!

Not much snow there!

Selfie time!

We finished the climb, and caught back up to Katie. We had another short climb, then a long long descent. The road was the roughest we had experienced on this route. Just before we were to turn back onto Carson Gular Rd, Katie noticed one of my fork bags was missing. Fortunately, it didn’t have much in it…just a few bars (when I got home I realized it also had my long spoon). Geraldine talked about going back. There was no way I was going back up the hill, who knows how far, to maybe find the bag. Besides, Ortlieb has come out with a 5.8 liter version (mine are 4.1) that I was planning to get because the 4.1 size is really too small. Both Katie and Geraldine have the 5.8 liter version. With that size, I might be able to fit my cook set in them. 

Back on Carson Gular Rd, we had a final 2 mile climb. There were a fare number of vehicles kicking up massive amounts of dust. It was also quite toasty. Still, I wore my buff to keep from inhaling too much dust. Near the end, Geraldine and Katie rode back to me, so we could finish all together. 

Those cyclists up ahead were out for a 50 mile ride from Carson called the Lava Fire Loop. The van is just up there!

Loaded up, changed, and ready to head home. 

We made a stop at my brother and sister-in-law’s place called The Cabin. Got to see my sister-in-law, Lori, but my brother was out of town. Got some great food!

Photo by Katie. Waiting for our food. 

Now I’m home, and most of my stuff has been unpacked. My lower legs are covered in mosquito bites, but at least they are clean now. 

This was a very fun bikepacking trip. Geraldine and Katie did great! I think they are hooked now! Time to plan the next one!