MaxLifeOutRides: 3rd January 2016

Sunday morning started out much the same as Saturday with the promise of sunshine.  Randy and I headed out expecting the temperature to raise as the sun came up.  

As we entered the valley our expectations were definitely not met.  In fact the temperature dropped dramatically to 16 degress F. 

The sunrise, frost and ice was stunning but it was not long before we lost the feeling in our fingers, toes and face.  It did not help that I flatted and I can tell you getting the tire off in the cold took two of us.

Enjoy the Video

We headed out of the valley and finally arrived in Duvall looking for a Café.  When we asked for coffee the hostess looked at us like we had two heads and I honestly thought she would say no, but we finally got seated.  Warming up we decided to get a bite to eat.  Now normally when I ask if there is a Gluten Free option I get help but not this time.   I asked "do you have gluten free options?" and the answer was "No".

Not to be deterred I ordered two eggs, bacon and asked if the potatoes had flour on.  I was told they could do the potatoes separately.  I was not expecting a flavorless giant pile of boiled potato bits. At least they tried. 

Fed and watered we headed out for the ride home.  The options we had were back into the freezing valley of death as Randy affectionately dubbed it or the Snoqualmie Valley gravel trail.  It was an easy choice - the gravel trail.   Which whilst the best choice it did result in a second flat which was a little frustrating.

Once off the trail we turned towards home.  As we rode along the road we felt a blast of hot air and the temperature went up dramatically.  It was the strangest sensation and one I have never experienced whilst riding.   In the graph from my Garmin you can see the temperature swings shown in grey with the elevation show by the green line.


With the raise in temperature the clouds formed and by the time we started to climb the mountains were hidden in cloud.  Not long after that it started to snow just to add another weather condition to our adventure ride.

After 54 miles and back at the start we propped the bikes up outside of Starbucks and went in for a well deserved drink and to reflect on the ride.  Definitely a ride to remember.

Looking forward to the next adventure so until then remember to keep it Rubber Side Down and MaxLifeOut.