2002 PNW Rides

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The Early Years
I got my motorcycle license in 1991 and rode a small cruiser around town and to/from college. It was merely a cheap way to get around and did nothing to exploit that fun that a motorcycle can really provide. Years later I stumbled upon my VFR and luckily, stumbled upon a local group of VFR riders. They were the ones who showed me the beauty of two wheels. Here are some early rides from that first intense year.

Windy Ridge, Mt St Helens - July 2002 A local group of riders were going up to Windy Ridge. I hadn't been there before but heard that it was beautiful. Everyone raved about the road to the top of the east side of Mt St Helens. Whatever - I just wanted to see the volcano. Fortunately for me, the group I was with was very understanding about me being a new rider. They stressed to me that I was to "ride my own ride" to the top and not to worry about keeping up with them. It was good to know this, as this road scared me! I had never been on anything so twisty and with such fast riders. I let them fly ahead, out of sight, while I dwadled around corners and took my time. I admit that I hated this road. It took years of riding, and a couple more times up to the top, before I began to realize how much fun it really could be.

Me finally making it to the top of Windy Ridge	Mt Adams in the distance

I'm leading the group on the way down. They passed me shortly after this picture was taken.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Peninsula - July 2002 The same group of riders were going up to Hurricane Ridge for a quick 200 mile day ride out of Seattle. Interested now that I had experienced the joy of riding from just a couple of weeks ago, I was curious to get back out and experience it some more. It was an amazingly clear day with great views. The ride wasn't bad, either.

Meadows at the top of Hurricane Ridge	Summer flowers and winter snows

Looking across the Strait of Juan de Fuca	Our group at the top
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Peninsula - August 2002 One other rider and I made the trip back up Hurricane Ridge the next month. This was a great experience for me, as I sort of knew the road and was getting more and more comfortable on the bike. This trip I learned to match my engine RPMs with my speed for better control in the corners.

Deer	The Elwa Valley

Looking back down at the access road	Brilliant flowers

Misty trees with summer flowers	Hiking trail along the ridgeline
North Cascades Highway - August 2002 I was really getting into this whole "motorcycing for pleasure" thing and took advantage of more group rides. This time we headed north and across the top of Washington State on Hwy 20. It was a common summer ride - 400 miles to get to lunch and back. This road has tight twisty bits (which I still hated) and more open sweepers (which I loved). I actualy went twice in August, but took no pictures on the other ride.

A quick stop along the highway	Great scenery

View from Washington Pass	View from Washington Pass
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic Peninsula - September 2002 I had become a riding fool. This would be my third trip to Hurricane Ridge in less than two months. And as always, with each ride I felt more and more confident and learned little tricks and maneouvers each time.

Still beautiful views	Group shot at the top

Panoramic shot from the top
Whidbey Island- November 2002 Winter riding isn't as common in the Pacific Northwest, but that doesn't mean that it can't happen. A safe ride (one with little chance for snow and ice, and will get you home before dark) is a jaunt up Whidbey Island and over Deception Pass (a deep, fast and narrow water passage between Whidbey and the mainland). A small group of riders had enough of Seattle's winter and took advantage of a relatively clear day for a ride.

Misty trees along Deception Pass	Lonely sailboat

One of the state's many car ferries	Sunshine along the western side of Whidbey Island

Blue sky and seagulls
So now I had some riding under my belt and I was ready for more. One of the group rides was with an internet forum, STN. This would be my catalyst for some serious long distance riding in the future, as they were holding a meet in Custer, SD the next summer. I was determined to go and once I got bit by the touring bug, there was no hope for me. I was smitten!