Adventures NW Summer 2012

ADVENTURES NW >>>

SUMMER.2012

Washington’s

Best Bike Rides HIKINg

Canada’s gulf islands

Mountaineering in goatlanD RAGNAR RELAY:

RUNNING WILD paddling to canadA

SKI to sea Kettle Cakewalk The Road to Yellowstone >>> EXTENSIVE OUTDOOR EVENTS CALENDAR THROUGH 2012—14 pages—INSIDE

Free. take enjoy keep

B EE 11R G -6 A PMRD E N

CONTRIBUTORS James Bertolino’s twenty-sixth collection of poetry, “Finding Water, Holding Stone,” was published in 2009

by Cherry Grove Collections. He has won a number of national poetry competitions, including the Discovery Award, and has taught poetry writing from Cornell University to the North Cascades Institute. Now retired, he lives outside Bellingham.

After arriving in the Pacific Northwest for graduate school at UBC in 1976, Bob Kandiko was easily lured into seeking adventures by climbing in the rugged mountains and sea kayaking along the convoluted coastline, camera at the ready. A map can keep him entertained for hours as he envisions future trip possibilities Mike McQuaide is a Bellingham writer, guidebook author and admitted bicycle junkie.

His latest book, “75 Classic Rides: Washington” (Mountaineers Books) was published in May. His blog is www. mcqview.blogspot. com.

A bicyclist, backpacker, kayaker and regular contributor to Adventures NW, Laural Ringler has published almost 80 articles and blogs at lauralringler. com. She thanks Dan & Ariane Ringler for the shuttle and watching the kids, and is glad poop collecting yielded “a successful genotype” for WWU’s David Wallin and Leslie Parks.

Craig Romano is currently island hopping while researching his next book, “Day Hiking San Juan and Gulf Islands,” a more agreeable project than his last book, “Backpacking Washington;” which he hiked 1,550 miles to research. Author of eight books; when not hiking, he can often be found napping with his cats Giuseppe and Scruffy Gray. Visit him at CraigRomano.com.

Tamaria Sanderson, mother of two, started running in 2008; Ragnar Relay was her goal. To date, she has completed 13 half marathons, 6 marathons, and other relay races. 2012 marks Tamaria’s 5th year as a team captain for NWP Ragnar.

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SUMMMER | 2012 Volume 7. Issue 2 Sarah Schumacher is a relatively recent convert to running, starting four years ago after the birth of her first child. Since then, she’s run five half marathons, Hood to Coast, and the Ragnar Relay. Ragnar is her favorite, thanks to the scenery, camaraderie, and beer garden at the finish line.

Although he grew up in western Washington, Aaron Theisen has lived for the last 13 years in Spokane and has developed a fondness for Washington’s “dry side.” Aaron does not recommend actually eating a piece of cake immediately after a 45-mile dayhike.

Lisa Toner grew up in Whatcom County and will always think of Bellingham as home. You will find her teaching violin, biking, writing, and climbing all around the Pacific Northwest. Her next adventure is a three-month bicycle trip in Europe with her husband, Jon.

A Look Ahead: Our Autumn Issue

Vancouver Island wild: Hiking the Juan De Fuca Trail Snorkeling with Salmon Get Ready for Mud and Suds Journey to the Tombstones Brett Baunton’s Magnificent Obsession

INSPIRATIONS IN THIS ISSUE

Paddling into Canada A pilgramage to Hozomeen

Digging Deep: Across the Kettle Range “Cakewalk” in a day

Dodging Turkeys: Mike McQuaide interviews himself

John D’Onofrio

10

Aaron Theisen

16

Mike McQuaide 20

Mountaineering in Goatland Sharing the Ptarmigan Traverse

High, Wild & Wide Alpine panoramas

Human-Powered Travel Making connections on the road to Yellowstone

Laural Ringler 24 Bob Kandiko 30 Lisa Toner 32

The Wild & Wooly Ragnar

Sarah Schumacher & Tamaria Sanderson 36

NW Passage

Galiano Island Island paradise to trails paradise

Craig Romano 40

“The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty ‘YES’ to your adventure.”

DESTINATIONS Out & About The Art of Nature Race | Play | Experience Calendar Advertiser Index Next Adventure photo

8 35 44-57 57 58

COVER Mary Latta on the road to Artist Point photo by Mike McQuaide

Photo by John D’Onofrio

- Jospeh Campbell

There’s Nothing Like Being The First One On The Water. www.wibank.com

race | playWhidbey | experience Client: Island Bank Pub: Ad:

Adventure NW “First One” Ad

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ADVENTURES nw > FIND Adventures NW is available free at hundreds of locations region-wide: throughout Whatcom, Island, Skagit, and San Juan counties, at all Washington REI stores, in select spots in Snohomish Co., Leavenworth, Winthrop, Wenatchee, Vancouver, BC, at area visitor and transit centers, and through numerous races and events. > SUBSCRIBE Have ANW mailed to your home, your work, or as a gift subscription. Info at AdventuresNW.com. Multi-copy subscriptions are available, with discount based on quantity and location. > ADVERTISE Let Adventures NW magazine help you reach a diverse, receptive audience throughout the Pacific Northwest, and be part of one of the most valued and engaging publications around. Info is at AdventuresNW.com or by writing to dennis @ AdventuresNW.com.

> CONTRIBUTE Adventures NW welcomes

original article queries—including feature stories, expert advice, photo essays, the Next Adventures shot, etc. For information, click on “About” on AdventuresNW.com.

> EVENTS Have your outdoor-related event, race or public outing listed in the quarterly race|play|experience calendar and the regularly updated online version. Write to dennis @ AdventuresNW.com for information.

SUMMER | 2012 Volume 7. Issue 2

> INVOLVED...

Alaine Borgias • James Bertolino Paul Haskins • Bob Kandiko Mike McQuaide • David Pillinger Laural Ringler • Craig Romano Tamaria Sanderson • Sarah Schumacher Aaron Theisen • Lisa Toner

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> ALSO...

Anita K. Boyle • Jerry Foreman Dave Maczuga • Micaela Theisen Adventures NW magazine is printed by Lithtex NW Printing Solutions, Bellingham

> DEADLINES Fall

John D’Onofrio

Publisher/Editor john @ adventuresnw.com

Dennis Brounstein

Advertising Sales dennis @ adventuresnw.com

Jason Rinne

Creative Director jason @ adventuresnw.com

Article queries Jun 1 Ad reservations Jul 20; Final ads & calendar listings Aug 1

Winter

Article queries Sep 1 Ad reservations Oct 20 Final ads & calendar listings Nov 1

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Article queries Dec 1 Ad reservations Jan 20 Final ads & calendar listings Feb 1

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Adventures NW proudly supports hundreds of important local & national organizations, events and efforts, including:

Summer

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O

new beginnings

ne of my favorite outdoorsmen, Teddy Roosevelt, said, “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” I couldn’t agree with him more as I look back these past six-plus years and the twenty-five issues of Adventures NW magazine—a labor of love that has marked each season’s potential for the experiences to be had in the wonders of the Pacific Northwest outdoors. Alaine and I have worked hard, to be sure, but we were committed to offer a thing of value and substance, something completely new and different, that sought to inspire readers near and far to just get out there and “race, play, experience.” It has been work worth doing, without a doubt, and we’re very, very proud of what we’ve accomplished.

Yet we could not have even begun, let alone continued, without the advertisers and supporters who have believed in Adventures NW magazine, valued reaching out to our readers, and financially made each issue possible.

We also could not have fulfilled our commitment to quality without our contributors. Over the years, we’ve worked with nearly 150 writers and photographers who have understood that adventure begins with but a single step and doesn’t necessarily have to involve a near-death oc-

currence, or a writerly resume, to be a good story—when it’s a story written from the heart.

And, most importantly, we could not have succeeded were it not for our readers, who faithfully watched for the release of each new issue, who subscribed, and who, simply put, encouraged us with enthusiasm and appreciation to keep on.

You—whether you are an advertiser, supporter, contributor, reader, or a combination—you have been integral to our ability to sustain our work over the years; without you, Adventures NW would never have become what it is today. But it’s time for some new experiences. It’s time for new passion and energy to propel Adventures NW to the next step; we don’t think there could be a more fitting individual for this role than John D’Onofrio. John, whom you are familiar with through his photographic and written contributions since the very first issue, will bring skill and fresh ideas to this publication; while at the same time, he is sure to preserve the heart and soul you’ve come to expect on every page.

Thank you for making our hard work so much easier through your support. We hope to see you out there as we all race, play and, simply, experience.

I

totally psyched! It’s been said that for everyone there exists a “perfect” job. And as I’ve worked on this, my first issue as publisher/ editor, I’m convinced that I’ve found mine.

And, luckily for me (and you!) Paul and Alaine are still going to be involved in ANW, as contributors, mentors and suppliers of hurdy-gurdy music (an important, if little understood, component of the publishing industry).

They’ve certainly picked their moment to exit the stage.

Adventures NW is thriving: 40,000 loyal readers, a devoted group of local and regional businesses that continue to support the magazine with their advertising dollars, and a who’s who of some of the Northwest’s best writers and photographers.

ANW is truly the heart and soul of our beloved outdoor activities scene. And quite a scene it is. Running, biking, hiking, mountaineering, paddling, skiing, boarding, snowshoeing, diving, sailing: so many ways to express a shared love for our environment and community. So many variations on the theme of Adventure!

As I say, a dream come true.

The journey continues...

’ve been a huge fan of Adventures NW since Day One. I met Paul Haskins and Alaine Borgias before the first issue hit the presses back in 2006 and knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of what they were doing. I wrote a piece for that very first magazine about the gentle pleasures of the Baker River trail. They printed it. Go figure.

As a writer and photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to contribute stories and images to 24 of the 25 issues that they’ve published, starting with that very first one. It’s been satisfying work.

As a reader, I’ve devoured every single issue, discovering new people, places and activities that together have deepened my already passionate love for this transcendently beautiful corner of the country that we call home.

I was even an advertiser in the early days, back when I still had a “day job” running a local technology company. I benefitted from that association too.

Over the years ANW has consistently continued to deliver the goods: compelling writing, beautiful photography, and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring our amazing world - both externally and internally.

So when Paul & Alaine approached me with the idea of taking the reins at ANW, I was flattered and humbled - and stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.

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Out& About Ski to Sea continues to grow greener This year's Ski to Sea race promises to be the "greenest" ever, according to Whatcom Events Executive Director Mel Monkelis and Green Team Chairperson Rodd Pemble.

The Green Team was launched in 2008 with a mandate to find ways to reduce waste and diminish the carbon footprint of Whatcom County's iconic relay race and associated activities.

In an effort to wean the event off of plastic water bottles, this year's race will feature the introduction of water provided by Spokane's Zip 2 Water, an innovative company that taps municipal water sources to deliver filtered water for athletic and other events. " I met with the inventors at the Spokane conference," Pemble says.

"They're neat folks who were tired of bad water or disposable bottles at their son’s soccer games across the state.

Basically, folks will fill their own water bottle at the Zip 2 Water station; a quart-full in a few seconds."

Zip 2 Water stations will be positioned at each race transition except the Run-to-Road Bike exchange at the Department of Transportation snow shed on the Mount Baker Highway, which lacks a potable water source.

Another goal continues to be the reduction of the number of vehicles at the event.

"We're continuing to promote the 'Shuttle Up!' service on Race day," Pemble says. The shuttle service will run 8

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from 11 am to 8 pm between WWU South Lots, Fairhaven, Boundary Bay Brewery, and Squalicum Harbor.

"For just $3 per person, you can ride all day between these locations to eat, drink, and enjoy the race and festival," he explains. The 'Shuttle Up!' service is a joint project with the Fairhaven Merchants Association.

"We also expanded the 'Green Dollars' outreach this year, involving not only seven Girl Scout troops, but also volunteer teams from Whatcom Land Trust, Built Green of Whatcom County, and the Mount Baker Hiking Club. These volunteers will be staffing recycling stations along the race course and in the Grand Parade. A portion of the Green Dollars raised by this year’s registrations will go to support the various groups’ activities - maintaining trails, restoring native habitat, and educating the community about sustainable building."

Pemble, who has served on the Ski to Sea Green Team since its inception, brings considerable passion to his new role as Chairperson. "Waste reduction, whether it’s by using fewer cars for your team or eliminating the need for disposable water bottles, is my top priority," he affirms.

Mountain Runners Film to premier on Ski to Sea weekend "The Mountain Runners", a locallyproduced documentary film about the original Mount Baker Marathon will

Jason Martin as Victor Galbraith in “The Mountain Runners”

have its world premier at the Pickford Film Center in Bellingham during the Ski to Sea weekend. Debuting on Thursday, May 24, the film will play at the Pickford for a week before hitting the festival circuit. Filmmakers Todd Warger, Brian Young and David Lowrance will be in attendance at the premier.

The film, three years in the making, tells the amazing story of the Mount Baker Marathon, which was first run in 1911 and inspired today's Ski to Sea Race. But unlike the modern version, the Marathon was not a relay race each contestant raced from Bellingham to the summit of 10,778 foot Mount Baker and back again, 116 miles of mud, sweat and glory.

The marathon’s story is one of almost >>> Go to AdventuresNW.com

to read ANW

unbelievable derring-do, with runners crossing glaciers and mountain streams and returning to Bellingham by hook or by crook. Remarkable side-stories abound: a derailed train, a miraculous crevasse rescue, broken bones, judges nearly frozen to death, etc. Truly stranger than fiction, the Mount Baker Marathon was America’s very first endurance race.

The making of “The Mountain Runners” has been an endeavor that has nearly matched the original marathon in terms of audacity, perseverance and pluck - truly a labor of love for director Todd Warger.

"We needed to be able to film from airplanes and helicopters and shoot runners on the glaciers of Mount Baker," Director Warger says. "We needed a train and automobiles from 1911.

Logistically, it was overwhelming."

The film features meticulous reenactments of both the race and the behind-the-scenes intrigue that nearly drove the racers to their deaths. William B. Davis, the notorious “smoking man” from the X-Files TV show, is featured as Mount Baker Club president Henry Engberg, who had famously insisted that the race carry on despite the perilous conditions.

Also appearing are a who's who of contemporary marathon runners and climbers including Scott Jurek, Krissy Moehl, Cami Ostman, Doug McKeever, Steve House and Chad Kellogg.

For more information: www.themountainrunners.com

Don't Put the Snowshoes Away Yet Thank La Nina. For the second year in a row, snowpack in the North Cascades is above average. Way above average. At the Mount Baker Ski Area, as of closing day on April 29, 804 inches of the white stuff had fallen over the course of the season. Average annual snowfall is 701 inches. While the total is less than last year's 857 inches, it still seems certain to delay the high stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.

Summer shoes: Hikers near Mount Baker in August, 2011

country hiking season until late in the summer, particularly given that much of the snow fell late in the winter and into the spring.

In the beginning of May, according to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center, the Mount Baker Ski Area had 211 inches on the ground, as compared to an average of 141 inches.

Last year's total at this time was 241 inches.

The heavierthan-usual snowpack is in evidence throughout the Cascade range, extending south to Oregon where the western slopes boast snowpacks in the 105 to 130 percent of normal range. Here too, much of the accumulation came late in the season. Ditto the Olympic Range, which boasted a snowpack in the 135 percent range - including a whopping 80 inches (almost seven feet) that

fell in March.

The prodigious snowpack is good news indeed for the regional water supply, area farmers and summer skiers, but promises to once again delay access to high routes throughout the mountains, especially on the west side. Last year the popular 2.7 mile-long road from the ski area to Artist Point never opened to vehicles due to excessive snow.

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Paddling into Canada: A pilgrimage to Hozomeen Story and photographs

by John D’Onofrio

Jack MOuntain rises over Ross Lake

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T

he surface of Diablo Lake is a turquoise mirror.

The air is still, without the faintest breath of wind. I dip my paddle into the water and the canoe moves silently away from the shore. Behind us, the boat launch at Colonial Creek recedes as we move down Thunder Arm and out into the main part of the lake. The sun breaks through the clouds. All systems go.

Between the four of us, we have a double kayak and my freighter of a canoe, the venerable Queen Edna. We plan to make our way up to the head of Diablo, shuttle the gargantuan canoe and double kayak to Ross Lake and paddle its length, north to Canada.

All told, 28 miles. If all goes according to schedule, we’ll be picked up at Hozomeen at the north end of the lake in five days.

Ross Lake is a justifiably famous north country paddle. 23 miles long, the lake is only a mile and a half across at its widest point. Lined by precipitous blue-green mountains, it resembles a fresh-water fjord. A little bit of Norway in the North Cascades. No roads reach its shores except for at the extreme north end, where the 43-mile long Silver/

The water level currently is about 20 Skagit Road, a bump-and-grind dirt feet below “full pool” according to the track in Canada, ends at the Hozomeen shuttle driver.

