Day 5 -- Winthrop to Omak -- 96 Degrees

Yesterday was an off day in Winthrop.  Provided opportunities for laundry; cleaning bikes after Monday's rain; a little site seeing in town; and tubing.

Front side of our hotel -- Winthrop Inn.  Innkeepers and staff were fabulous.  Not everyone appreciates a bike invasion.

Without anywhere to be at any designated time, I actually slept for awhile yesterday morning.  Then we were off on our bikes to find the laundry at a local RV park a couple of miles away.  Whew!  The legs were barking a little after the previous day's climbing, mileage and heat.

Once we were back, we cleaned the grit off the bikes to get ready for today's climbing and 48 miles to Omak.

We rode back into town for lunch then did a little site seeing and shopping.  Came back to clean the SAG vehicle to get "Little Bo Peep" ready for the next leg of the trip.  Some folks found time to do some tubing on the Methow River that flows through town and right behind the motel.  The majority of us went out for supper last night at The Little Red Schoolhouse. We had it on good authority that the burgers and onion rings were to die for.  So what's the point of all this riding if you can't eat whatever you want? (Just sayin')

It was a nice day off, and the first tour I've been on where there's an off day immediately following a big ride day.  I think it helps, but only time will tell.  Check back on July 13 for that one.

This morning the ride chef prepared breakfast as the motel does not provide breakfast.  She had scrambled eggs with spinach and feta cheese, a variety of fruit and caramel rolls from the Marblemount stop.  It's really quite amazing how she does this all with only a two burner cook top in the trailer.  It's like eating around the campfire every time.

Today's route was 48 miles with 2 climbs, 1 of 10.5 miles the other 1.5 miles (with a grade that just wasn't fair).  We left Winthrop around 7:30 and worked our way around the foothills until the first climb started at 11.5 miles.

Grades on the first climb varied between 5 and 9%, and took us to Loup Loup Pass.  I was unsuccessful in determining the origin of that name, but it gave us all quite a chuckle.

This climb was long, much of it without shade and temperatures were rising.  So, it was all about the "find it and grind it" approach all the way to the top.  The sleeveless jersey has been the best investment of the year so far.

At the top

In this area the remnants of last year's wild fires were very visible.  Burnt trees still standing with houses being re-built, but other homes not touched.  

This home was spared last year, but the majority of the surrounding trees and vegetation were burned.

We are quite a distance from the current fires in Wenatchee and shouldn't get any closer; but we've all commented about the fireworks stands we see alongside the road and wonder why there's not a ban.  Even to those of us not from the area, it appears to be incredibly dry.

After crossing Loup Loup Pass, the fun started for about 8 miles of amazing, technical descent!  Screaming!  And then, we hit the 1.5 climb at the bottom of that descent.  Ugh!  Granted it was only a mile and a half, but it was 8% and not quite close enough to the downhill to use enough momentum to get up the other side.  Such a shame!

But, even better, we weren't finished descending.  Lots of fun, but I wound up with a straight truck loaded with lumber behind me plus a parade of cars.  We were going so fast (at least by bike standards) and nowhere to pull off, he rode behind me all the way down.  When he managed to pass, the brakes were smoking.  I was really grateful for his patience.

Today's route also took us through Twisp and Okanogan.  We're now into orchard country. I didn't realize, at least some, apple orchards are covered with netting to protect them from birds.  I've only seen this in areas that raise ginseng.

Apple orchard

Not sure if these are put to use for fighting wild fires or crop dusting.  I would suspect fires since one of them appears to be a Marine helicopter.

The final 8 miles today had to be the toughest of all.  Yes, it was flat, but after the descents we turned into the wind.  With the temps near their max for the day by then, it was difficult at best.  I was happy to see a Subway next to the hotel and be able to get some real food to finish the day.

Tomorrow I sag.  It's supposed to continue to be hot.  The route will be 69 miles to Colville (still in Washington).  I think they're going to try to get an early start since the motel has a full breakfast available.  I'll be watching the riders closely.  Some seem to be struggling with the heat, but I think they're stronger than they realize.  The key will be to get out, get it done early and hydration.