We awoke to clear skies and cool temperatures. Knowing that it would be even colder up at White Pass, we were in no hurry to start early. We drove up the same road in less than 30 minutes what had taken 3.5 hours to ride yesterday! Mt. Rainier was still there and still gorgeous. White Pass Ski Area was deserted, except for a few people in the nearby minimart. We started riding about 10 AM with jackets and long pants on. But we knew they would be coming off as we descended into warmer temperatures and a change of scenery.
About 3 miles down is Dog Lake, a popular fishing hole in summer, but ice covered all winter.
A roadside pullout at Clear Creek affords views of Clear Creek Falls, Clear Lake and Rimrock Lake, with mountains all around.
About 7 more miles of descending brought us down to Rimrock Lake.
US 12 runs along the north side of the lake with picturesque views at numerous spots. The water was uncharacteristically calm today, as the wind often blows here.
We found it a bit strange to ride this route, as it is so close to home and we have ridden it several times before. At the east end of the lake the State is doing rock fall mitigation, so we had a brief wait as the flaggers limited the road to one way traffic. The advantage for us was that they let the cars go first, then held all traffic while we rode through the work zone all by ourselves. This meant we got through the tunnel near the Tieton dam without having to worry about any cars.
There is steep but short descent right after the tunnel, and Dave likes to go fast, so he sped down at 41.3 mph while Dennis and Ann followed a bit slower. This took us down out of the fir forests, and into the pines more typical of the eastern side of the state. From here it was a gentle downslope along the Tieton River to Rimrock Retreat where we met Lea for lunch.
After that the gentle down continued until the pines ended, Mt Clemens suddenly appeared before us, and we hit the Naches River where SR 410 comes down from Chinook Pass.
It was easy flat riding the rest of the way to Yakima where we ended for the day at Dave's office.
The excitement wasn't over, however. Somehow after loading the bikes on the car carrier, nobody checked to make sure the straps were latched. About a mile down the road, we discovered that the "funny noise" was Ann's bike being dragged behind us, held only by a bungee cord! Fortunately, the left pedal, her saddle, the tape on the left handle bar and the rear rack took all of the damage, leaving the frame and wheels without a scratch! A trip to the local bike shop easily replaced these items and we are good to go for tomorrow.
A dinner of tuna steaks, pasta, and salad made at home was wonderful, and will be followed shortly by strawberry shortcake with berries from our garden! A night in our own bed will remind us that "there's no place like home"!
Stage 4 - There's No Place Like Home!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Yakima, Washington, United States
Other Entries
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1Preface to the Ride
May 1823 days priorYakima, United Statesphoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
2The Prologue
Jun 073 days priorNear Westport, United Statesphoto_camera3videocam 0comment 1 -
3Stage 1 - An inauspicious start!
Jun 073 days priorNear Westport, United Statesphoto_camera5videocam 0comment 0 -
4Stage 2 - A Glorious Day!
Jun 082 days priorMorton, United Statesphoto_camera7videocam 0comment 1 -
5Stage 3 - To the top of White Pass
Jun 091 day priorPackwood, United Statesphoto_camera9videocam 0comment 0 -
6Stage 4 - There's No Place Like Home!
Jun 10Yakima, United Statesphoto_camera16videocam 0comment 2 -
7Stage 5 - Sleeping In The Barn
Jun 111 day laterProsser, United Statesphoto_camera13videocam 0comment 0 -
8Stage 6 - Across State Lines
Jun 122 days laterPendleton, United Statesphoto_camera50videocam 0comment 0 -
9Stage 7 - A Case of the Blues (Mountains that is!)
Jun 133 days laterBaker City, United Statesphoto_camera29videocam 0comment 0 -
10Stage 8 - 100 miles of headwinds (almost)
Jun 144 days laterOntario, United Statesphoto_camera4videocam 0comment 0 -
11Stage 9 - Take it Easy
Jun 155 days laterNampa, United Statesphoto_camera20videocam 0comment 1 -
12Stage 10 - A Thousand Miles From Nowhere
Jun 166 days laterGlenns Ferry, United Statesphoto_camera20videocam 0comment 0 -
13Stage 11 - Bicycling Bliss!
Jun 177 days laterBuhl, United Statesphoto_camera16videocam 0comment 0 -
14Stage 12 - The End of the Beginning
Jun 188 days laterPocatello, United Statesphoto_camera9videocam 0comment 1
Comments

2025-02-10
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Bucky
2013-06-11
Go Bowmans!! I am a little jealous of your trip, but am loving all the updates. Enjoy the sun and the sights!
Glenda
2013-06-11
You guys crack me up! Strawberries and your own bed! Who woulda thunk it? So glad you're having fun!