Campground.

We reload the boats and paddle The Queen Edna moves easily up around a bend out into the open waDiablo, its water a vibrant aquamarine, ters of the lake, where we encounter a thanks to the glaciers swaddling the stiff wind at our backs. We are prepared peaks all around us. Incredibly, meltfor this and open the trusty over-sized water from ten percent of the glaciers umbrellas that we’ve brought to use as in the lower 48 states finds its way into Diablo Lake. It is the color of angels dreaming.

Past Hidden Cove, we enter the canyon at the head of Diablo, a reminder of its salad days as a free-flowing river. We paddle beneath rugged cliffs softened by small hanging gardens of red columbine. Golden beds of moss cover the rare horizontal places. Waterfalls stream down creases in the stone and we linger at one, paddling right up to the torrent, breathing it in, taking our time.

At the head of the canyon is a dock. This is the pick-up point for the Ross Lake Resort shuttle.

We call the resort from the telephone mounted beside the dock and soon a flat bed truck arrives in a finely-sifted cloud of A quiet moment on Little Beaver Creek dust. We load the boats in the back (the Queen Edna sails. We fly up the lake, raising froth, dangles alarmingly off the back end) my paddle acting as a rudder. Our first and climb in beside them for the short camp, Cougar Island, comes into view drive around the dam to the dock at the in early afternoon. southern end of Ross Lake, across from Due to the low level of the lake, the the historic Ross Lake Resort. dock is hanging uselessly on the rocks, The Resort consists of a string of completely out of the water. We beach floating cabins on the far side of the the boats on a sandy patch and haul our lake. Since the water level in the lake stuff to the top of a bluff with a splenfluctuates wildly depending on the did view of Colonial Peak rising among outflow of the dam - as much as 125 a retinue of snow-covered mountains. feet - the resort maintains its waterfront We sprawl in the sunshine and ponder status by going with the flow, rising and our good fortune, free spirits in a befalling with the changing surface level.

nevolent world, alone on the island.

Wanderings from camp reveal strange Indian Pipe plants emerging from the forest duff and cliffs draped with penstemons. At twilight we build a fire and sit close, warm in the flickering light, enjoying that familiar sense of freedom that floods the senses at the beginning of a trip. A most pleasing combination of contentment and anticipation, shared with kindred souls, beneath the sky.

In the morning the wind is once again blowing up-lake, the way we are going. Good for us.

We deploy umbrella power until the wind turns our umbrellas inside out, so we glide up the lake without them, moving at a good clip just the same, wind to our backs.

It’s to be a short paddling day today; we’ve planned to stop at Big Beaver Creek and hike up into the oldgrowth forest to have a look at the ancient trees. The vociferous wind makes landing an exciting proposition, but we manage to nose in through the waves amongst the rocks.

There’s a dock, but once again it’s high and dry.

Camp is established on a promontory overlooking the lake and, daypacks loaded, we head up the trail beside the creek through a thousand shades of primordial green, past exotic ferns, wild ginger, columbine, dwarf dogwood, huge swamp lanterns. We cross creeks and get our feet wet. The brush is sopping and soon so are we, so when it begins to rain it doesn’t matter. Life is good in the Valley of the Big Beaver! race | play | experience

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In the morning the wind is picking up and the lake is boisterous. We’ve got a long paddle today, starting with a crossing of the lake, so the boats are loaded with a sense of urgency. By the time we launch, the wind is really blowing. Our next camp, Cat Island is 8 1/2 miles up-lake, just off the eastern shore.

We rock and roll across the lake, the surface stippled with white caps. The umbrellas are unfurled, a sight that appears to amuse a passing family of loons.

It takes one to know one.

We duck into the mouth of Devil’s Creek, up into the green canyon between Exploring vertical walls draped with Devil’s Creek mosses and ferns. It’s a magical and enchanted-looking place, a haunt of elves. Our progress is halted at

the base of a waterfall, spray in the air.

Barely enough room to turn around.

Back in the lake, the chop is flying and the Queen Edna rides the waves,

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under umbrella power. Susan, in the bow of the canoe, has become an umbrella virtuoso, adjusting the angle with great precision to the ever-changing velocity of the wind. A few waves find their way over the gunwales but by and large, it’s an exhilarating ride across the white caps. On the leeward side of Cat Island, a fine gravel beach provides a perfect landing site out of the wind and soon the boats are safely pulled above the waterline.

Camp is established at the very top of the island in a green copse of trees. A nearby rocky bluff affords a view further up the lake, where a pair of spectacular waterfalls cascade down the mountainside; a preview of where we’re going.

As evening draws near, the clouds hang low in the last light of day, like tattered curtains on the blue-green mountains.

In the morning, the sun is shining and the wind has dropped to a whisper.

We sprawl in the sunshine and ponder our good fortune, free spirits in a benevolent world, alone on the island.

The surface of the lake is a mirror and we paddle beneath the sky on its vibrant reflection, headed across to the west side to get a closer look at the waterfalls.

Drawing nearer, it becomes clear that in addition to the two epic falls, there are many other smaller cascades tumbling into the lake. We paddle along the shoreline from waterfall to waterfall, like bemused otters. At the base of the tumultuous cataract of Arctic Creek, we aim our boats right into the thunder and spray at the base of the falls, bathing in negative ions.

For the first time, the dark spire of >>> Go to AdventuresNW.com

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Umbrella sailing

Hozomeen Mountain is visible to the north, rising into the clouds. A foreboding sight. Hozomeen has a special place in my heart, owing to long-ago college days reading Kerouac during grey, New Jersey winters. To say that I found Kerouac’s love poems to Hozameen compelling would be an understatement. And this remote monarch on the Canadian border, momentous as it is, is hard to see from any easily accessible point in these north-

stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.

ern mountains. This is my first close look.

It does not disappoint.

The umbrellas are unfurled, a sight that appears to amuse a passing family of loons.

We turn up Little Beaver Creek between fern-draped walls of green. The

sunlight reflecing off the water casts a dancing light on the undercut sides of the canyon. A cool breeze blows down from the Pickets. At the dock, the boats are unloaded and camp is quickly set up atop a cliff, a prime vantage point for gazing back down the lake at Jack Mountain, it’s complicated summit swaddled in ice. A hike along the lake shore ends with much whooping and howling, as we take turns plunging into

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the freezing water.

The sun is warm and a soft whisper of wind dries us off. The sky is a dazzling blue and Hozomeen, free of clouds now, rises like Dracula’s castle. Ooh la la.

It’s the first day of fishing season and Gary tries some casts.

Immediately, he gets a bite and hauls in a prize rainbow trout, an absolute beauty.

As darkness mutes the sky, he and Wendy build a fire and grill his catch over the crackling cedar. If I’ve ever tasted better fish, I don’t remember when. Frogs serenade us with their peculiar

Hozomeen Mountain rises above the north end of Ross Lake

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to impart a final reality check, the wind again rises, compelling us to work hard to re-cross the lake to the campground, paddling into Canada in the process.

The campground boat launch comes into view in early afternoon and after landing, the boats are hauled up the beach, through throngs of sun-

trance music. Tomorrow our journey will reach its end, and this knowledge somehow makes the evening breezes even sweeter.

In the morning we set out in sparkling sunshine. Only a few miles to the Hozomeen Campground, and our rendezvous with the support vehicle. As if

bathing Canadians, to the waiting VW Van. Gear stowed, we head up the bumpy road away from the lake, which is quickly lost in the trees. I turn back for a last glimpse of Hozomeen, but it too has disappeared from view.

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stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.

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Digging Deep Crossing the Kettle Range “Cakewalk” in a day Story and photographs by Aaron Theisen

T

he Kettle Range is the backbone—and heart—of northeastern Washington.

A mosaic of closed-canopy forests and open, sagebrush- and wildflower-filled meadows rapidly rebounding from past wildfires, the Kettle Range features a halfdozen of eastern Washington’s highest peaks, from the summits of which one can gape at distant shimmering vistas of the Cascade and Rocky Mountains. Winding over and around the length of the range is the 45-mile Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail, the granddaddy of long-distance trails in eastern Washington.

Nominally a “ridge-running” route, the Kettle Crest Trail still tallies up about 8,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain over its length. While one could easily spend several days traversing and savoring the Crest, there is also something magical in watching the full light of a long summer day rise and fall across these wild mountains

Looking toward Snow and Sherman Peaks from Bald Mountain, a short distance off the Kettle Crest Trail. In the left background lie the northern peaks of the Kettle Crest.

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in one unbroken chain of footsteps from trailhead to trail’s end. For the past few years, several friends and I have done just that - a one-day hike of the Kettle Crest, which we have deceptively dubbed the “Kettle Crest Cakewalk.”

Morning

Leaving dark forest and entering sun-washed sagebrush grassland on Lambert Mountain.

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Our journey begins a little before 6 am at the southern terminus of the Kettle Crest Trail near White Mountain.

As the sun enters the purple pre-dawn sky, the granitic rocks glow with collected and reflected sunlight. Lupine, Indian paintbrush, buckwheat, aster and yarrow stir in the breeze. This spectacular region of the Kettle River Range has long been an important place of spiritual power for local Native American tribes and remains an important landscape for the adjacent Colville Indian Reservation, and it’s easy to see why. These mountains seems to reflect far more than the sum of their components - rock, flower, tree, light.

It is the little spots on the trail that always leave such a big impression in my mind: the rocky bench, with its eastward views of Twin Sisters Roadless Area, right before the trail begins to climb around the west side of Scar Mountain; the open, grassy meadow trailing down the west face of Profanity Peak, with views of the Curlew Valley; the serene grotto of giant Douglas-fir trees underlain by grass and lupine as the trail ascends out of Long Alec Creek. The Kettle Crest Trail offers plenty of quiet nooks in which to pitch a tent or rest aching feet.

At 15 miles, roughly six hours in, we reach Sherman Pass, at 5575 feet the

highest year-round auto-accessible pass in the state. In the parking lot, packed by backcountry skiers in winter but quiet this August morning, we retrieve gallon jugs of water stashed the day before. None of us is tempted to linger; we have a full three-day-weekend worth of hiking to finish in the next 12 hours.

We remain in a constant state of inexorable forward motion. The photos I take are invariably blurry, because I do not pause long enough to rest my shutter finger. By this point, the usual reasons one might enjoy a long backpacking trip -concepts like “fun,” “enjoying the scenery,” “relishing others’ company”- have given way to work.

Afternoon Every backpacking trip I’ve been on reaches a moment where conversation stops as each person descends inside him - or herself. Invariably it’s about halfway through the last day of the trip. On the Cakewalk it’s at about 3 pm, not long after Camelbacks and water bottles have been topped off at the little spring in a wet meadow near the intersection with the Jungle Hill trail, about 22 miles into the hike. On the ridge run from Jungle Hill to Wapaloosie - arguably one of the most spectacular stretches of the trail, with views to the Selkirks in the east and sagebrush at our feet - the group stretches like taffy. I’m glad for the solitude. After hours of following so closely behind another hiker, staring at her boot heels, I’ve begun to get vertigo. I need open trail in front of me.

Ten hours into the hike and almost 30 miles north of White Mountain, we reach the summit of Copper Butte, one of the Kettle Range’s other trophy peaks.

Were one to pause long enough to enjoy the view, one would see in the distance the Cascades, Selkirks, and Midway Mountains, and - stretched out below the pristine roadless lands of the western Colville National Forest, the lodgepole pine forests of Twin Sisters, the deep canyons of Jackknife and Hoodoo, the race | play | experience

17

Sherman Creek flows off Jungle Hill, on the northern half of the Kettle Crest Trail.

Douglas-fir and maple of Owl Mountain.

Hiking the entire Kettle Crest all in one day provides the opportunity to marvel at the sheer variety of terrain through which we’ve passed: high-elevation meadows on White Mountain, expanses of ghost-white snags and flower fields on Snow Peak’s side, aspen groves and sage-

brush on Columbia Mountain, the dark forests near Sentinel Butte, on the north end. Mere steps take us from one habitat to another; it’s like eastern Washington on fast-forward.

Evening

Descending Copper Butte, through the packed and sun-parched rock of another old burn, my legs protest. The logistical impossibility of bailing down one of the numerous feeder trails in the next few miles steels me, although I let the temptation linger.

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headlong into the dark, I’m more intensely aware than I’ve ever been of the slow drain of daylight from a landscape.

As we flip on our headlamps, our focus shrinks, from a ribbon 45 miles long and 20 inches wide to a bright smudge six feet in diameter.

To keep myself going and pass the time, I begin performing repeated mental calculations of how much is left - a task that would seem to get tedious quickly were it not for the fact that I come up with a different figure every time.

You know that dream when you’re

The Kettle Crest Trail takes hikers through forests of lodgepole pine and fir (photo by Micaela Theisen).

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trying to run away from a monster but you never gain any ground? The last several hours begin to feel like that, except there is no monster - just mind and body rebelling against the foolishness of the pursuit. The last eight miles - a solid day hike on a normal day, but a nuisance to be suffered through on this one

50 feet of open trail feel like an uncharted and un-peopled world. In wilderness, the solitude is perhaps more psychological or spiritual than physical.

- seem to stretch across the continent.

I begin to jog, although at this stage “jogging” is a relative term, and I gain only a fraction of speed. Nonetheless, I rejoice, after 14 hours of walking, in trying out another movement.

Finally, the northern trailhead, at Deer Creek Summit, appears. In the dark, there is no climactic buildup.

The hike simply ceases to continue.

Likewise, in the dark I realize that, despite the feeling of total isolation of the last seven hours - a feeling, it turns out, that everyone shares - none of us was more than 15 seconds in front of

stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.

or behind anyone else.

It’s amazing: 50 feet of open trail feel like an uncharted and un-peopled world. In wilderness, the solitude is perhaps more psychological or spiritual than physical.

At an average pace, it takes roughly 16 hours to hike the entire Kettle Crest in one day. It takes roughly 12 hours after that to pivot from “Why in God’s name did we ever think this was a good idea?” to “You know how we can do it faster next year? Run.” Lupine, buckwheat and other wildflowers keep

Care to do it yourself? one’s eyes focused on the foreground.

Driving directions for the northern trailhead: From Republic, drive FR Spur 250. Continue for 4.2 miles to 3 miles east on SR 20 and turn left on SR the trailhead. Supplies are available in 21. Continue for 18.4 miles to Curlew Republic. and turn right on Boulder Creek Road (County Road 602). Drive 11.2 miles to the trailhead at Deer Creek Summit.

For the southern trailhead: From Republic, drive 17 miles east on SR 20 to Sherman Pass.

Continue on SR 20 for 3.5 miles and turn right onto South Fork Sherman Creek Road (FR 2020) at milepost 323.

Follow FR 2020 for 7 miles, bearing right onto FR 2014. Continue for 4 miles and turn right onto race | play | experience

19

Dodging Turkeys: Mike McQuaide Interviews Himself Story and photos by Mike McQuaide

W

ith thousands of miles of snaking tarmac that winds, wends, climbs and descends through some of the country’s most stunning and varied terrain - alpine meadows to jewel-like islands; arid desert to lush rain forest - Washington State is truly an amazing place to ride a bike.

And now Mountaineers Books of Seattle has published “75 Classic Road Rides: Washington,” a new guidebook that details 75 of the state’s best roadriding routes. It’s authored by Bellingham resident and long-time Adventures NW contributor, Mike McQuaide. (Hey, whad’ya know, that’s me!)

Recently, we had the chance to sit down with McQuaide (again, me) at his vast Columbia neighborhood compound to get the lowdown on his new book.

Can I begin by saying that you are one truly handsome human being. Much taller, thinner and youngerlooking in real life. What are you 27, 28?

Sure.

Tell me about the book.

Basically, it covers 75 really cool, really fun road-riding routes - most of them between say, 30 and 80 miles - that take advantage of or showcase a particular area’s signature physical features. A well-known climb like Badger Mountain near Wenatchee or Lion Rock near Ellensburg, or a cool stretch along the Columbia River over near Nespelem, or a pancake-flat route down through the Skagit Flats, etc.

What type of rider is this book for?

It’s for anyone who loves that feeling of self-propelled power and freedom that you can only get from pedaling a bike out on the open road. That windin-your-hair, bugs-in-your-teeth-from-smiling-so-big feeling. The only requirements are a passion for cycling, a thirst for adventure and a hunger to see some really beautiful places.

So it’s for passionate, thirsty, hungry riders?

Despite the 10-mile climb to Artist Point, Mary Latta is still able to smile.

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Exactly. You don’t need to be fast, skinny or have some bizillion-dollar bike.

You just need to be someone who loves riding a bike.

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How’d you come up with routes in the book?

