Day’s distance: 168 miles
The morning was sunny and temperature mild. While it was predicted to rain late in the day, I thought it doesn’t get much better.
The temperatures ranged from a low of 42 to a high of 54. I add a middle layer to my upper body when I’m out in the 40’s. Beyond that, I use the heated grips and the heated seat which tends to keep me warm. It is when the temperatures fall into the low to mid 30s that I start to have to add another layer to my lower body and my feet. I love having a full fairing in the winter 🙂
Today’s goal was to ride at least 150 miles so that I surpass 42,300 miles on the odometer. Meeting that goal means I have ridden 22,000 miles this year! That is up from 16,000 miles in 2014 and way up from the 4,000 miles in 2013.
My route took me east from Seattle to Hwy 18 and then south along Hwy 169 to my favorite latte stop in Enumclaw, Paras Stop. After an eggnog latte, I headed west through Buckley, where I stopped to take a photo of Mount Rainier.
The sun is low in the sky and at this point, the clouds are starting to block the sun.
Continuing west, I jumped on I-5 briefly, traveling through Tacoma. Following Hwy 16 over the Tacoma-Narrows bridge, I rode through Purdy on my way up the penisula.
Rain was predicted after 4pm but it started sprinkling at 2:30pm on the peninsula. It never really rained, but the roadway was wet, as you can see from the photo below.
At 4pm, the clouds covered the top of Mount Rainier. The photo below was taken from the ferry.
I never seem to tire of riding the ferry into downtown. It is a chance to unwind, and warm up. From downtown, it is only a few miles home.
It was a good ride and I’m glad I decided to go out today.
Looks to be a good ride, our temps are from 35 high to 15 low, not riding temps for me
You likely would not find me out riding in those temperatures, either. I have been out and still on the road when the temperatures have fallen into the low 30s. It gets cold quick 🙁
Looks like a nice day ride. Wonderful views of Ranier and downtown Seattle.
Thanks, Len Bob! It was good to get out even for a few hours.
Next time you go through the Buckley area, take 162 through South Prairie and Orting for a more scenic and slightly curvier ride. You’ll avoid the strip mall snooze-fest that is Bonney Lake, too. I go out shooting photos in this area frequently.