pdx-canada(Trans-Washington+plus some)

[Nathan Jones]

So in prep for riding to the TD in 2011 I'm doing a 5 day test run of the route to Banff, but only to the Canadian border.  There's a concrete monument of Stonehenge just past the gorge in Washington which I chose as my starting point.  Hence the name, "Stonehenge to Canada".  Ridiculously epic name for a ride across WA,  .  Elevation looks to be around 25k with a little over 900 miles.  It's a paved ride but still a full fledged bike packing ride so I figured I'd post it here.  It's going to be in January so, woo, the cold is pretty much going to be my incentive to just keep moving, fun!  Anyway, I'll post a tracker if any body wants to watch, at least I know it will keep my dad entertained for the weekend, he's become a blue dot addict.  I attached the route in kml and gpx if anyone is interested.  If any NWers got any re-route recommendations feel free just as long as it's not an insane elevation increase or decrease.

[6thElement]

I did wonder how you were going to make it down the A303 then across the Atlantic in only 3 days

Looking at the profile, enjoy that first 20 miles and you seem to be climbing a wall at 160miles in.

[Nathan Jones]

The climbing is going to be tough, but I think it's possible.  The temps on the other hand are what are really going to get me.  It's supposed to hit -3 in Bridgeport tonight, it's +3 now, barf.  But it's a cold snap and average temps on the route should be more between 15-35 degrees.  Ugh, if it's colder than zero F then I don't think I'm even going to attempt it.  I'm already buying gear just to get me down to zero, anything lower would just be stupid at that point.     I don't like the cold, what can I say?

[jimmythefly]

Check out Kent's bike blog (google it) and find his description of his ride from Seattle to Banff (he called it the pre-ride or prologue, I think). That should give you a couple of ideas.

[dkirk]

Hey Nathan,
Sounds like a fun training trip. Being from the area, I'd be a little concerned about Satus Pass in January. Fairly busy with lots of semis and not too much of a shoulder. It also has a fairly bad reputation for inebriated drivers. Another option might be the Goldendale Bickleton then Bickleton Mabton roads. From there its a straight shot to Sunnyside and up 241 back to your original plan. Pretty sure those highways are maintained through the winter and would have much less traffic.
good luck,
Dave

[Nathan Jones]

Dave,

Yeah, I was giving up on Satus Pass after seeing the cam over the weekend.  My GF is dropping me off from pdx so I was trying to keep her from driving too far. But, I was not really looking forward to being that jerk on a snowy climb with no shoulder so I think you're alt sounds pretty good, I will update my plans!

Nathan

[Nathan Jones]

Dave/all, updated to a new route leaving from pdx and with less climbing, more mileage, and a  lower overall elevation.  Thinking I'm going to give myself five full days for it as I really think the cold is going to take it's toll on me.  My work is going to be flexible with which weekends I take some vacation so whenever there's a warm spell in the route come late jan/early feb I'm going to head out.  Right now most of the route isn't going to get below 20 tonight, I could ride in this without crying too much, lol.  Dave if you feel like vetting my route again feel free!

Jimmy,  Just noticed your post there, yeah, I had considered Kent's route, but I'm actually looking forward to riding the trans-canadian highway. 

[redtabby]

Hi Nathan,

With the way this winter is taking shape, I would be a little concerned about snow/ice conditions
through at least mid-February.  The US97 corridor is a dog's breakfast on a day like today,
and there can be days like today well through January.  You can avoid some of the passes,
but we still have ice fog and snow throughout which would make for a pretty dicey trip
when you are contending with traffic on two-lane roads.  I'm in Ellensburg and I've been
to the Stonehenge a few times.  It was constructed as a monument to soldiers from the
area who perished in WWI.  Surreal.

[Nathan Jones]

Yeah, this is probably gonna have to have till April, if at all, thanks for the advice.  Looks like I'm going to be pedaling around the Willamette Valley all winter, again!