Along with including my own personal faves, I endlessly badgered and bothered my bike-riding friends and acquaintances for route suggestions. I scoured Internet sites too, such as Strava, mapmyride, ridewithgps and the like to see what routes people are riding, and I relied on the kindness of strangers - riders, racers, bike clubs and bike shops in parts of the state I wasn’t quite as familiar with. They turned me on to a LOT of amazing routes.

Such as …?

Well, there’s this amazing 80-miler over in Okanogan County that goes from Tonasket to Oroville by way of tiny Sitzmark Ski Area up in the Okanogan Highlands. Then it cuts west along the glistening Similkameen River and after meandering around for a while - passing through tiny Nighthawk and along Palmer Lake, returns to Tonasket.

What’s nice about that one - beside the lovely high, dry Eastern Washington forest vibe - is that if 80 miles seems too far, the book describes how it can easily be shortened to a couple of 40-milers. One hilly, one not so hilly; take your pick.

Then there’s BOMROD: Best of Mount Rainier in One Day, which lots of Seattle-area folks ride. It’s kind of an alternative to the popular RAMROD - Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day - but without the 50-mile ride to and from Enumclaw. It’s all within Mount Rainier National Park: up to Sunrise, then back down and up to Cayuse Pass, then down and up to Paradise via the east approach, which is really spectacular. With every pedal stroke Rainier appears to expand and grow before your very eyes. Then, back down and up Cayuse again, depending on where you parked. It’s a megaclimbing day, that’s for sure. But way mega-beautiful as well.

Then there’s Steptoe Butte, out in

the Palouse, which is a quartzite bump that rises a thousand feet above the surrounding wheatfields. There’s a threemile climb to the top but rather than switching back and forth like the road to Artist Point, the Steptoe Butte road spirals ‘round and ‘round the mountain as it climbs. And the views from the top are incredible - on clear days you can see for like 200 miles and into four states.

The road’s a little rough but with out having to slow down for switchbacks, it can make for a crazy-fast descent.

Does every route in the book have mega-climbs on it?

Mega-‘course not. There are mellow routes in Leavenworth, Yakima, around Bellingham, down Skagit way throughout the state, really - and every route in the book can easily be shortened or lengthened. Many route descriptions also detail how to avoid a route’s steeper, pointy bits if you’d rather avoid any spots of bother.

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Did you have any wildlife encounters?

Let’s see, I nearly got run off the road by a rafter of turkeys near Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula. And on the Forest Service roads above Winthrop, I found myself dodging cattle. Dead snakes too, lying in the road up on the Waterville Plateau. And of course, those giant pinecones in the hills above Wenatchee - I found myself slaloming through those quite a bit.

gether, there’s this guy in a pickup truck a couple spots away just totally rocking out by himself to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

He’s got it cranked at least to 11, if not 12 and the whole truck is vibrating, pulsating up and down like it’s alive.

Above Ellensburg, Reecer Creek Road climbs up, up and way high into Wenatchee National Forest.

Giant pinecones on the road—does that count as a wildlife encounter?

‘Course it does. You know those things bite, right?

OK. Anything odd or unusual happen while working on this book?

Which is cool, I’m a big Stevie fan myself, so when I pedal out, I nod to the guy - who’s dressed like he’s on his way to work: Carhartts, some kind of reflective vest and a John Deere-type hat.

Four or five hours later, after riding all over the place throughout the Puyallup River valley, down near Eatonville and along Lake Kapowsin, I’m riding back into Orting and as I get closer to the Safeway, I hear what I swear sounds like a rock concert - in fact, a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert. I get back to my car and guess what it is - the dude in the pickup truck! He’s spent the last five hours rocking out in his pickup truck blasting Stevie Ray Vaughan at full volume!

What’s your favorite route in the book?

Besides interviewing myself? Hmm, let’s see … this one time, I was down in Orting, getting ready to head out on a terrific 60-mile route throughout rural Pierce County. I was parked at a Safeway and as I’m putting my bike to-

Hmm, tough question. But at the risk of sounding like a Whatcom County homer, I’d probably have to say the 100-miler that starts in Everson, heads up through cornfields and pas-

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tureland to Sumas, takes a turn for the steep up Reese Hill, and then follows the Mount Baker Highway up to the ski area - or all the way to Artist Point when the road’s open that far. On the return ride to Everson, you basically just follow the Ski to Sea road bike route.

Then again, there’s this 80-miler from Packwood to Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park to the Stevens Canyon entrance and back to Packwood that’s truly spectacularly, amazingly, beautiful.

I saw a bunch of elk on that one, along with a momma bear and two cubs in that meadow just below Paradise.

And of course, anything near Walla Walla, which has such a cool, collegetown-in-the-middle-of-nowhere atmosphere, and is fairly bike-obsessed too.

A real good route is to follow Middle Waitsburg Road north up and down those Dr. Suessy Palousy-type hills to Waitsburg and from there you have a number of options: out toward Dayton and Bluewood Ski Area, climbing up

through deep, dark Umatilla National forest and the Blue Mountains, or on the way back to Walla Walla, head south toward the Oregon border and Kooskooskie, which is really fun to say. Try it.

It’s a race against the rain as the Saturday morning Donut Ride rolls west toward Birch Bay.

Kooskoosie.

Fun, innit?

It’s all right.

Anyway, the above and about 40 or 50 other routes are my favorites. With the rest of the ones in the book just a tadly smidgen behind.

Any last thoughts you’d like to share about the book?

Yes, just that this book is quite pos-

sibly the best book ever. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry; it’ll make you think. In fact, if you took all the Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Twilight books and placed them end to end, they wouldn’t come close to matching “75 Classic Rides: Washington” for sheer, unadulterated bicycling awesomeness.

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Mountaineering in Goatland

Sharing the Ptarmigan Traverse with Creatures Great and Small

D

uct tape. I had awakened to small feet clawing through my hair as a critter ascended my head, leapt over my face, and continued across my sleeping bag. I fumbled for my headlamp, its sudden light illuminating a two-inch hole in the foot of our tent, a mouse nose sticking though it. Duct tape the hole, my sleepy brain responded. And that’s a fast mouse that’s already out again, I thought next. My husband swore.

Story and photos by Laural Ringler

I duct taped the hole from the inside, while Tom batted mice off of the tent. They were climbing up the mesh door like marauders gaining a castle’s walls.

He sent individuals airborne as though he were playing handball. And still they came. The rest of their horde tried the tent walls, losing purchase when the incline became too much and sliding back down to the ground. The siege continued until our need for sleep after a seven-hour day of backpacking, scrambling, and glacier travel overcame our future need for food.

We hauled out everything edible, and packed what fit into the cook pot. We piled rocks on the lid as further discouragement, and figured the leftovers would be sacrificed. With the food now thirty feet away, I duct taped the mouse-shaped hole in the tent from the outside as well, and we tumbled back into our sleeping bags. The mice apparently preferred the challenge of stealing food from under our feet, since they didn’t bother once we moved it. Regardless, the attack did not recommence and we slept.

Ascending the Red Ledges

24

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Camped at White Rock Lakes, our third night into the North Cascades’ Ptarmigan Traverse, we had noticed earlier that the animals there were much too habituated to humans. A marmot had ambled up to within a few feet of me after I’d gotten water from the lake, and a doe had stuck around at dinnertime even after Tom had thrown stones in her direction. Above tree line, there’s no option to string up the food, so you either cache it outside, or hide it in the bottom of a pack in the tent. We made the wrong choice that night.

High backcountry travel among Cascade peaks is rugged, isolated, spectacularly beautiful, and on this trip, crawling with animals. To begin, we had to gain Cascade Pass and then ascend further on a climber’s trail. On that section, I startled a ptarmigan and her chicks in the heather. It was fascinating to watch their defensive behavior, the chicks scattering and then freezing in the face of a potential enemy, while the mother tried to get me interested in following her as a decoy. I eased away and around, thinking how lucky I was to see a ptarmigan on the Ptarmigan Traverse, and not realizing the encounter would

Approaching the Dana Glacier

be the first of an extraordinarily animalrich journey.

Just short of the ridge, I noticed goat scat, so I called to Tom and slung my pack down. I was carrying a goat kit issued by Western Washington University researchers studying mountain goat dispersal patterns. With specific directions on how to swab and collect goat pellets, I would collect samples and they would analyze the DNA back in the lab. Tom penciled a “P1” on our map to note Poop #1’s collection point, while I reread the directions, swabbed, bottled the swab in a provided vial, collected the pellet, and

rated items such as the consistency of the sample. Finally (I would get much more practiced at the routine), we were on our way again.

Tom had spent the morning driving our car, with two bikes and a Burley trailer on it, a couple hours from our house to the road end nearest our trek’s finish. Then he rode the tandem bike with his single bike in the trailer down a car-impassable, washed-out dirt road, locked up the tandem and the trailer at the foot of the trail to be available when we finished the hike, and biked back out past our car to Highway 20. My parents

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25

later “P4.” Tom began to look slightly exasperated. “Do we have to stop for every pile of goat evidence? We’ll never get anywhere!” He had a point. I also only had a finite number of swabs and vials, so when we ran out there would be no more “P” stops.

It was a glorious day and we saw no other humans. On the entire route we would see only one other party of two, meeting more mountain goats than people.

The Red Ledges looked like a sheer rock wall until we got close enough to discern details. A finger of snow pointing up looked like a possible way, so Tom scouted while I watched from below.

When it thinned to where his ice axe poked through, he called back to let me know. “That’s okay,” I pointed, “we just need to get up to where the goat is.” A large mountain goat was lazily travers-

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ing the rock just above him. We downclimbed into the moat, the melted out gap between snow and rock wall, and then scrambled the muddy wet rock to what turned out to be a significant path, with “P5”, like a pot of gold at the end of it.

The rest of the day we collected views instead of goat scat. We traversed between Mount Formidable and Spider Mountain, and spent an hour on roped Middle Cascade Glacier travel, the snow soft in the hot sun. We continued the mixed travel, descending into Yang Yang Lakes, glimpsed as Caribbean blue-green from the ridge two hours earlier. It was a glorious day and we saw no other humans. On the entire route we would see only one other party of two, meeting more mountain goats than people.

The next morning, “P6” was on the ridge above Yang Yang, a welcome catchmy-breath stop after the climb up out of the basin. Then we roped up again for the LeConte Glacier, winding our way

Deck on ns

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provided the shuttle for me, we picked him up, and then continued on to the trailhead. It had been an active day for him even before we started down the trail. So he was very patient with the scat stop, also given that it was after 4 pm and we still had to cross a glacier, gain Cache Col, and set up camp at Kool-Aid Lake before dark.

We reached the lake a couple hours later, led in by a family of goats. The two adults ambled along eating, while the younger animal raced back and forth between them. I am about to collect the freshest scat possible, I thought. But it turned out that none of them were willing to contribute so immediately to the project. We set up our tent and made dinner, while the goat group wandered around the perimeter until after dusk.

Shortly after we started out the next morning, sign of the goat group was spotted, and I broke out the kit again, while Tom penciled in “P2.” Ten minutes later came “P3” and not too much

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between crevasses under Sentinel Peak.

South Cascade Glacier was more of a traversing stroll, with a distant goat a wandering white speck against the rock below Lizard Mountain. We finished the backpacking day around 4 pm, plenty of time to meet marmots and deer, and of course later that night, mice.

Despite the interrupted sleep, we were up and out early, the Dana Glacier above us. With a daughter named Dana, we were inclined towards it being our favorite glacier of the trip, but fresh bear prints sealed the deal. The evidence suggested the bear too had been enjoying the bluebird day, running and sliding across an undulating area almost at the top. We were mesmerized and scanned in the direction the prints pointed, but did not see the bear. Perhaps the animal disappeared towards the east to enjoy sliding on another finger of the Dana Glacier.

Lingering above the Dana, we snacked and discussed the route ahead,

More goat pellets for science

conscious of the fact we would only get to sleep out one more night, and that site would be below tree line, a completely different experience than the alpine we

had been traveling. The goat kit exhausted, we walked more slowly and stopped often to stretch our time below Spire Point before the descent to Cub Lake.

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trees lay scattered as though a giant had abruptly abandoned a game of pickup sticks. Enough climbers had passed through that we could follow a faint path until Bachelor met Downey Creek, where we picked up that trail. We chugged downhill, missing the high country, and then popped out onto the no longer car-accessible dirt road that previously accessed the Downey Creek campground.

Even that felt like too much civilization after days of alpine travel.

Our feet were hot, and we changed

into sandals for the bike ride out, thankful not to have to walk the seven miles of dirt road between trail’s end and our car. As we slung our backpacks into the trailer, jet noise screamed into our ears and we watched, shocked, as a dark aircraft followed the Suiattle River and disappeared. A second came right after it, like Rebel fighters flying the trench to attack the Death Star. The high tech roar and streaking black shape assaulted the wilderness. I was glad the goats weren’t there to see it.

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The descent was loose and dirty scree, so we reached the lake hot and dusty. We took a dip in the cold water with a peek-a-boo view of Glacier Peak, before sweating up the treed ridge above Cub to camp. Another goat huffed and puffed by our tent at dusk. Tom commented on the goat’s heavy breathing, “Hey, we’re not the only ones who worked hard to get here today.”

Our final day began with a forested descent along Bachelor Creek, including a huge avalanche area where the downed

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Race I Play I Experience

A postcard by Lee Mann of Whatcom Peak with red heather filling the foreground leading to the perfect pinnacle of the snow covered peak; A calendar image by Pat O’Hara of the Southern Pickets emerging from a winter storm; A black and white landscape

by Ira Spring showing the view from Copper Ridge to the ice-clad slopes of Mt. Shuksan.

These were some of the early inspirations that led to my explorations of the fantastic scenery of the North Cascades.

When I found a copy of Tom Miller’s The North Cascades in a Centralia drug store for $12.00, I was hooked. So many exquisite photos of such majestic peaks!

First I sought to summit the lofty peaks, but as the years wore on, I realized that it was the time spent above tree-line that was the elixir, not the summits themselves. Crowder and Tabor’s Routes and Rocks became my late night reading as I strategized how to reach scenic

Dates

Photo by Dave Maczuga

viewpoints where I could gaze into the remote regions of the Cascades.

“A picture is worth a thousand words” is certainly true of my fascination with high travel in the North Cascades.

Tom Miller wrote in the last page of The North Cascades, that he “hoped that someone, with a good set of legs, will get pictures of all this country so that two or three additional volumes that the range deserves will be produced.” His book, as well as others, gave me the inspiration

to look at a map and see adventures.

I only hope that the images and maps in my books will inspire others to seek adventure in the North Cascades.

View Bob Kandiko’s aweinspiring photography books at www.blurb.com/user/Kandiko.

Bob Kandiko: A Passion for High Places 30

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Race I Play I Experience

Clockwise from left: Alpenglow on the Triplets, Cascade Peak, and Johannesburg Mtn.; Kandiko on Mt. Torment; Mt. Fury and the Northern Pickets from Luna Peak; Lupine meadows on Skyline Divide with Mt. Shuksan; The chaotic crevasses of the Coleman Glacier on Mt. Baker; and Scott Reiss with Nooksack Tower and Mt. Shuksan.

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31

Human-Powered Travel: Making Connections on the Road to Yellowstone Story and photos by Lisa Toner

S

oggy clouds lingered over Bellingham Bay and remnants of the morning’s downpour clung stubbornly to pavement and grass.

Huddled on the beach at Marine Park, we realized that we could put it off no longer: It was time to pedal into the unknown.

to tour through challenging terrain on a starving student budget, cooking our own food, finding legal free camping, and requesting homestays through www. warmshowers.org (a hospitality network for touring cyclists).

In Winthrop, we had our first warmshowers stay: a campsite with tent

We said goodbye Roadside Sandwich Stop on the way up the to my parents, mount11,000’ Beartooth Pass. ed our fully loaded bicycles, and began riding awkwardly through the park. A group of cricket players paused as we tottered past. “Where are you going?” one called out.

“Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks!” we replied, feeling a bit surprised by our own response.

Grinning, they began to clap, whistle, and cheer. Buoyed by their enthusiasm, smiles spread across our faces. Our pedal space, a converted shed for bad weather, strokes strengthened and our barge-like a garden, and even a solar-powered bikes steadied. These cricket players shower! We met other touring cyclists, would be the first of many consequenleapfrogging with five guys biking from tial strangers on our two-month, 2000Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine mile bicycle journey, a trip that became and chatting with a group of men in a series of meaningful encounters and their seventies who were nearly done instant camaraderie with the people we with a Transamerica journey. They recmet along the way. ommended a good shortcut and gave us Our route crossed Washington on tips for fending off dogs. Even people magnificent Highway 20, which has five at the grocery store were friendly. We mountain passes. We quickly learned 32

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began to see that people generally love touring cyclists. They were eager to help, ask where we were going, and gawk at our overloaded bicycles.

