I like the idea of camping more than I actually like camping. I like comfortable mattresses, hot showers, and a toilet in the next room. I’m sure other bike tourists would consider that blasphemous, but I want to relax after a long day of cycling. And that does not include mosquitoes.
Highlights
- Olympic Discovery Trail because it’s vehicle-free
- quirky roadside businesses
- Port Angeles for photo stand-ins, murals, and deer
- Hurricane Ridge for marmots
- lavender in Sequim
- Elwha River Bridge
- Lake Crescent Lodge for warming up by the fireplace and eating potatoes
- Hoh Rain Forest for big trees and lots of green
- Kalaloch Lodge for Beyond Burger and seasoned curly fries
- boat tour of Lake Quinault with Captain Carl
- post offices in small towns
- finishing (where we started)
- charming Port Townsend
- exploring the batteries in Fort Worden
- no flat tires!
Lowlights
- miscalculating mileage
- starting very late on the first day and cycling for hours in the dark
- saddle sores
- wearing wet shorts
Lessons Learned
- I wish I had brought another pair of padded cycling shorts. I actually did bring a second pair, but they’re too tight, so I didn’t wear them. This resulted in wearing dirty shorts, which is a crappy start to a long day.
- Put on waterproof socks before it starts pouring.
- I wish I had brought a hat. Of course I brought a helmet, but I forgot to cover my head when I wasn’t cycling. This resulted in a burnt forehead.
- I need to be more careful when applying sunblock. This resulted in burnt ankles.
- Carrying food takes up a lot of space and weight, but it was worth having a lot of snacks available and not worrying whether we would be able to find vegan food.
Overall, the tour was a success. Meaning, we completed the loop and had a good time. We’re already pondering our next trip…
