Oyster, Clam and Snowline Jam Update May 4-6

A week to go and we've got six going thus far.  We will meet at the Edmonds Ferry Terminal Friday morning and catch the 0850 boat to Kingston.  We'll top off fuel at the ARCO in Kingston, and then head over the Cove RV Park. http://www.coverv.com/ Updated intelligence says the Coho Campground at Wynoochee may not be open, so we'll explore the shoreline for a primitive campsite as needed.  Bring toilet paper and baby wipes.  We've got a rider with good local knowledge for the Saturday portion of the ride, so the exploration will be good.  Let me know if your coming, if you're in for seafood Friday night, and remember if you want to come after work Friday, the ride to the RV Park is short, and it's light until 830pm.

Reverend Bill’s Oyster, Clam, and Snow Line Jam

Riders who’ve hung with the Reverend this year have had a chance to test their winter camping gear (Prez Wknd Ride) and dust off their riding technique. (Tahuya Dampalooza).  What’s next, you might ask?   Well it would be the Oyster, Clam, and Snow Line Jam.

You too may create this trophy!

As you may have noted, we were shut out of the seafood feast at Belfair State Park, while a couple of us found seafood on Prez Weekend.  It’s time to make up for that shortfall. 

Additionally, what question is on the mind of riders itching to explore the higher altitude roads in spring time:
Where is the Snow Line?!!

Join me May 4, 5 &6 on this ride.

Friday May 4^th we head over to Cove RV Park near Brinnon on the Hood Canal.  http://www.coverv.com/ There we set up camp and go explore the snow line of the Quilcene/Brinnon area.  Can we make it up to the Mt. Townsend Trailhead?  We’ll find out.  Late arrivers Friday can join us at the Park, and we’ll steam clams and broil our own Oysters courtesy of the facilities at the Cove.

Saturday May 5^th we’ll head south, then west to Wynoochee Lake and camp at Coho Campground.  http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/olympic/recarea/?recid=47807  Which Forest Service roads can we use to cross over to Wynoochee?  We’ll find out.

Sunday May 6^th we’ll head back via the Kitsap Peninsula, exploring more gravel roads on the Olympic National Forest.

This ride will likely be about 60% paved and the balance graded and rough unpaved roads.

Let me know if you’re interested.  We’ll get a head count for seafood closer to the date.

A route similar to this may be used: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1076640

More fun in 2012!!

Tahuya Sunalooza (or How my Helmet was Wetter than my Socks)

Reverend Bill misunderstood when someone said "Bring Pot!"

     Friday morning six hardy souls met in West Seattle at Easy Street Cafe for a quick bite, a cup of Joe and off to the 0845 Fauntleroy ferry direct to Southworth.  Quiet cool back-roads led us south through Ollala, Purdy and Allyn as we wound our way to Belfair State Park. 

Beach Loop, Belfair State Park

     We snagged two prime campsites right on the beach, stocked up on firewood, and made camp.  Tarpzilla was strung from trees over the tables and we were good to go riding.  While Greg, wife Judy and daughter Jesse hung in camp, Dionne, Brian and Reverend Bill headed innocently up into Tahuya State Forest to find some trails to ride. 

Dionne  F650GS

Brian Lee, F800GS skirting puddles

Vogue

     We spent a couple hours on single track trails in the Mission Creek area.  These trails were challenging.  Bikes were dropped, sweat perspired, and skills enhanced, as we made our way around some great riding. While wet feet were expected, sweaty helmets were more the case. Dionne kicked ass on her F650GS!  Brian Lee worked his F800GS on some twisty paths.  Reverend Bill, well, it is the Mighty T-Dub. Close to the ground, it's a different game when things go sideways.

Determination

 

 

 

 

     After an enjoyable day, we returned to camp to find Shane and Terry had joined the group. Dionne soon left for Whidbey Island for a date with friends, leaving us seven for the night. In camp we assessed and determined we lacked critical mass for a seafood feast, so that plan was shelved for the next night.  After a quick provision run into town we were set for an enjoyable evening around the fire.  The moon rose full and bright right before bedtime, and clear skies saw us off to our tents.

Neighbor Karen brought coffee and danish to the fire

     The forecast low that night was 38F, but the weather gods had something else in store.  A thick coating of frost and 28F greeted our turnout in the morning.  A morning fire is always welcome on a chilly morn.  As the sun and temperatures rose, coffee and conversation filled the camp.

28F & Frosty

     Phil and Brian Johnson showed up for the day, soon followed by Jason Stiffey, daughter Brianne and son Jason Jr..  Jason had offered to provide coaching and instruction in riding off-road, and a few days prior he’d pre-run some of the routes.

Jason Stiffey Holding Court

     Let me say emphatically, Mr. Stiffey MADE this outing.  He's an MSF Instructor, rides his R1200GS like a rock star, and has mad teaching skills.  His humor and enthusiasm is infective. We were blessed to have him join our group, as every one of us learned from Jason. Thank you Brother!!

Jason Stiffey: Coach, Instructor, All-Around Good Guy

     His local knowledge was key in making the plan he rolled out to the group.  We would head up to an easy area called “The Track” where eight-year-old Jesse could ride with her Dad, and the other riders could work on some basic skills. 

Jesse on The Track

     A nearby gravel road allowed some fundamental riding techniques to be explained and practiced.  Jesse was the star, piloting her Honda CR50 for miles with Dad on “a real road.”

