Every year, usually more than once, I set out on one of my favorite day rides.  The route scenery is a mix of dry desert plateau’s and mountain forests wandering through south-central Washington and from where I come from to get here, starts just outside of Mabton.

More often than not these rides end up being solo.  It’s either too cold or people are too busy.  Or maybe they just aren’t thinking clearly since this is the time of year (late April - early May) the dry part of the route really shines.  Spring rains makes the otherwise dry and boring desert landscape and colors it in.  The color is fleeting and gone nearly as soon as the first 80 degree days come around.  The desert isn’t very giving and when it is, it’s selfish, only giving what it wants and for how long.

More after the jump…

 

Solo riding in general is a selfish act.  Both in what isn’t shared, and what is left behind.  Not to mention the inherant danger involved.  I guess I’m a selfish person.  So be it…  But I think I read somewhere that being selfish can be the responsibility of self.  A  line that may seem invisible to other people who think you don’t give enough, and freshly painted center line to your own eyes.  Only you know when you’ve taken it too far and for how long.  Maybe I made that up, maybe I didn’t… I don’t really know for sure, but after being cooped up for a very sullen winter of  the unsettling business that can be life, it was time to ride.

I’ll shut up now… enjoy the pics.

The Bluebird - Bickleton Wa.

High Desert


Bickleton Canyon outside Goldendale


Members only… not that nature cares.

Goldendale-Glennwood Highway - Mt. Adams view.

Scenery Change


Overlooking the Klickitat River

Some of the best riding roads ever.

Mt. Adams near Trout Lake

There are several options for wrapping this ride.  But often the most rewarding is to simply turn around and ride back the way you came, which is what I did.  It’s always a different road on the way back.