Before departing, we had spent hours online, anxiously planning the first week of our journey. As we continued eastward, however, we became less reliant on technology and more connected with people and towns.

We had no smartphone or computer; we navigated with only a map, notepad, and 20-minute internet sessions at libraries. This let us travel comfortably, but even when we had good plans, we often found something better by talking to people. In Tonasket, Wash, where the only campground was a $25-per-night RV park, the people at the visitor’s center said, “We always let cyclists camp on our lawn for free!”

We met another cyclist there, a guy who lived only two blocks from us at home - we probably never would have met him otherwise!

In Northern Idaho, we met Beth, known on warmshowers.org as the “patron saint” of touring cyclists. She chases down cyclists to make sure they have a place to stay! Her kids idolize the cyclists and are already becoming avid bikers. The morning we left Beth’s house, we crossed into a remote section of >>> Go to AdventuresNW.com

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Montana. We had no solid plans for the week’s lodging, other than campgrounds marked sporadically on our map. Towns were few and far between. It was time to let go and trust that something good would happen. Dodging rain showers, we cruised on a tailwind, following the Clark Fork River. We took a break at a country bakery, and my phone rang: it was Beth! She excitedly told us that her elderly parents, who normally didn’t take in travelers anymore, wanted to host us.

They lived two riding days away. Plans for that night, however, were still up in the air.

As we approached 70 miles of riding, deep purple storm clouds loomed ahead. It was time to pitch the tent or get soaked. We reached a campground, but it was gated shut. “The campground is closed because the river flooded,” said a voice behind us. It was a man on a tractor. “But you can probably go in there anyway. Or, you could camp on my yard. I have 200 acres.” We took him in: well over six feet tall, he had an athletic build and a gray ponytail. His eyes were earnest and kind. “My name is Brett.

It’s just my boy and me at home now.

My wife passed away a year ago. You can camp on our lawn. Seriously, I don’t care at all.”

Soon, we found ourselves cooking burritos in Brett’s kitchen, joking around with his eight-year-old son, and sharing life stories. He told us several times how great it was to have people to talk to.

There was nobody around for miles. The

Teepees at the Arlee Celebration

next morning, we took a photo together and rolled on, feeling like we’d known him for much longer than 24 hours.

By stepping outside of the usual social convention of polite distance and fear of strangers, all of us had made a memorable connection.

We pedaled along the Blackfoot River, stopping for a night with Beth’s parents, who inspired us with stories of their full life. Continuing toward Missoula, the beautiful scenery gave way to busy highways. Exhausted, we stopped at a store 30 miles north of Missoula, far from any campground. A local approached us and struck up a conversation. Between repeated admonitions that cyclists should ride on the left side of the road, he mentioned a powwow, known as the Arlee Celebration. Then,

he said the magic words: “You know, you can camp for free at the powwow.” And so, we spent the afternoon watching traditional dances and looking at elaborate costumes and crafts. Our modern, teepee-shaped Megalite tent looked tiny pitched beside the magnificent traditional teepees. The drumming and singing droned on through the night.

The next morning, we groggily biked up a short, steep pass and descended south into Missoula, where we relished the city’s bike lanes, shaded parks, and crowds of people. Errands at a bike shop, farmer’s market, and food co-op felt heavenly. We spread out our stuff on the university campus lawn to do some bike maintenance and cook dinner, planning to bike out of town to camp later that evening. Then, a cyclist

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route loosely, contacting warmshowers hosts a few days ahead, and letting the rest fall into place. As dreamy as this sounds, there is a yin and yang to touring: For every nice homestay or beautiful free campsite, there was a healthy dose of Wacounda Pass, between Tonasket what we came to think of and Republic, Wash as “type two fun”. This is the kind of fun that’s only our age invited us to pitch our tent on fun when it’s over. Some examples: In a his lawn and have a backyard movie remote stretch near Helena, we camped night with some friends. It turned out on a sweltering high school baseball field that we had mutual acquaintances in the amidst hordes of mosquitoes. The next cycling world, and we offered to host day, we stayed with a friend’s aunt, who him when he came over for Westside brought us to a Fourth of July Party and races. As we drank wine, shared adventure stories, and laughed about the woes By stepping outside of the usual of graduate school, we realized that once social convention of polite distance again, our open-ended plans had led us and fear of strangers, all of us had to something better than we could have imagined on our own. made a memorable connection.

We pushed on toward Yellowstone, settling into a rhythm of planning our made a beautiful creek-side dinner with us. We found free camping on a visitor’s center lawn in Big Timber, but got “sprinklered” at 3:00 am. Sometimes, we had to ride on I-90, where the narrow, grit-covered shoulder and roaring semis made us tense with fear, but then merged onto a gorgeous frontage road.

After an eighty-mile day through unavoidable road construction and 100-degree heat, we arrived at a friend’s house for a rest day. Again and again, people showed us immense hospitality, more than we’d usually ask for, or felt comfortable accepting.

Kind strangers shone the brightest in the tourist zone in and around Yellowstone National Park. There, towns were friendly—if you could spend big money. Some places had no grocery stores, only expensive restaurants and souvenir shops. Many campgrounds banned tents due to bear problems. In Red Lodge, far from a campground and unable to find a shower for less than $15 each, we met a couple our 34

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parents’ age. They invited us to stay in their guesthouse. In Yellowstone, we found great $5-per-night hiker/biker camping, but no good grocery stores.

Depleted from climbing an 11,000foot pass, we descended to Gardiner, Mont, to get supplies, where we met a friendly postal worker. While stamping our mail, she told us that she had done a bike tour at age 19 and never forgot the kindness other people showed to her.

She recommended the best place to get a bacon-and-eggs brunch, then drove us back up the sweltering, 1000’ hill to our campsite during her lunch break. Small acts of kindness meant a great deal to us during that tired phase of our trip!

The ride from Yellowstone to Glacier consisted of beautiful stretches of scenery punctuated by still more meaningful encounters. One day, we camped for free at a beautiful fishing pullout, and then cruised a tailwind with a 19-year-old who was taking some time to figure out life. Near Hamilton, we pace-lined with four college guys, and then stayed with a retired lawyer who taught us to play Bananagrams.

Twin Bridges, Mont, had a shelter specifically for touring cyclists. There, we met a couple who were bike touring to re-integrate into American society after spending five years doing humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic.

They wanted to reassure themselves that Americans are good—and, like us, their expectations had been exceeded! As we pedaled to our journey’s end in Glacier National Park, where our family would converge for a week-long vacation, we realized that we’d learned a deeper meaning for the term, human-powered travel.

The people that we met along the way lifted our spirits and helped us when we needed it most, inspiring us to pay it forward and become people of greater generosity and hospitality.

Editors Note: Names and details in this story have been changed to protect the identities and respect the privacy of the people mentioned.

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The Art of Nature Poetry by James Bertolino Bent Down I’m alone, it’s dark, I’m done walking the beach in the rain.

I was with no one yesterday, and tomorrow will be the same.

I enjoyed flirting with the waves, letting them almost catch me, wet me.

I know certain women who have played that game.

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Northwest Passage: The Wild and Wooly Ragnar Relay comes to Town

By Sarah Schumacher & Tamaria Sanderson.

Photos by Jerry Foreman.

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If you’re looking for a running event that provides an once-in-a-lifetime experience as well as a challenge for your body, look no further than the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage. Ragnar, as it’s fondly known, is a 190-mile relay race through some of the most beautiful scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer. In fact, some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. This race attracts hard-core runners and weekend enthusiasts alike, all starting on Friday morning, July 20 at the Peace Arch at the Canadian border in Blaine and ending after 24-life-changing hours in Langley on Whidbey Island. As relay races and other specialty running events become more popular in the United States, Ragnar - and especially its Northwest Passage event - are unmatched.

The relay is made up of twelve runners in two vans that leapfrog each other so that each runner takes on three

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different legs over the course of the 24 hours. If you’re extra hardy, there’s also an option to have a team of six (or fewer) where each person runs roughly the equivalent of a marathon over the course of the race. For those inclined for a little shorter mileage, the runners on the 12-person team run about 15 miles each, broken up into three legs.

Some teams take it seriously, some not so much. Teams with names like ‘Must Finish Alive’, ‘Sucking Wind’, and ‘Runnin’ From the Law’ run alongside teams from running groups, high schools, and various running-related industries. Teams come from all over the United States to compete and have a good time in a beautiful setting.

Half the fun of the race is the people watching. Runners of all ages and fitness levels wear tutus, animal costumes,

bowties, and assorted wigs and hats as they run. Teams really do their best to outdo one another - not only in speed but in style and passion. Last year, there was a team called ‘Lord of the Ragnar’, all dressed in costumes straight out of Middle Earth. It’s not every day you see Gandalf running through farmland, battling Gollum and Orcas in between stages. And it’s not only the runners who are tricked out; the vans are also decorated to the hilt with slogans (“Looks like Vegas, smells like

The runners are greeted with the rising sun and a clearing fog; there is truly nothing more beautiful than peaceful Penn Cove at first light.

Detroit”), number of “kills” and various thematic decorations. You’ll often see a van or two parked along the road, participants outside to hand their runner a refreshing beverage, take all manner of embarrassing and/or awesome photos, and to generally cheer on their teammate and other runners.

The big exchange points where Van One and Van Two hand off make for some of the best people watching.

Dozens of bodies litter the ground, desperately trying to get some sleep before the next round. Those that aren’t sleeping are probably thinking about it, but may be eating, rubbing sore muscles, or calculating just how long they have before they have to start running again.

The exchange points are the great equalizer; the teams going for time and the teams just going for a good time are all there, trying to catch a snooze and a snack. Ragnar isn’t your average running race, but neither are its participants. It’s a whole new way of enjoying running.

Van One starts its day at Peace Arch Park in Blaine. There, teams decorate their vans, put on their crazy clothes and game faces, and otherwise prepare themselves for 24 hours in a van together. The teams start in waves beginning race | play | experience

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at 7:30 am, continuing throughout the day with the fastest teams starting last.

The six runners in Van One take turns running through Blaine, Birch Bay, Ferndale, and Bellingham, handing off a bright orange slap bracelet. Team

After some rest and some fresh clothes, Van One runs out of Burlington, through Mount Vernon, and on towards La Conner. All too soon, the vans and the runners, equipped with headlamps, enter La Conner to meet up with the other half of the team.

Most teams pack up immediately to get on the road in order to sleep what remains of the night away at Deception Pass State Park. Nothing prepares The end of the liine: which way to the beer garden? you for another long run like sleeping on a tree root or in a crowded, stinky members run alongside busy highways, van, your only source of illumination on peaceful country roads, and on trails; the strand of Christmas lights hung just through Bellingham, across the Skagit above your head.

Flats of Bow and Edison, winding their While their teammates “sleep”, way under canopies of green trees and Van Two runs out of La Conner, headover rolling hills into Burlington.

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ing toward Anacortes on its way to the next handoff, just on the other side of Deception Pass. Running across the Deception Pass bridge in the middle of the night with only van lights and your own headlamp to keep you company is a strange and unique joy.

Equal parts soothing run and terrifying mind-blower, the night runs are an exercise in keeping your eyes, and your mind, squarely on the road in front of you and away from all of the ‘B’ horror films you’ve ever seen. In six years, not one runner has seen a masked man wielding a chainsaw A quiet moment running after them, but many run like there is. The nicest thing about the night runs, aside from getting the racers out of their comfort zones, is the gorgeous view as the sun comes up in the morning.

To start the final leg, Van One picks up at Deception Pass and pushes on across Whidbey Island, ending at Coupeville. For the early teams, the

runners are greeted with the rising sun and a clearing fog - there is truly nothing more beautiful than peaceful Penn Cove at first light. After receiving the

now completely disgusting slap bracelet in Coupeville, Van Two finishes the race in Langley after having run the rest of the length of Whidbey Island. The event culminates with a huge party at the finish line, complete with team photos, medals for all, a beer garden, and hundreds of hobbling, exhausted runners.

Ragnar isn’t just a race; it’s a mindexpanding, potentially life-changing experience.

Whether you’re there to win it or just to have a good time in a gorgeous place, Ragnar delivers. As the motto goes, “Ragnarians Do It All Night Long”. Or maybe: “Run. Drive.

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Galiano Island: Transforming an Island Paradise into a Trails Paradise

Story and photos by Craig Romano

N

amed not for the Italian liqueur Galliano, but after the Spanish explorer Dionisio Alcalá Galiano, who explored this area in 1792; Galiano Island is never-theless a very sweet place - especially for hiking.

Galiano is one of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, an archipelago which includes Washington’s San Juan Islands, located in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and BC’s Lower Mainland. Why Gulf? Credit George Vancouver when he mapped the area in 1792, originally referring to the Strait of Georgia as the Gulf of Georgia.

Second largest of the Gulf Islands, and with a population of just under 1300, Galiano remains a fairly wild and undeveloped place. Referred to by its residents as the “Gem of the Gulf Islands,” its highest summits, biggest lake, oldest trees, and miles of stunning coastline

are all protected within several parks and preserves. And traversing these natural areas are miles of trails. Lots of trails!

The network continues to grow, too; for many folks on Galiano are intent on transforming their island paradise into a hiker’s paradise.

“The Galiano Island Parks and Recreation Commission (GIPRC), a volunteer group responsible to the Capital Regional District (which administers the Gulf Islands) has a mandate to develop trails on Galiano,” states Paul LeBlond, President of the Galiano Trails Society.

“In 2007, the GIPRC held public consultations and hired a consultant to develop a trail network plan for the entire island,” he adds. While the trail system is currently disjointed, it is expansive. On my recent three day trip to the island I managed to hike over 40 miles; covering ground on both the island’s southern and northern tips, its ridges and peaks, and up and down its eastern and western shores.

Like their San Juan counterparts, each Gulf Island has its own flavor, culture, and independent bent. Sure, Galiano is sprinkled with the usual island mix of artists, writers, hippies, retirees, the well-to-do, mainstream dropouts, eccentrics and eclectics. But it’s Galiano’s physical attributes and a protracted conflict over the island’s land use that defines this island and its islanders.

Seventeen miles long and only one to three and a half miles wide, this thickly forested and ridged island is the driest of the Gulf Islands, thanks to the Olympic and Vancouver Island rain shadows.

While occupied by people from the Penelakut First Nations for thousands of years, lack of abundant groundwater coupled with shallow soils meant limitations to farming and development for settlers. For much of the last century, nearly half of the island was owned by forestry giant MacMillan Bloedel. But in 1989 the company began divesting its

Bellhouse Provincial Park

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from the Sturdies Bay Trail, traveling 1.2 island properties, setting the stage for the miles through the heart of this park concurrent land controversy. sisting of magnificent towering ancient Private individuals were allowed to cedars and Douglas firs. And while the buy several hundred five-acre parcels forests of the park are breathtaking, it’s from the timber company for home lots, the park’s namesake that will really captiwhile the company established several vate you. Mosey along grassy bluffs towthousand acres of parkland and commuering 400 feet above Active Pass, peering nity forest. But the Gulf Islands Trust (a out to Mayne Island’s Helen Point and government agency administering land down Swanson Channel to Vancouver use much like the Columbia River Gorge Island’s Saanich Peninsula.

Commission), perhaps fearing a repeat You can hike a half mile along the of the monstrous 1,200-lot Magic Lakes subdivision on nearby Pender Island - which in essence prompted the trust to be established - rejected the plan. But not before a sizeable number of folks bought parcels and were subsequently denied permission to build on them, setting the stage for litigation and appeals, resulting in an island divided between proponents of development and preservation.

Never-the-less, over twenty years later, in spite of land and access being in limbo and some private property owners leery to grant easements, public land is being acquired, easements are being granted, and trails are being built on the island. “During the last local election, both ‘sides’ were buzzing about trails,” says Jesse Keefer, owner of the Bodega Ridge Lodge and Cabins, and son of island trail visionary Bowie Keefer. “I think Bodega Ridge community support is strong for bluffs beneath big snags harboring trails,” he says. eagles; or as I recently found out, conBut why wait for that to happen, tinue for another adventurous mile or so when there are currently miles of trail in into the newly acquired Matthews Point place to satisfy all walks of hikers? Right Regional Park Preserve protecting more off the BC Ferry Terminal in Sturdies lofty bluffs. The trail system here howBay you can almost immediately begin ever is rough and unmarked, so I have a hiking by following the Studies Bay better suggestion. Consider returning to Trail, which runs 1.2 miles parallel to the Ferry Terminal via the pastoral Bluff Sturdies Bay Road to the Galiano Club’s and Burrill Roads, taking a short side South Community Hall. trip to Bellhouse Provincial Park.