A Real Road!!

After a break, and leaving Jesse with Judy, the group headed over to the 4x4 area for some more advanced riding.  Some single track, some hills, a variety of terrain proved an excellent venue to skill expansion and practice.

Brian Lee dropping tire pressure for improved handling

Mr. Stiffey explains steering input to a rapt Brian Johnson

Phil Irwin rode his F800GS like his hair was afire!

It's off to PSSOR next week for this trooper

Brianne Stiffey: Action Photographer!

Jason Jr.

Greg North, MSF Instructor

     Brianne was not riding her bike or horse this day, rather choosing to drive the jeep on some challenging terrain.  She also did some photography for the group.  Jason Jr. proved to be a mature and thoughtful guide when Phil and Reverend Bill were separated from Jason and Brian.  Nice reflection on your Dad, guys.

By early afternoon we were done, and headed back to camp in small groups.  Jason and his crew headed for home, as did Phil and Brian Johnson.  We picked up Marcel who found us on the trails, but preferred to ride with his friend.  He chose to camp with us for the night as well.

"That's what I'm talk'n about!"

With brew kettle mounted on the T-Dub, one last phone call to the oyster farm revealed that the sunny weather had enticed them to take the day off, and our seafood feed was not to be.  Instead we rode into town for provisions. 

Birthday dinner is shaping up.

A nice rib-eye was on the menu for dinner, along with a birthday cake for Reverend Bill.

Jesse was kind enough to decorate the cake with a motorcycle climbing a hill.

Nice cake Jesse

Cocktail hour, a fire, and a pleasant evening ensued.  A neighbor Karen brought us a plate of cheese and crackers and shared in our birthday cake.  We slept under much warmer temps than the previous night.

Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Suzuki, & Honda represent in this camp

Sunday dawned warm and bright, again a morning fire bringing life to the day.  Overnight the Easter Bunny paid a call.

A rubber snake in every Easter basket

After a relaxed morning, camp was struck and we headed out.  Greg, Jesse and Judy headed back up the hill for a little more dirt practice, while Brian Lee, Marcel and Reverend Bill headed to Southworth on back roads.

Marcel & Brian on the boat

Thoughts on Tahuya:

1.The remarkable soil, of glacial origin, tolerates water well.  The puddles were numerous and are some cases epic, but rarely was there even a spot of mud.  The long puddles rarely held any surprises and were quite uneventful to ride through- usually.  One sub-marine tree root sent me sideways across the trail, as I buried my front tire into the bank, the bike almost fell over into the water. Stuck sideways in the trail, soon I was underway with only my pride wrinkled.

Tahuya ground after a record wet March

2. The courteous nature of others at Tahuya was a pleasant surprise.  Everyone was respectful, helpful, and friendly.  At one point when Jesse dropped her bike, a passing ATV rider had her picked up before  Greg could dis-mount to grab his daughter.  Folks were great.

Belfair State Park

3.  Belfair State Park: A beautiful spot on the water, with large campsites and ready access to the beach.  Our camp hosts were the nicest folks you can imagine.  They brought firewood around to the camp, were informative and extremely welcoming.

Stay tuned for the next ride in early May…

Reverend Bill's not saying what's in the pot

Tahuya Update April 1st (no fooling)

Tahuya Dampalooza , April 6-8, is six days out, and it’s time for an update.

We’re around 12 riders for Friday night at Belfair State Park, and nine for Saturday night.

Here’s the current plan: Those who want to ride down together Friday morning will meet at Cupcake Royal/Veritas Coffee in West Seattle (corner of Alaska and California).  We’ll head out at 0800 to catch the 0845 Fauntleroy ferry to SouthWorth.  I’m planning to ride a route like this: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1018011

There is no group campsite at Belfair State Park, so we’ll try to find a couple sites together, potentially some with hook-ups.  The afternoon we can ride, hang, sit by the fire, get provisions in Belfair.

Initially I had planned to put together a seafood feed for Saturday night, but it looks like to larger crowd will be there Friday night.  I’ll be getting some clams and oysters locally.  If folks want to step up for other entrees, a salad and some garlic bread, we’d be looking good for a group feast that night.  Since the town of Belfair is just a few miles away, we’ll have plenty of resources close at hand.

With record March rainfall and the weather expected with this next storm, riding will be wet. Streams will be full, and rivers flooding. I haven’t ridden Tahuya myself, but the word is there’s lots of easy to moderate riding, and some tougher stuff as well.  Certainly there’ll be an opportunity to completely drown your bike.  Unlike other rides I’ve led, my role this time is merely to organize a group outing, and leave the leading to others who know the area. We’ll share a list of ICE contacts, and we’ll agree to look out for each other, but officially YOYOMF.  Don’t crash unseen!

We should have some experienced trail riders with us, so we’ll have an opportunity for coaching and learning.

Please send me a confirming note that you’ll attend, if you’re coming in a rig that requires a hook-up, if you desire clams and/or oysters, and which nights you’ll be with us.  If you’re driving a rig, let me know if you can be a firewood mule. Needless to say, we’ll split group expenses. Include an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact and I’ll put together a list.

Riders so far: Tad, Gallia, Deb, Sam, Dionne, Curt, Joe, JT, Mike, Greg, his Daughter, Jason.

Looking forward to it!

-Reverend Bill