Ganging up...

What better way to start the summer riding season wind-down than to go riding!  We gathered up the troops and did the Darrington Loop  - 300 kms of winding, tree-lined, traffic-free Washington state back roads in 28C temperatures!  Well, traffic-free except for the photo below.  We haven't been on the Arlington-Darrington stretch of road since before the terrible tragedy in Oso in March.  The highway has since re-opened, but the road through the mile-wide swath of destruction is still being rebuilt.  After a short wait and a slow trickle through the construction zone, we were back on our way.  Due to the circumstances, I was unable to take a photo of the absolute devastation.  Believe me when I say you have to see it to comprehend the scale... there is half a mountain missing above the road to the north.    The day was book-ended with a delicious breakfast at the Acme Diner, and a tasty lunch at the Blue Mountain Grill, sitting in the sun with the Twins in the distance... perfection!  The ride home was just fine for some (read: Nexus pass holders)... but horrendous for others... 2 1/2 hours at Pacific Crossing for two of our group (who I am positive will now be Nexus card holders by riding season next year!).