Founded in 1924, the Galiano Club The park is tiny - only five acres is an active community organization that and its circling trail a mere .6 mile long. created 320-acre Bluffs Park, one of the But, “the trail is one of the most scenic gems of the island. A good trail diverts stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.

little paths in the Gulf Islands,” claims Charles Kahn, author of “Hiking the Gulf Islands of British Columbia.” I concur. The park contains some of the largest madronas (arbutus in Canada) I’ve ever seen. Gaze across Active Pass with its flotilla of ferries and pleasure craft to Mayne Island’s Georgina Point Lighthouse. And then stare across the sparkling waters of the Strait of Georgia to Mount Baker hovering in the distance.

If it’s a workout you desire and a view that’ll knock your smelly hiking socks off, venture to Mount Galiano, just north of Bluffs Park.

A couple of excellent trails wind two miles up this 1,000-plus foot peak - the highest point on the island - to one of the finest views in all of the Gulf Islands. From windswept grassy ledges framed with elegant Garry oaks, literally look out across a sea of peaks. Gaze south to Mayne Island’s Mount Parke, Saturna Island’s Mount Warburton Pike, and Orcas Island’s Mount Constitution; west to Salt Spring Island’s Bruce Peak, Mount Sullivan, and Baynes Peaks, the highest summits in the Gulf Islands; and all against a dramatic mural of snowy and craggy Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island summits.

What’s missing however is the view east. But, you can get that from hiking the Community Forest Trails. From this formerly logged and burned area - not exactly pristine forest, but folks from the Galiano Club and Galiano Conservancy are busy restoring it—you can take in sweeping views east across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver, Point Roberts, Boundary Bay and a whole slew of cloud-piercing Howe Sound and North Cascades peaks.

There is also coastal access from the Community Forest, as well as along nearly the entire island, a stark contrast from many of the other Gulf and San race | play | experience

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Montague Harbour

Juan Islands. “The GIPRC has opened many Shore Access Trails throughout the island over the past few years,” says LeBlond. Currently over 20 are in place leading to isolated surf-pounded sandstone shelves, quiet coves, and shorebird sanctuaries. Most of these trails are short, from just a few hundred feet to a half mile, but Galiano does have longer coastal trails.

Montague Harbour Provincial Park, which also offers nice car and walk-in campsites has one of the finest shoreline trails in the Gulf Islands. An absolute must-hike is the park’s 1.5 mile loop around Gray Peninsula. The maritime views are stunning - so too are the colossal madronas. But it’s the silver strands of beaches that will really sweep you away. Formed from First Nations’ middens several millennia old, the agents of erosion have crafted exceptionally fine beaches from the discarded shells.

On Galiano’s opposite shoreline you’ll find the Pebble Beach Reserve and a wilder coast. Here a wonderful loop trail traverses towering timber to a rocky beach on the Strait of Georgia, where the surf continuously pounds, beaching oldgrowth logs and carving steep shelves in the sandstone shoreline. You can spend all day hiking in this preserve, taking side trips to the Great Beaver Swamp and to Laughlin Lake, the largest body of water on the island. This wet area is quite a contrast from the southern part of the island where trailhead signs warn that smoking is prohibited in fear of the forests going up in flames.

Just north of Laughlin Lake is Bodega Ridge Provincial Park, offering one of the finest ridgeline hikes in the Gulf Islands. Walk 1.5 miles along this 800-foot high ridge, taking in stunning views of Trincomali Channel twinkling below, punctuated with reefs and finger islands; and out to Vancouver Island’s endless emerald ridges and mountains.

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from one of the adjacent landowners to ridge’s abrupt and overhanging ledges hike overland to the park. and marvel at clusters of manzanita grac“Once the land use issues on the ing the way. island get settled,” says Keefer, “I imagAnd rounding out some of the trail ine there will be a treasures to be found on Galiano Island The maritime views are stunning — so trail from Sturdies is Dionisio Point too are the colossal madronas. But Bay all the way to Dionisio Park. I Provincial Park at it’s the silver strands of beaches would love to think the island’s northern that will really sweep you away. that people could tip. A gift to the walk off of the ferry province in 1991 and walk all the way to the end of the from MacMillan Bloedel, this 300-acre island while making stops at various acpark has over five miles of trails including commodations, campsites and beaches.” a breathtaking one mile-plus path along That would indeed be an amazing attrione of the most dramatic sections of bute, and one solidly making this island coastline in the Gulf Islands. Here, as on paradise a trail paradise!

Gabriola Island to the north, the shoreline is adorned with massive honeycombed Getting There rocks, sculpted sandstone shelves, and ledges created by wind and waves. There BC Ferries are also ancient middens on Dioisio Point http://www.bcferries.com/ - big trees, eagle colonies, and inviting 55 minute crossing from Tsawwassen campsites, too. But unfortunately there Reservations advised is currently no public land access“Save to the10% on MapKids and Island information park. You must either arrive by water Programs Summer by www.galianoisland.com (which can be tricky) or get permission 6/15/12”

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Race I Play I Experience MAY > > > Friday, 25 May BIKE Tea Time Tour— Bellingham, 3pm. Meet at Wonderland Teas & Spices on Railroad, then bike to Spice Hut on Cordata. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

Saturday, 26 May RUN/ADV terrain Seattle Mud Run—Enumclaw, 9am.Whether you’re a seasoned pro (eat mud pie for breakfast) or easing into the fun, we have a race for you: full terrain: 5+mi (20-26* obstacles) or the 1/2 terrain: 3mi (14-20* obstacles). Both options have you and your friends running through mud, trails, and obstacles that test your physical and mental grit.

You’ll sweat, get dirty, and have the time of your life. Be prepared to jump, climb and even crawl through gnarly terrain at the Enumclaw Expo Center. 928-8533325, events@terrainracing.com, terrainracing.com/terrain-mud-runs/ seattle/ RUN Mazama 5k & 10k Fun Runs—Mazama, 9am. mvsta.com MT BIKE 24 Hours Round the Clock—Spokane, noon. Riverside State Park. roundandround.com NAV Gig Harbor Street Scramble —Gig Harbor, 9:30am. 503-515-9419, streetscramble.com MULTI Mind Over Mountain— Burnaby, BC, 9am. 866-912-3331, mindovermountain.com TR RUN/ULTRA Soaring Eagle Runs—Sammamish, 8:30am. 425-3017009, evergreentrailruns.com RUN Memorial Day runs—Seattle, 10am. Multiple events. 206-335-9305, magnusonseries.org

Sunday, 27 May RUN Coeur d’Alene Marathon— ID, 7am. cdamarathon.com RUN/WALK Good Karma 5K —Seattle, 9am. At Seward Park, 206330-5967, goodkarma5k.com MULTI Ski to Sea—Bellingham/ Whatcom Co., 7:45am. A multi-sport relay for recreational to elite athletes, from the slopes of Mount Baker to the shores of Bellingham Bay. 7 legs, 8 racers/ team—XC ski, downhill ski or board, rd run, rd bike, canoe, mt bike, and sea kayak to a finish at Fairhaven’s Marine 44

race | play | experience

Park. Top Gun Awards as well as divisional awards presented at the lively finish/vendor expo. (Read about Ski to Sea at adventuresnw.com!) 360746-8861, skitosea.com SPEC Fairhaven Festival— Bellingham, 10am-8pm. An all-day fest in conjunction with Ski to Sea—just blocks from the finish line—for all ages, with live music on 2 stages, kids’ fun, arts and craft vendors, ethnic foods, a beer garden, and more. Catch one of the lowcost shuttles and save the parking headache. fairhaven.com

Monday, 28 May RD BIKE Seven Hills of Kirkland, 7am. 7hillskirkland.org LEARN Map & Compass102— Bellingham, 7pm. 360-647-8955, rei.com

Tuesday, 29 May LEARN Alpine Climbing Basics— Bellingham, 7pm. 360-647-8955, rei.com

Wednesday, 30 May LEARN Mount Baker Volcano— Bellingham, 7pm. 360-647-8955, rei.com

through Thursday, 31 May SNAP/SUBMIT “View from the Bridge” Photo & Art Contest— Bellingham; submission by 5/31/2012. As demolition and environmental cleanup continue on the former Georgia-Pacific mill site in Bellingham, one of the best places to watch is the Chestnut Avenue Bridge. Capture this ever-changing view with a photograph, painting or other artistic medium (historic submissions showing the site’s past operations and activities welcome) and submit to the contest. Winners will be notified in June, and selected submissions will be on display at the Squalicum Boathouse during the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration at Zuanich Point Park. portofbellingham.com/ photocontest

JUNE > > > Saturday, 2 Jun (National Trails Day) MULTI Gap2Gap Relay—Yakima, 7am. This multi-sport, 5-leg relay race utilizes the Yakima Greenway, a series of parks connected by over 10 miles of pathway along the scenic Yakima River.

This relay includes a fjeld run, 12mi mountain bike, 8mi kayak, 20mi road bike and 10k run. The sport course is shorter with a fjeld run, 8mi mountain

25 May - 2 June

bike, 6.2mi inline skate, 20mi road bike and a 5k run.

The Jr race is for kids ages 6-14. Kids run, bike, rollerblade, paddle in Reflection Pond, and navigate an obstacle course in Sarg Hubbard Park. Teams or solo. 509-4538280, yakimagreenway.org/g2g WALK Spokane Bridge Walk— 9:30am. 509-625-6546, active.com RUN Race Beneath the Sun 5mi —Bellingham, 10am. gbrc.net ADV Survivor Mud Run— Carnation. survivormudrun.com

FISH Kids Fishing Derby— Anacortes, 7-11am. Kids 13 and under fish free at Heart Lake. cityofanacortes.org/parks/events

TR RUN Lord Hill Run— Snohomish, 9am. nwtrailruns.com NAV Orienteering Moses Lake— 10am. 206-913-3790, cascadeoc.org BIKE 25th Annual Apple Century Bike Ride—Wenatchee, WA. 8-10am open start. Ride through Washington’s apple country! Start at Walla Walla Point Park and wind through orchards and vineyards of Monitor,

Cashmere, Dryden and Peshastin en route to Leavenworth. There, at Cascade HS, 50milers return, while 100milers continue through the foothills of the eastern edge of the Cascades to their turn-around at Lake Wenatchee Fire Station.

SAG wagons, water stops along the route plus at the two turn-arounds, and post-ride party with food, beverages, entertainment.

Just added for 2012: a 25mi Cashmere loop! applebikeride.com ULTRA Rainier to Ruston—Mt. Rainier. rainiertoruston.com RUN Dog Island Run 10k, 2mi—Guemes Island, 10:45am. Benefits Guemes Library. gil. octopia.com WALK/RUN Heaven Can Wait 5K—Bend, OR, 9am. 541-410-1027, visitbend.com TRI Tri-Berry Triathlon—Lynden,

7:30-10:30am starts. Is the thought of cold water unappealing?

Want to “Try a Tri”?

Looking for an early season sprint event? The Tri-Berry is your answer: a comfortable, wave-start pool swim, scenic bike ride, neighborhood run (competitive: 500yd swim, 23k bike, 8k run; recreation: 250yd swim, 23k bike, 4k run)—with chiptiming and locally grown, frozen berry recovery smoothies. $50 per solo racer or team, limited to first 200 participants. All proceeds benefit Lynden Christian School Athletics. tri-berrytriathlon.com

DU/RUN Duel in the Desert— Bend, OR, 9am. 541-323-0964, visitbend.com SPEC Appliance Art Revival & Derby—Bellingham, 5pm. Be part of celebration of creative reuse for appliances and parts near the Depot Market Square. The Appliance Derby (carts made from a variety of appliance

SINCE 1979

Ride ‘em if ya got ‘em TREK : SURLY : SALSA ROCKY MOUNTAIN : LINUS MIRRACO : REDLINE : CERVELO

FULL SERVICE CENTER With each bike purchase, receive:

FREE TUNE-UP FREE MAINTENANCE CLASS BIKE-FIT GUARANTEE M-F 10-7 SAT 9:30-6 SUN 11-4 100 E Chestnut Downtown Bellingham

360.733.6440 kulshancycles.com

>>> VIew or download even MORE Race|Play|Experience

Race I Play I Experience

2 June (cont.) - 8 June parts and other repurposed objects) precedes the ticketed auction and party. reuseworks.org

ROW Learn to Row Day— Bellingham, 9am-noon. At Bloedel Donovan Park experience what rowing (sculls, rowing shells, etc.) is all about.

360-714-8891, whatcomrowing.org BIKE High Tide Ride—Anacortes, 8am. 360- 840-8778, hightideride.com BIKE SWAN Century & Family Fun Ride—Sedro Woolley, 7:30am. active.com TRI/RUN Issaquah Tri, 5k, 10k— 7am. issaquahtri.com

Saturday-Sunday, 2-3 Jun BOAT Anacortes Waterfront Festival. anacortes.org PADDLE NW Whitewater Championships—Roslyn. WKC Salmon la Sac Slalom & Downriver. nwwhitewater.org

Gig Harbor/Southworth. twbc.org RUN Chum Run 5k—Langley, 2pm (new time). Run with your chums! All ages will enjoy this lovely run through groomed forest trails. 360-221-5484, swparks.org RUN Race for the Cure 5k— Seattle. komenpugetsound.org RUN North Olympic Discovery Marathon, Half, 10k, 5k—Sequim. nodm.com RUN Run Duvall 5k/10k—Duvall. An education fundraiser. runduvall.org ADV Muddy Mayhem 5k— Bellingham, 9am. muddy-mayhem.com RUN San Juan Island Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k—Friday Harbor, 8:30am. sjmarathon.org NAV Orienteering Fishtrap Lake—9am. ewoc.org RUN Red Devil 25k—Cashmere. runwenatchee.com

Sunday, 3 Jun

BIKE School Gardens Bike Tour— Bellingham, 1pm. Begin at Youth Grown Garden at 1020 N. State St. 360-671BIKE, everybodybike.com

BIKE Peninsula Metric Century—

TR RUN Raptor Ridge 10mi—

Bellingham, 10am. 360-389-0561, bellinghamtrail.com

bring a mat or towel. 360-676-4955, fairhavenrunners.com

RUN/WALK Girls on the Run 5k—Barkley Village Gazebo, 9am. Join Girls on the Run for a fun-filled community run/ walk! This is the graduation 5K for our program participants. The run/walk is open to the community — women, men, children, leashed pets and all-terrain strollers welcome! whatcomymca.org

Thursdays, through Jun

Tuesday, 5 Jun TR RUN Grand Ridge Evening Runs—Issaquah, 6:30pm. 425-3017009, evergreentrailruns.com

Thursday, 7 Jun LEARN/FIT Yoga for Runners & Walkers—Bellingham, 7:15pm. At Fairhaven Runners & Walkers, hear Kim Sandstrom, ND, LMP discusses common patterns of muscular imbalance in runners and walkers and yoga poses that can help reduce pain and quicken strides. Wear comfortable clothes and

PT

b FUN WITH A BOOST OF CONFIDENCE

GIRLS ON THE RUN SPRING 5k Sunday, June 3, at 9am at Barkley Village Run or walk and support the girls.

Register at the Y or www.active.com WHATCOM FAMILY YMCA 360 733 8630 www.whatcomymca.org event listings at AdventuresNW.com

BURLINGTON

PHYSICAL THERAPY

BIKE Bellingham Time Trials— Lake Padden, 6:15pm. bellinghamtri.org

Friday, 8 Jun RUN Fremont 5k & Briefcase Relay—Seattle, 7pm. fremont5k.com HIKE Heart Lake Old Growth— Fidalgo Island, 10am. A hike through a stand of Puget trough lowland old growth, with an adult level flora and fauna focus. friendsoftheacfl.org BIKE Diva Cycle—Bellingham, 4pm.

Fashionistas on Wheels: A guided shopping tour of selected thrift and vintage clothing stores in Bellingham, beginning at Black Market near Iowa & State. Riders are invited to purchase and wear an item of clothing from each store to complete a new outfit by the end of the ride. There may be a photo session. Bike along to happy hour (no-host) at the Blue Horse Gallery to toast our shopping success. Cheers!

360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

Voree Smith, MPT 1186 S. Burlington Blvd.

Burlington, WA 98233 www.bpt1.com

1(360) 757.9018 tele 1(360) 757.9019 fax vorees@sirgpt.net

You sooner than later ............................................................................................................. ....................................................................

Name:

Date:

See below .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Diagnosis:

Evaluate & Treat:

Recommend

BICYCLE FITTING

to address: IT band pain muscle strain back/neck pain knee pain numbness in hands / feet ........................................................................................................................................

XAs Required: Frequency: ........................................................................................................................................

Duration: Above treatment program is approved and considered medically neccessary.

XUntil Resolved

.......................................................................................................................................................................................

