2004 Activities
On Friday, June 18th, it was time to ride over to Pullman for the annual Chase The Snake event. This year I decided upon a different route across the Cascades. Normally it's I-90 to Vantage then the Inner Passage - a back roads route to Colfax, avoiding the boring and/or busy main road alternatives. Since I live in Kenmore, it is much more convenient to head over Stevens Pass than Snoqualmie, requiring a ride down 405 to I-90. But I can be out of urban areas in about 15 minutes by heading over Stevens Pass.
Over Stevens Pass, cross the Columbia at Wenatchee, then follow it along Highway 28 to Quincy, then south and cross over I-90 and then pickup the regular inner passage. It's a bit longer than taking I-90, but is more enjoyable.
Fortunately the ride to Pullman was quite uneventful, and I enjoy the Inner Passage route as it travels on quiet roads through farming country. Well, most of the way, anyway.
Checked in at the motel, and awaited the arrival of yet more attendees. The usual meet and greet type of activities.
Then it was time to head "to the farm" for the Friday night feed, generously hosted by The Thompsons. Coming up out of Pullman, there's a large cloud to the north (the direction to head) and then there was a flash. Hmmm, I really don't like riding in thunderstorms. But it seems far enough away as to be of no consequence.
Well,... About half way there, the heavens opened. And not just rain - it was hailing. And with NO shelter anywhere on a road through open farming country, there seemed little sense in stopping to put on the rain gear. Visibility was also not that great, as the rain was so heavy that wiping the helmet's face shield was almost useless. The rain did taper off by the time the farm came in to view, and fortunately all riders arrived in one piece, if not a bit soggy.
The dinner was most enjoyable, and helped us dry out from the deluge. And the company was excellent, and a good time was had by all, catching up with folks from far and near. All too soon it was time to return to the motel, where more lies were told until bed time.
And once again, most of us staying at the motel returned for more drinking and telling lies on the verandah.
No incidents to report at all. The journey back was the reverse of that headed over, via Stevens Pass. Alas, the BMW dealer did not have a footpeg in stock, so it was about a week before I put the bike back together.
Yet another fine riding weekend was past.