Signature:

Call to schedule appointment

race | play | experience

45

race I play I experience

8 June (cont.) - 17 June

FLY Twisp Fly In—Twisp. Antique aircraft, restoration projects, nearby fishing and more. twispairport.com

HIKE Whistle Afternoon— Anacortes, 1pm. An all ages hike around the lake; Meet at the Whistle Lake parking lot. friendsoftheacfl.org

Saturday, 9 Jun

Sunday, 10 Jun

Saturday & Sunday, 8 & 9 Jun

BIKE Flying Wheels Summer Century—Redmond. cascade.org RUN/WALK Sound to Narrows 12k—Tacoma. soundtonarrows.org MT BIKE Echo Valley 30/60—Chelan, 9:30am. 425-301-7009, nwepicseries.com TRI TriKids Triathlon—Cranbrook, BC, 10am. At Wasa Lake. rmevents.com RUN Middle School Challenge— Bellingham, 10:30am. See 400 kids run at Whatcom Falls Park.

PADDLE WAKE Kayak Symposium—Bellingham/Lake Padden, 9am-5pm. wakekayak.org SAIL Leukemia Cup Regatta— Seattle. leukemiacup.org/wa TRI/RUN Moses Lake Triathlon & Run for Your Life—Blue Heron Park. buduracing.com PLAY National Parks Fee-Free Day. nps.gov RUN Three Sisters Marathon— Bend, OR, 7am. threesistersmarathon. com

RUN/WALK Shore Run/Walk— Seattle, 8:15am. shorerun.com RUN Sandcastle City Classic 10k—White Rock, 9am. sunrunners.ca TRI Wasa Triathlon —Cranbrook, BC. Olympic & spring distances at Wasa Lake. tribc.org, rmevents.com RUN Winthrop 26.2mi/13.1mi— rainshadowrunning.com BIKE/DEMO Kulshan Demo Day— Bellingham, 11am-3pm. At Lake Padden, near the dog park area, test ride Trek and Gary Fisher Collection bikes. Also 9/29.

733-6440, kulshancycles.com BIKE Bike Fairhaven w/Dirty Dan Harris—Bellingham, 1pm. Meet at Village Books for a guided history tour of Old Fairhaven. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com RUN Edge to Edge Marathon, Half, Relay—Tofino, BC. See Craig Romano’s story on E2E at adventuresnw. com. edgetoedgemarathon.com RUN Dirty Half—Bend, 8am. 541317-3568, visitbend.com

HEAR National Geographic Live! featuring Peter Athans—Bellingham, 3pm. A presentation by a man who summited Everest for the first time in 1990 and has since climbed the mountain 7 times, participated in 16 expeditions there, and was awarded the highest medal of recognition from the American Alpine Club. 360-734-6080, mountbakertheatre.com

Mondays, 11 Jun - 27 Aug RUN+ All Comers Track & Field— Bellingham, 6pm. Take part in events for all ages at Civic Stadium. Enter as many events as you like.

Multiple age divisions with awards 3 deep. 360-778-7000 cob.org/races

Friday-Sunday, 14-17 Jun SPEC Lummi Stommish Water Festival—Bellingham. People of all ages and from all walks come together for canoe races, bone games, music, a carnival and more, in the spirit of the Potlatch, celebration of Puget Sound waters, and the annual gathering of canoe tribes linking First Nations People of the PNW. stommish.com

Friday, 15 Jun RUN Longest Day 10k/5k— Vancouver, BC, 6:30pm. On the UBC Campus. thunderbirdstrack.org

Saturday, 16 Jun

Right in Your Own Backyard...

The west coast’s largest bareboat charter sailing fleet and sailing school. Local ownership, personalized service!

RUN 5k Walk/Run for Literacy— Bellingham, 9am. NOTE NEW DATE! A mostly-trail 5k from Fairhaven celebrating the anniversaries of Village Books, Fairhaven Runners and Whatcom Literacy Council, with ALL proceeds going to the Literacy Council. A free kids .5mi and post event festivities. villagebooks.com, fairhavenrunners. com RUN Freedom Fun Run—Colville, 8am. 509-684-6037, colville.wa.us TRI Cottage Lake Tri & Tri Again — Woodinville. marymeyerlifefitness.com RUN Berry Dairy Days Half, 10k, 2mi—Burlington. 8:30/9am. berrydairyruns.com PADDLE Hawaiian Canoe Races —Everett, 10am-2pm. At Silver Lake. everettwa.org/parks

Squalicum Harbor Bellingham, WA (800) 677-7245 www.sanjuansailing.com

TRI Inaugural Deception Pass Challenge—Oak Harbor/Whidbey Island, 8am. Help support Deception Pass State Park in this new tri, with INAGURAL DEC EPTION PASS event through CHALLENGE each the breathtaking, scenic park. Swim (800m triangle) in Cranberry Lake WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON

46

race | play | experience

2012

(temp 55-60F—wetsuit recommended); bike (13mi) on and off-road through Hoypus Forest (mt bike recommended); and run (4mi) from West Beach to the top of Goose Rock (484ft) and back to North Beach. Race solo or on a relay teams. Prizes for top finishers and teams. 360-675-3767, deceptionpassfoundation.org/challenge MT BIKE Test of Endurance— Corvallis, OR. mudslingerevents.com RUN Fall City Days 10k/5k. runsnoqualmie.com BIKE Lopez Island Bike Tour— Bellingham, 8:30am. Cruise from Bellingham to Lopez for a 22-25mi ride, 800-443-4552, whales.com BOAT/LEARN USCG Auxiliary “About Boating Safely”—Bellingham, 8am-4pm. This class, held at Squalicum Yacht Club, covers basic requirements and safety issues so you can become a safer and legal boater (anyone 40 years and younger this year, operating a motorized vessel in Washington State, is required to have a state-issued Boater Education Card).

Included in the course are basic rules of the road, navigation signs, trip planning, and discussions relating to kayaks, sailboats, ski boats and larger pleasure craft. $40 for first 2; $5 for additional. john@ bli.net or 360-739-1310. bliaux.com TR RUN Cougar Mt 8mi— Newcastle, 9am. nwtrailruns.com BIKE Ride to Conquer Cancer— Vancouver, BC-Seattle. volunteervancouver@endcancer.ca, conquercancer.ca RUN Father’s Day Runs—Seattle, 10am. 206-335-9305, magnusonseries.org SKATE Sk8 Fest—Anacortes, noon4pm. Three levels of competition at Ben Root Skatepark. 360-293-1918 cityofanacortes.org/parks/events RUN Jog for a Jug—Point Roberts, 11am. runinn.com BIKE Ride for Two Rivers—Bend, 11am. 503-241-0467, visitbend.com TR RUN/ULTRA Echo Valley Runs—Chelan, 6am/8:30am. 425-3017009, evergreentrailruns.com TRI TriMonroe—7am. ITU style/ amateur draft-legal sprint triathlon and age-group races., plus the 2012 Junior Elite Series, at Lake Tye Park. 206-4991903, trimonroe.com SPEC Birch Bay Sand Castle Contest —9am. Build in the sand on one of the lowest tides of the year; judging is at noon. 360-371-5004, birchbaychamber.com

Sunday, 17 Jun BIKE Centennial River Ride— Ferndale, 1pm. Ride along the Nooksack River to historic cabins of

>>> VIew or download even MORE Race|Play|Experience

race I play I experience

17 June (cont.) - 1 July

Pioneer Park, then on to Hovander Park before the return. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com PADDLE Round Bowen Challenge —Bowen Island, BC. 32k race. roundbowenchallenge.com TR RUN Beacon Rock 25k/50k— N. Bonneville. rainshadowrunning.com RUN Vancouver USA Marathon, Half—vancouverusamarathon.com

Thursday, 21 Jun TR RUN Ravenna Park #3—Seattle, 6:30pm. 503-515-9419 nwtrailruns.com

21 June - 7 Aug (mult. dates) CLIMB Climb For Clean Air/ Reach The Summit—Climb Mt. Rainier (7/11-14, 7/12-15, 7/17-20), Mt. Adams (8/6-7), Mt. Hood (6/21-22, 6/23-24) or the Grand Teton (7/13-16) to benefit American Lung Association.

Limited space; fundraising minimums apply. 206-441-5100 (Rainier & Adams), 503-718-6151 (Hood & Grand Teton), climbforcleanair.com

Friday, 22 Jun BIKE Musical Bike Tour— Bellingham, 4pm. “Tune up” your bike for a tuneful tour of Bellingham’s favorite music shops. Meet and listen to some of the area’s talented local musicians who will play the instruments they love at a variety of shops. Mojo Music features ukelele by Tom Hodge, Piper Music, The Bow Shop, Wind Works, Quist Violins, and checkmate Music will all join the chorus. Meet at Fountain Bistro on Broadway. 360-671BIKE, everybodybike.com

Sunday, 24 Jun

Saturday, 30 Jun

RUN Kona Marathon & Family Runs—Kailua/Kona, HI, 5:30am. The Kona Coast is well known as the ultimate vacation destination in Hawaii. The half marathon, 10k and 5k courses run along the spectacular Pacific Ocean shoreline offering beautiful views of crashing waves and mountains. The marathon course extends into the unique black lava landscape of the Big Island. Get a taste of the Ironman running course.

Experience the true aloha of Hawaii in this smaller family-friendly event. RUN THE ROCK in paradise. 808-9678240, konamarathon. com

PADDLE Rat Island Regatta—Port Townsend, 10am. soundrowers.org

NAV Issaquah Street Scramble—9:30am. 503-515-9419, streetscramble.com RUN Vancouver Half/5k—Vancouver, BC. canadarunningseries.com TRI Ironman Coeur d’Alene. ironmancda.com

Tuesday, 26 Jun BIKE/EAT Spoke & Food—Seattle, self-start. Supports FamilyWorks food bank. spokeandfood.com

Thursday, 28 Jun ADV RACE BEAST #3— Seattle, 7pm.

503-515-9419, beastrace.com

Friday, 29 Jun Saturday, 23 Jun TRI Padden Triathlon—Bellingham.

Sprint/competitive at 8:30am (.5mi swim, 21mi rd bike, 5.2mi tr run) or supersprint/rec at 1pm (.25mi swim, 10mi bike, 2.6mi tr run). Solo or relay.

360-778-7000, cob.org/races BIKE Cycle de Vine—Chelan. cycledevine.com BIKE Cannonball—Seattle-Spokane. redmondcyclingclub.org BIKE Tour de Blast—Toutle Lake/ Mt. St. Helens. tourdeblast.com BIKE Chelan Century Challenge. centuryride.com TR RUN/ULTRA Taylor Mt. Runs —Issaquah, 8:30am. 425-301- 7009, evergreentrailruns.com RUN Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & Half—Seattle. rnrseattle.com RUN March Point 10k Run & 5k Fun Run/Walk—Anacortes, 10am.

360-293-9132, bud.l.anderson@ tsocorp.com

event listings at AdventuresNW.com

SPEC Reveal the Path— 7pm. Seattle.

Biking film.

206-223-1944.

RevealthePath. com

FridaySaturday, 29-30 Jun

TR RUN Start of Summer Run—Seattle, 8/9am. 503-515-9419, nwtrailruns.com

NAV Orienteering Salmon la Sac—Cle Elum, 10am. 206-913-3790, cascadeoc.org ULTRA/RUN Vashon Ultra & Trail Run—Monroe 11am. 407-628-5662.

Kingofwake.com

BIKE Mount Adams Country Bicycle Tour—Trout Lake. troutlakewashington.com

WAKE Mastercraft Pro Wakeboard Tour. vashonultra.com

RUN/ADV terrain Portland Mud Run—Sherwood, OR, 9am.Whether you’re a seasoned pro (eat mud pie for breakfast) or easing into the fun, we have a race for you: full terrain: 5+mi (20-26* obstacles) or the 1/2 terrain: 3mi (14-20* obstacles). Both options have you and your friends running through mud, trails, and obstacles that test your physical and mental grit.You’ll sweat, get dirty, and have the time of your life. Be prepared to jump, climb and even crawl through gnarly terrain at the Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center. 928-853-3325, events@terrainracing.com, terrainracing.com/terrain-mud-runs/portland/

PADDLE Chilliwack River Slalom —Chilliwack, BC. nwwhitewater.org

BIKE Red-Bell 100—Redmond to Bellingham. cascade.org BOAT Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival—Seattle, 10am-6pm. cwb.org

Saturday & Sunday, 30 Jun-1 Jul

JULY > > > Daily, 30 Jun - 22 Jul SPEC Live le Tour de France— Bellingham, 5:30-9am. Watch on big screens at Mount Bakery. 360-7152195, mountbakery.com

Sunday, 1 Jul BIKE “Ode to Alan Rhodes” Bicycle Saunter—Bellingham, 1pm.

Meet at Lettered Streets Coffee House on Dupont St. to ride new bike paths and back streets of the Columbia and Lettered Streets neighborhoods before a tour of Bellingham Theatre Guild’s performance venue. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com FLY/GLIDE Chelan XC Classic. cloudbase.org

Delicious is in bloom!

Step out of hibernation and see what’s in store for spring at the Markets.

With all kinds of organic, fresh, in season produce available all the time in our stores, you’re sure to find something new & tasty!

Also, come check out what our Kitchens are cooking up for the season.

We’ve got deli salads made from scratch using ‘Really Local’ fresh products & produce, handmade seasonal cakes, and loads more!

It might be raining outside, but it’s spring time at The Markets!

SEE Pro Wakeboard Tour— Monroe/Lake Tye kingofwake.com

FridayMonday, 29 Jun - 2 Jul BIKE NW Tandem Rally—Salem, OR. “Wonders of the Willamette” nwtr.org

the

markets

L.L.C. Lakeway • Birch Bay • Anacortes race | play | experience

47

race I play I experience

1 July (cont.) - 14 July

PADDLE 3rd Annual de Fuca Downwind—Port Angeles. Ten-mile, open water downwind race for kayaks, surfskis, outriggers, SUPs and all human powered craft.

June-July promises reliable West winds and a thrilling ride for your efforts. From Freshwater Bay on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, past the turbulent mouth of the Elwha River and along Ediz Hook, the Downwind is a can’t-miss experience for confident paddlers. Race #5 in the 2011-12 Race for Your Life points series (raceforyourlife.

Saturday July 7

net). Prerace celebration at Olympic Raft & Kayak Saturday night. 206-940-6269, rubycreekboathouse.com

Tuesday, 3 Jul RUN Firecracker 5000 5k—Seattle, 11:55pm. 206-729-9972, promotionevents.com

Wednesday, 4 Jul RUN/WALK Miles for Meso 5k— Federal Way, 8:30am. 253-835-6932, itallhappenshere.org RUN/WALK Run for the Pies 5k—Carnation, 8:30am. carnation4th. org/5k.htm

25 Annual th

SPEC An Old Fashioned 4th— Blaine, 8am-11pm. All day events include a parade, car show, street fair, live music and fabulous fireworks. 800624-3555, blainechamber.com

Friday, 6 Jul BIKE Bakery Ride—Bellingham, 3pm.

Meet at Mount Bakery on Champion St. for a guided tour of area bakeries.

Samples too. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

.3-mile swim 14.8-mile bike 4-mile run

Plus a YOUTH TRI

(flotation devices allowed & parents encouraged to participate with their kids)

360.336.9414 tonyt@co.skagit.wa.us

skagitcounty.net/parksandrecreation

ULTRA Let’s Climb a Mountain— Spokane, 6am. letsclimbamountain.com SWIM Martha Lake Open Water Swims—Lynnwood, 8am. finishstrongevents.com

Sunday, 8 July RUN Langley Half Marathon— Langley, 8:30am. langleyhalfmarathon.com

Saturday, 7 Jul

Sunday-Saturday, 8-14 July

TRI Clear Lake Triathlon & Youth Tri—9am/11am. A chip-timed event in the Skagit community of Clear Lake on scenic Hwy 9. A 1/3mi swim in the shallow lake (~72 degrees), a 14.8mi bike course with a few gradual inclines about 5 miles out, and a relatively flat 4mi run. Solo or relay. Also a separate Youth Tri for 14 & under. 360-336-9414, tonyt@co.skagit.wa.us, skagitcounty. net/parksandrecreation

FLY/GLIDE Chelan XC Open & Paragliding Competition—Chelan. nt. chelanxcopen.com

TR RUN Cougar Mt Trail Run 10mi— Newcastle, 9am. 503-5159419, nwtrailruns.com

Iron Person & Relay

Half Marathon—Olympia, 4pm.

360-701-1604, guerillarunning.com

RUN 45th Annual Chuckanut Footrace—Bellingham, 9:00am This pointto-point, seven-mile trail race starts at Marine Park in south Bellingham and finishes at Larrabee State Park, the oldest state park in Washington. The course follows the legendary Interurban Trail and features gorgeous views of Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands. Buses will take runners back to the start line. www. gbrc.net/chuckanut_footrace.php BIKE S2S—Seattle-Spokane, 2am. redmondcyclingclub.org ADV RACE Trioba 24-30 Hour— Cougar, midnight. trioba.com RUN Women’s Moon Run 4K &

Bellingham’s 45th Annual

Chuckanut Footrace Saturday, July 7, 2012 7-mile run on wooded trails ending at Larrabee State Park

Join us on Facebook for special offers “Friends of Chuckanut Footrace”

Wednesday-Sunday, 11-15 Jul FLY Arlington Fly In. arlingtonflyin.org

Friday, 13 July SPEC Relay for Life—Bellingham, 5pm. See relayforlife.org for other Relay for Life events in the region.

Friday-Sunday, 14-15 Jul FISH Bellingham Salmon Derby & Kids Derby. 360-966-2621, bellinghampsa.com

Saturday, 14 Jul MULTI Olympia Traverse—Date is new from previous issue; time tbd. The Olympia Traverse includes an 8mi mt bike course on Capitol Forest single-track, a 22mi road bike course from the Mima Mounds to West Bay Park on Budd Inlet, a 3.5mi open water paddle, followed by a 5mi out-and-back run from Swantown Marina to Priest Point Park, and a 0.5mi trek to the finish. Race solo, tandem or on a team, with “bait” to raise funds for environmental groups. 360-451-3576, olympiatraverse.com SWIM Silver Lake Open Water Swims—Everett, 8am. finishstrongevents.com MULTI Glacier Challenge— Whitefish, MT. theglacierchallenge.com BIKE 2012 RBC GranFondo Kelowna—Kelowna, BC, 7am. The 2012 RBC GranFondo Kelowna will provide cyclists the opportunity to ride in a true European-style GranFondo in the Okanagan region. Roll down Lake Country, climb up Predator Ridge and tour through the heart of Vernon as you experience breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake. All riders are fully supported from start to finish and aid stations along the way provide fresh water, nutritional supplements, mechanical assistance, First Aid, and toilets.

604-990-2510, rbcgranfondokelowna.com

www.gbrc.net/chuckanut_footrace.php 48

race | play | experience

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race I play I experience

14 July (cont.) - 21 July

BIKE San Juan Cruises’ Lopez Island Bike Tour—Bellingham, 8:30am.

Cruise fo Roche Harbor on San Juan Island for a great island bike ride. This 20-33 mile ride can be leisurely paced or has options for more ambitious riders. There’s a mix of moderate hills, farmland, and occasional flat sections, great for intermediate bicyclists. Includes a catered lunch at San Juan County Park. Pick-up will be at Friday Harbor for the return to Bellingham. An Orcas Island ride will be August 18th. Info:. 800-443-4552, whales.com MT BIKE Padden MTN Pedal— Bellingham, 8am-4pm. indieseries.org SWIM Lake Padden Open Water Swim—Bellingham, 9am. b-m-s-c.org BIKE Tour des Chutes—Bend, OR, 6am. tourdeschutes.org SPEC Jazz & Art Fair—Blaine, 10am-4pm. A day-long outdoor event held on Blaine’s downtown plaza overlooking the picturesque harbor.

800-624-3555, blainechamber.com RUN WA Games Day—Seattle, 9:30am. Multiple events. 206-335-9305, magnusonseries.org

event listings at AdventuresNW.com

Saturday-Sunday, 14-15 Jul

Wednesday-Sunday, 18-22 Jul

Saturday, 21 Jul

BIKE Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. cascade.org

BIKE RedSpoke—Redmond to Spokane. A supported charity ride. redspoke.org

RUN Wind Horse Half Marathon —Bellingham, 8:30am. An out-and-back run on the beautiful Interurban Trail from Fairhaven Park; a fundraiser for Blue Sky Education Project, which supports children in Tsetserleg, Mongolia, one of Bellingham’s sister cities. Great post-race festivities! 206890-8694, windhorserun.com

TRI/DU/RUN Ocean Shores Big Weekend. trifreaks.com MULTI Deschutes Dash Sports Fest—Bend, OR. 541-323-0964 deschutesdash.com

Sunday, 15 Jul TRI Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens, 6:30am. ironmanlakestevens.com TRI TriRock Seattle—Issaquah, trirock.competitor.com BIKE Flower Power Ride— Bellingham, 1pm. Meet at the Public Market on Cornwall Ave. St. and ride to area/downtown nursuries and gardens.

360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com RUN Fort Langley Half & 5k—Fort Langley, BC, 7am. peninsularunners.com

Sunday–Friday, 15-20 Jul SAIL Whidbey Island Race Week. whidbeyislandraceweek.com

Tuesday-Sunday, 17-22 Jul BIKE Cascade Cycling Classic— Bend, OR. PRO-USAC, CAT 2, 3, 4, and Masters races cascade-classic.org

Friday, 20 Jul BIKE Bike to Bocce Ball— Bellingham, 4pm. Meet at the Carolina Street Bocce Court (near Franklin) then ride to several bocce courts in the area.

Get a lesson from a master, too. 360671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

Friday, 20 Jul - Saturday, 21 Jul RUN Ragnar Relay NW Passage— Blaine-Langley,WA. Join the Ragnar Nation! Ragnar Relay is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals who run 3 legs. Each leg is between 3-8 miles. Over 2 days and 1 night, your team will run from Blaine to Langley,WA. Add in crazy costumes, amazing scenery, a great finish line party, unforgettable stories and, viola! you get the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage. ragnarrelay.com/race/ northwestpassage

RD BIKE DU Padden Duathlon —Bellingham, 9am. NOTE NEW DATE! A fast, fun du that won’t break your pocketbook, and at a great location, with both runs on trail around Lake Padden, and the bike out and around Lake Samish. All participants receive a t-shirt and are eligible for draw prizes; trophies for top 3 male and female overall. Solo or relay.

360-778-7000, cob.org/races SEE Eurasia Custom Bike Show— Rexville, 11am. 360-466-4778, laconnerchamber.com

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21 July (cont.) - 29 July

RUN Olympia Lakefair—Olympia, 7am. Half marathon, 3k, 8k. ontherunevents.com RUN/Walk Raspberry Festival 5k Run/Walk—Lynden, 9am. lynden. org SWIM Fat Salmon Open Water—Seattle/Lake Washington, 8:30am. fatsalmonswim.org RUN West Seattle Float Dodger 5K—Seattle, 9:45am. 206-330-5967, floatdodger5k.com

Saturday & Sunday, 21 & 22 Jul TRI/RUN ChelanMan Multisport Weekend—Chelan. chelanman.com PADDLE Gorge Outrigger Races —Stevenson. nwoutrigger.com SPEC Birch Bay Discovery Days— birchbaychamber.com LEARN Wolf Haven “Howl-in”— Tenino, 6-9pm. A sanctuary for captive-born and injured wolves presents a night of activities, tours, and more (also 8/4 & 8/18). wolfhaven.org

Sunday, 22 Jul

race | play | experience

BIKE Seattle Century—50, 85, 100mi. seattlecentury.com

NAV Night & Day Street Scramble—Seattle, 4pm. 503-5159419, nightanddaychallenge.com

Thursday, 26 Jul

50

RUN Anacortes Art Dash Half Marathon, 10k & 5k—9am. 360-2931918, anacortesartsfestival.com

TRI Seafair Triathlon—Seattle, 6:30am (11am kids tri). seafair.com

BIKE Beach Pedal—Birch Bay, 1pm.

Meet at C Shop for a scenic bay-side pedal along beautiful Birch Bay. Birch Bay State Park and trails bring riders to the view at Point Whitehorn. The event/ride includes complimentary sno-cones and home-made candy samples at the C Shop. Pedal along for an optional after-ride social and mini-golf back at the C Shop. 360671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

www.TourdeWhatcom.com

BIKE Tour de Cure—Hillsboro, OR. tour.diabetes.org

RUN/WALK Old Settlers 5k & 2mi— Ferndale, 9am. 360-384-4891, whatcomoldsettlers.com

NAV Choose Your Campus Adventure—Seattle/UW, 10amnoon. Explore the UW campus by searching (racing, or easy stroll) for checkpoints marked on a map; free instruction avail. Enter at 25th Ave. NE and Montlake Blvd. 206-913-3790, cascadeoc.org

25, 50 or 105 miles

RUN Seafair Torchlight Run— Seattle, 6:30pm. seafair.com

RUN Lacamas Lake Half Marathon & 4 Miler—Camas. lacamaslakerunwalk.com

RUN/WALK Swedish SummeRun 5k for Ovarian Cancer—Seattle. summerun.org

Saturday, July 28th

ing on distance. A fun charity bike ride (25, 50 or 105 miles, all fairly level) with awesome views. No matter your distance, you get to see everything: Mt Baker, Lake Whatcom, valleys, rivers, lush farmland, beaches and north Puget Sound. All routes offer well-stocked reststops, bike techs/safety checks (at the start too), and a “family” rate. Starts are coordinated so riders roll in around the same time for the festivities back at the Fairhaven Village Green. FREE pictures too. 360-7399953, tourdewhatcom.com

BIKE RAMROD—Enumclaw. Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day. redmondcyclingclub.org GOLF DVSAS Charity Golf Classic—Bellingham, 1pm. A benefit for Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services. dvsas.org

Saturday, 28 Jul BIKE Tour de Whatcom— Bellingham, 7-11:30am starts depend-

ULTRA White River 50mi—Crystal Mountain. whiteriver50.com TRI Federal Escape—Auburn, 7am.

Kids, sprint, Olympic. 425-766-8787, trifreaks.com

Saturday-Sunday, 28-29 Jul RD BIKE ALS DoubleDay Bike Ride & Fundraiser—Mt.Vernon. 425656-1650, web.alsa.org/doubledayride

Sunday, 29 Jul BIKE Tour de Kitsap—Silverdale, 7-10am/Bremerton Ferry, 7-9:30am. westsoundcycling.com TR RUN Chuckanut Mountain 30k/12k—Bellingham, 8:30/10am. 360389-0561, bellinghamtrail.com BIKE Ice Cream Cycle—Bellingham, 1pm. Meet at Mallard Ice Cream on Railroad Ave. for a ride to Memorial Park, then on the trails through Roosevelt Nature Area and Whatcom Falls Park. Mallard demo and ice cream samples after. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com GOLF Ryan Stiles Celebrity Golf Classic—Semiahmoo, 1pm. A benefit for Burned Children Recovery Foundation at Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club. ryanstilesgolfclassic.com RUN The San Francisco Marathon—5:30am. Run across the Golden Gate Bridge, through Fisherman’s Wharf/along the waterfront, and through Golden Gate Park.

888-958-6668, thesfmarathon.com

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race I play I experience

3 August - 11 August

AUGUST > > >

Troika Triathlon—Spokane. troikatriathlon.com

Friday-Sunday, 3-5 Aug

NAV/PADDLE Choose Your Paddle Adventure at Union Bay—Seattle/UW, 10am-noon. At the UW Waterfront Activities Center (free parking), explore the waterways near the Arboretum by searching for checkpoints marked on a map. Rentals available on-site. 206-913-3790, cascadeoc.org

FLY/CAMP Orcas Fly-in—Orcas Island/Eastsound. portoforcas.com

Saturday, 4 Aug RUN Mid-Summer Fun Run— Colville, 8am. 509-684-6037, colville.wa.us RUN Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon. tacomanarrowshalf.com PADDLE Round Shaw Row—Shaw Island, 10am. soundrowers.org RUN Moses Lake Marathon & Family Fun Run—Moses Lake. 509855-5960, mlmarathon.com RUN Mt Ashland Hill Climb— Ashland, OR. mtashlandrun.com RUN River & Rails 5k & 10k— Arlington, 9am. arlingtonrunnersclub.org TRI Whidbey Island Triathlon— Langley, 10am. Scenic course—swim Goss Lake .5mi, ride country roads 19.5mi, and run forest trails 3.8mi. 360221-5484, whidbeytriathlon.com KITE Bridge of the Gods Amateur Kiteboarding Festival—Stevenson. botgkitefest.com LEARN Wolf Haven “Howl-in”— Tenino, 6-9pm. A sanctuary for captiveborn and injured wolves presents a night of activities, tours, and more (also 7/21 & 8/18). wolfhaven.org

BIKE Dutch Treat Ride—Lynden, 1pm. Lynden boasts Washington’s largest Dutch Heritage settlement where this ride showcases the town’s charming windmill and history museum. A performance by the Firewheel Unicycle Team completes the ride, that will take in part of Dutch Old Town and a stop at the Lynden Pioneer Museum. After riding along the Nooksack River, riders return to Front Street and celebrate with treats at The Woods Coffee. Meet at Woods on Front Street. 360-671BIKE, everybodybike.com

TRI Xterra Black Diamond—9am. xterrablackdiamond.com BIKE Ride the Hurricane—Port Angeles, 7am. portangeles.org TRI Heart of the Sound (HOTS)

Triathlon—Vashon Island, 9:30am. At Burton Peninsula, a youth and a sprint tri. 2026-203-095, hotstriathlon.org

Tuesday, 7 Aug ADV RACE BEAST #4—Seattle, 7pm. 503-515-9419, beastrace.com

Friday, 10 Aug BIKE I Bike for Chocolate— Bellingham, 4pm. Meet at Chocolate Necessities on Cornwall Ave. for a ride through Elizabeth and Cornwall Parks with stops at area sweet shops.

360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

Friday- Sunday, 10 -12 Aug SPEC Stillaguamish Festival of the River & PowWow—Arlington, 9/10am. A free family event honoring the environment and cultures of the PNW. 360-631-2620, festivaloftheriver.com

Saturday, 11 Aug TRI 13th Annual Bellingham Youth Triathlon—9/10/11am. At Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, (meaning an indoor swim), 3 course distances and 3 start times, depending on age.

T-shirts, finisher medals, draw prizes, lotsa fun. 360-778-7000, cob.org/ races RUN Summer Fitness Day— Seattle, 9:30am. Multiple events. 206335-9305, magnusonseries.org

Saturday-Sunday, 4-5 Aug BOAT Drayton Harbor Days— Blaine, 10am-5pm. A pirate-themed festival with tall ships, raft races, arts/ crafts, kids games and music. 800-6243555, blainechamber.com

Saturday-Monday, 4-6 Aug BIKE Courage Classic—Snoqualmie. courageclassic.org

Sunday, 5 Aug RUN St. Jude 5K Fun Run/2mi Walk—Mount Vernon, 9am. For the 2nd year, North Cascade Eye Associates is sponsoring a 100% benefit event for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which helps children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases, and allows some of today’s most gifted researchers to do their science more effectively. The run and walk will be around Hillcrest Park, followed by a celebration with awards, giveaways, and refreshments. Registration is just $20 ($25 with a shirt if preregistered), Kids 10 and under are FREE ($5 shirt),, Registration forms at all three NCEA offices, or online. 360-416-6735, ncascade.com/events.php

TRI

event listings at AdventuresNW.com

half marathon, 10k, 5k

Sat. July 28 7th Annual

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11 August (cont.) - 26 August

TR RUN Cougar Mt Trail Run 13mi— Newcastle, 8:30am. 503-5159419, nwtrailruns.com

17-18 & 18-19 Aug

BOAT La Conner Classic Yacht & Car Show—10am. 360-466-4778, laconnerchamber.com

Saturday, 18 Aug

ULTRA Angel’s Staircase 50mi, 50k, 25k—Carlton. rainshadowrunning.com RUN/WALK Miles for Memories 5k Walk/Run —Bellingham/Fairhaven, 9am. 360-671-3316, alzsociety.org SAIL Shaw Island Classic—Friday Harbor. sjiyc.com TRI Lake Tye Triathlon—Monroe.

Sprint, Olympic, youth. finishstrongevents.com

Sunday, 12 Aug ULTRA Transcendence 12-hour Ultra Endurance Run—Olympia, 6am. 360-701-1604, guerillarunning.com TRI/DU Coeur d’Alene Triathlon & Duathlon. cdatriathlon.com RUN Four Lakes 10k, 3k—Pender Harbour, BC, 9am. foolsrun.com/4lakes MULTI Peninsula Relay Challenge —Kingston, 8:45am. SUP, tr run, mt bike. peninsularelaychallenge.com RUN Delta Half & 5k—Delta, BC, 7:30/8:30am. deltahalfmarathon.com BIKE Tour de Peaks —North Bend.

Part of the Festival at Mt. Si, ride 100, 50, 25 miles. tourdepeaks.org BIKE The Transportation Tour— Bellingham, 1pm. Meet at the WTA transit center for a bike rack demo and practice, then ride to Fairhaven’s Amtrak Station to learn about bringing your bike on the train. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

Friday-Saturday, 17-18 Aug RUN/WALK Spokane to Sandpoint Relay. spokanetosandpoint.com

ADV RACE Oyster Urban/Shooter —Portland, OR. portlandoyster.com

BIKE Ride from Seattle to Vancouver & Party. cascade.org

TRI Beaver Lake Triathlon— Sammamish, 7:45am. beaverlake.org/blt

RUN Volcano Rain Forest Runs— Volcano, HI, 7am. FEEL THE POWER of Hawaii while running on the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea – 4,000 feet, lush cool rain forests, stunning views, through the quaint village of Volcano, outside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The 5k, 10k and half run through the village streets in the lush native rain forest, with the half marathon continuing into the upper ranch lands with stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Exotic – Unique – Inspiring.

Live Aloha. 808-967-8240, rainforestruns.com RUN Friday Harbor 8.8k Loop Run—San Juan Island, 9am. Low fee; day-of okay. islandrec.org

LEARN Wolf Haven “Howl-in”— Tenino, 6-9pm. A sanctuary for captiveborn and injured wolves presents a night of activities, tours, and more (also 7/21 & 8/4). wolfhaven.org

Sunday, 19 Aug BIKE Retro Ride & Concours d’Elegance—La Conner, 10am. 360766-8720, kayakfit@fidalgo.net YOUTH TRI Sammamish Splash Kids Tri. marymeyerlifefitness.com RUN Lake Union 10k—Seattle, 7:30am. lakeunion10k.com

RUN Seattle Marathon 10k Race— 8am. seattlemarathon.org

RUN Mud & Chocolate Half Marathon & 4.5mi—Sammamish, 9:30am. mudandchocolate.com

PADDLE Great Cross Sound Race —Seattle, 8:15am. soundrowers.org

BIKE Bike the Bayside—Bellingham, 1pm. Meet at Maritime Heritage Park to tour the park before riding to Squalicum Beach, Zuanich Park and Squalicum Marina, with a quick stop at the touch-tank aquarium. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

FLY/GLIDE Black Mountain Can-Am Fly-In—Maple Falls/Black Mountain. cloudbase.org

Friday, 24 Aug

RUN Snoqualmie Railroad Days 10k/5k. runsnoqualmie.com

Saturday, 25 Aug

ADV RACE Ellensburg Sprint —9am. trioba.com NAV Town & Country Street Scramble—Bainbridge, 9:30am. 503515-9419, streetscramble.com WALK Agape Walk & 5k Run— Bellingham, 10am. At Lake Padden Park, this fundraiser unites all ages to bring hope to local homeless women and kids. 671-1562, newagapehome.com

tion event in one of Canada’s most scenic towns, the inaugural RBC GranFondo Banff will give passionate cyclists a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride a spectacular 142 k course in Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park. Experience high altitude cycling like never before and soak in the extraordinary wildlife that Banff has to offer. North America’s first gran fondo held completely within the boundaries of a national park. 604-9902510, banff.granfondocanada.com

RUN Hood To Coast 200mi Relay —Mt Hood, OR. hoodtocoast.com TR RUN Cutthroat Classic— Mazama, 8am, wave starts. mvsta.com MT BIKE Capitol Forest 50/100— Olympia. nwepicseries.com TR RUN Redmond Watershed Preserve—Redmond, 8:30/9:30am.

503-515-9419, nwtrailruns.com RUN Run-a-Muk 5k/10k—Mukilteo, 8am. mukilteolighthousefestival.com BIKE 2012 RBC GranFondo Banff—Banff, AB, 7am. A true destina-

RUN Dwight Dash 5k & 10k — Spokane, 9am. active.com

Saturday-Sunday, 25-26 Aug BIKE Annual RAPSody (Ride Around Puget Sound)— Tacoma, 7am. Cross the Puget Sound on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, enjoy paved trails, scenic back roads, and Northwest water and mountain views during this 170-mile weekend ride. RAPSody is an event by bicyclists, for bicyclists, with great food, souvenir socks, luggage transport, showers and parking all included. Free music and ice cream at the finish! 253-857-5658, rapsodybikeride.com PADDLE Roaring River Slalom— Estacada, OR. nwwhitewater.org

Sunday, 26 Aug RUN/WALK Alki Beach 5k—

summer ri des Easy, social outings on two wheels

Roll with us May through August to discover Bellingham’s best backroads and hidden bikeways. Each Summer Ride has a different theme and covers about seven easy miles. Goodies are provided along the way. Rides end at local eateries and watering holes—great places to gather and socialize after the ride. facebook.com/ summerrides

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or 671-BIKE

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26 August (cont.) - 4 September

Seattle, 9am. Benefits NW Hope & Healing Found.ation. 206-215-2888, alkibeachrun.com TRI Ironman Canada—Pentiction, BC. ironman.ca TRI Lake Meridian Triathlon— Kent, 7am. lakemeridiantri.com RUN Eugene Women’s Half Marathon—Eugene, 8am. This run is for those who like a little pampering!

Ladies (Gentlemen if they wish) will be treated to a fabulous Eugene course that starts downtown and finishes at the 5th Street Market.

Participants can expect a race experience unlike other typical road races.

Unrivaled swag bags, mini spa services, delicious chocolate, bubbly champagne—what more could a girl want?

877-345-2230, eugenewomenshalf. com BIKE Woods to Woods Classic— Bellingham. Choose your ride: The Giant Redwood Challenge – a selfguided ride of approximately 50 miles to as many Woods Coffee locations as you can. Treats will be provided at each. Bonus treat for those who stop at each and every Woods Coffee. Maps

and passports at any Woods location on August 26, or join the “official” 9am start at the Boulevard Park Woods. The Spruce Social Ride, 1pm – a guided ride of approximately 4 miles from Woods Coffee on Railroad that stops at Squalicum Beach and the Bay Street Woods before returning to Railroad for a participation gift. 360-671-BIKE, everybodybike.com

RUN/SPEC Dog Days of Summer —Bellingham, 9am. A 2.5mi run/walk or a 10k followed by a full day of festivities for dogs at Lake Padden. 360-733-2080, whatcomhumane.org BIKE Summer Challenge— Bainbridge. summerchallengeride.org

Monday, 27 Aug SWIM Josh Fueston Memorial Swim to Live—Bellingham, 8am. A relay event on Bellingham Bay in memory and recognition of Josh Fueston and other soldiers who have lost their battle with PTSD, or who continue to fight the battle. active.com

Friday-Sunday, 31 Aug - 2 Sep BOAT Harbor Days—Olympia.

Vintage, working and model tugboats on display, entertainment, races. harbordays.com

race I play I experience BOAT/SAIL/SEE Victoria Classic Boat Festival. For 3 days, up to 100 vessels gather and race in Inner Harbour. classicboatfestival.ca

Cascade Lake. Pre-register by August 30 and save $10! Solo ($45/$55 day-of) or teams ($35 per individual on a team/$45 day-of). 360-376-3111, support@friendsofmoran.com, friendsofmoran.com

SEPTEMBER > > >

RUN Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon—Yamhill County, OR, 7am.

This scenic course meanders through the heart of the Willamette Valley, starting at Stoller Vineyards and finishing in the town of Carlton for the popular post-race Wine & Music Festival where 24 wineries and breweries offer free tastings with race entry. Evergreen Aviation Museum hosts the race expo on Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Produced

by Destination Races. 2-person relay also offered, plus discounted team competition. Newly revised course!

Sign up early! 707-933-1769, run4oregonwine.com, destinationraces.com

Saturday, 1 Sep RUN Lake Padden Relay— Bellingham, 10am. gbrc.net CX TRI North Bend Multicross Sprint. 425-766-8787, multicross.net SWAP Bellingham Bike Swap —10am-4pm. Buy or sell at the Sportsplex; drop off bikes Friday evening or pre-10am Saturday. The Bike Shop is a non-profit project that uses the bicycle to engage youth from lowincome homes in healthy physical and social activity thebikeshop1.org

Sunday, 2 Sep TRI 14th Annual Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon Sponsored by Friends of Moran—Orcas Island, 9am (8:30am pre-race meeting). At the Cascade Lake Picnic Area of Moran State Park, swim .5mi in beautiful Cascade Lake, rd bike 15mi along a picturesque rural road, and trail run 3.5mi around

Monday, 3 Sep RUN Labor Day Half—Woodinville, 7am. labordayrun.com

Tuesday-Wednesday, 4-5 Sep BOAT Deer Harbor Wooden Boat Rendezvous—Orcas Island.

Tue: row race (4pm), barbecue, music.

ZAREMBA PAXTON P.S.

Certified Public Accountants

1314 N. State Street • Bellingham, WA • 360.671.1023 • www.zarembacpa.com event listings at AdventuresNW.com

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2008 Chuckanut Century; photo © CJ Berg Photographics

Ride 25, 38, 50, 62, 100 or 124 beautiful miles where the Cascade Mountains meet the Salish Sea!

4 September (cont.) - 15 September

Wed: breakfast, sail race, potluck. deerharborwoodenboats.org

Friday-Sunday, 7-9 Sep BOAT Wooden Boat Festival— Port Townsend. woodenboat.org SPEC/WALK Whidbey Walking Festival—Coupeville. Three days, four walks, a free Meet ‘n’ Greet, free Brats ‘n’ Bluegrass, Salmon BBQ and free Concert in the Park. Everyone is welcome to walk. nwtrekkers.org

Saturday, 8 Sep

2012

ChuCkanut Century

RUN/WALK Fairhaven Runners Waterfront 15K—Bellingham, 8:30am. Whether competing or participating just for fun, running or walking, enjoy a beautiful 15k/9.3mi course along Bellingham Bay from Fairhaven to Squalicum Harbor and back. This is a wonderfully fun event, especially because of the great volunteers, post-race party with food and drink, live music, awards, and free massage/chiropractic care. All participants get a shirt and chip timing.

Low pre-registration fee, no day-of registration, and the event has a cap, so don’t wait to commit to one of the best runs in the region! 360-676-4955, cob.org/races

foR

Ride on Whatcom & Skagit counties’ finest cycling roads, including the famous Chuckanut Drive.

Enjoy views of Mount Baker & surrounding ranges while cycling along the shores of Padilla Bay, Bellingham Bay, Birch Bay & Drayton Harbor.

Early rEgistration (before 9/01/12) JUst $55! additional discount at active.com with code: ansUMM12 Mail-in registration at chuckanutcentury.org Fully supported Hearty food stops Free t-shirt if registered by 9/1 Start & Finish festivities at Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro in downtown Bellingham — FREE burger or beverage at finish!

WANT TO DO MORE?

Raise additional funds for Whatcom Hospice Foundation

SWIM Swim Across America— Mercer Island, 8am. swimacrossamerica.org TR RUN Middle Fork 50k & 20mi—North Bend, 8am. 503-5159419, nwtrailruns.com RUN/WALK Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5k—Ferndale, 9:30am. whatcom7firefighters.com TR RUN N Cascades PCT 100k—Mazama. rainshadowrunning. com BIKE 2012 RBC GranFondo Whistler—Vancouver, BC, 7am.

The gran fondo experience defined; Canada’s premier cycling event. Ride 122k from Sea to Sky on a dedicated lane width from downtown Vancouver to Whistler. Experience breathtaking views of Howe Sound, challenging climbs through the Coast Mountain Range and a celebratory finish in Whistler Olympic Village. Riders are fully supported from start to finish with fresh water, nutritional supplements, mechanical, First Aid and toilets. 604990-2510, rbcgranfondowhistler. com

INFORMATION:

chuckanutcentury.org ADVENTURES NW 54

race | play | experience

—a proud supporter

RUN Tame the Dragon Fun Run— Colville, 8am. 509-684-6037, colville. wa.us PADDLE Bainbridge Island Marathon—8:45am. soundrowers.org

Saturday-Sunday, 8-9 Sep RD BIKE Bike MS WA—Mt.Vernon.

206-284-4254, bikemsnorthwest.org BIKE/RUN Festival 542—SAT: Cross 542/Silver Lake and Run 542/ Mt. Baker Ski Area. SUN: Ride 542— Glacier to Artist Point norka.us

two weeks, 8-22 Sep SPEC 3rd Annual Whatcom Water Weeks—Whatcom County. Celebrate the importance of the area’s water resources—in work, play, environment and life. There will be assorted activities held throughout the county for kids and adults. 360-676-6736, whatcomwin.org

Sunday, 9 Sep BIKE High Pass Challenge— Packwood. Cycle through the Gifford Pinchot Wilderness Area. cascade.org TRI Seattle Escape from the Rock. envirosports.com RUN/WALK Iron Girl 10k, 5k— Seattle, 8am. irongirl.com

Ride

Sunday September 16

farms. 360-647-7093, sconnect.org

BIKE/SPEC Whatcom Co. Farm Tour—10am-5pm. Ride your bike for educational and edible adventures on a free, self-guided tour of regional RBC Blue - rgb (0/40/136) RBC Yellow - rgb (254/223/1)

MULTI The Iron Horse— Snoqualmie. Paddle, pedal, run. mountainstosound.com RUN Skagit Flats Marathon/ Half—Burlington, 8am. skagitrunners. org

Saturday, 15 Sep TRI Grand Columbian Super Tri—Grand Coulee, 7am. 425-766-8787, trifreaks.com PADDLE Budd Inlet—Olympia, 9:15am. soundrowers.org ADV RACE Oyster Urban/ Shooter—Seattle. seattleoyster.com RUN Airport Run for Hope 5k / 10k—Arlington, 9am. 425-359-0868, arlingtonrunnersclub.org MULTI Bellingham Traverse— Bellingham, 12:30pm. This event includes a 5.5mi run from downtown to Lake Padden, a challenging 6mi mt bike above the lake, an 18mi rd bike out and around Lake Samish, a 3mi trail run, a 4mi open water paddle, and a .5mi team trek. Race solo, tandem or on a team, symbolically following the life cycle of the salmon with “bait” to raise funds for environmental groups. Finish festivities at Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro. bellinghamtraverse.com TR RUN Cle Elum 50k & 25k.

>>> VIew or download even MORE Race|Play|Experience

15 September (cont.) - 29 September

rainshadowrunning.com NAV Nat’l Orienteering Day Newcomer Event—Seattle/Woodland Park, 10am-noon. Cascade Orienteering Club offers exploration activities for novices, children, and families. Free orienteering instruction provided. Enter at Woodland Park Ave. N & N 50th St. 206-913-3790, cascadeoc.org

Saturday & Sunday, 15 & 16 Sep SPEC Rainier Mountain Festival— Ashford. Plus the Run/Walk at Rainier.

800-238-5756, rainierfestival.com

Sunday, 16 Sep BIKE Chuckanut Century— Bellingham, 7am. Presented by the Mt. Baker Bike Club, this event benefits Whatcom Hospice Foundation and takes riders on some of the most scenic routes in the state—25mi, 38mi, 50mi, 62mi, 100mi, or the double metric century (124mi).

The south loop offers views of the San Juan Islands while overlooking Bellingham, Samish, and Padilla Bays, skirting along and viewing Chuckanut and Blanchard mountains. The north

event listings at AdventuresNW.com

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loop, through farmland and along bays, offers views of Baker, Shuksan, the Twin Sisters, and the Canadian Cascades.

Start and finish at Boundary Bay Brewery (free beverage or burger at the finish!). Regular rest stops with hearty food. chuckanutcentury.org

RUN/DU Magnuson Runs—Seattle, 10am. Multiple events. 206-335-9305, magnusonseries.org

BIKE Cycle the Wave (Women Against Violence Everywhere)— Issaquah. cyclethewave.com

NAV Oktoberfest Street Scramble—Fremont, 10am. 503-5159419, streetscramble.com

RUN Montana Marathon—Billings, MT, 7am. A marathon, half, and 10k— run in the “Big Sky Country!” 406-2459735, montanamarathon.org

DU Methow Valley Off-Road Duathlon—Winthrop, 9am. Join us for 1st Annual event. which will be held at the iconic Sun Mountain resort on the MVSTA trail system. Last year we tried to hold the race in November, but we were snowed out. The new fall race date will be perfect fall weather.

We will use the same planned course as last year which meanders through aspen and pine forests above Patterson Lake, starting and ending at the Chickadee trailhead in the beautiful Methow Valley. T-shirts, Race party including free gourmet pizza and local micro-brew. 206-940- 4507, methowduathlon.blogspot.com

Saturday, 22 Sep ADV RACE San Juan Island Quest —Orcas Island. sanjuanislandquest.com BIKE Tour de Whidbey—Greenbank, whidbeygen.org PADDLE Lake Samish Salmon Row & Paddle—Bellingham, 9:15am. soundrowers.org, salmonrowandpaddle.com RUN Puget Sound Classic 5k/10k —Olympia, 8am. 360-701-1604, guerillarunning.com ADV RACE Mind Over Mountain —Cumberland, BC, 9am. 866-912-3331, mindovermountain.com

PADDLE Skagit River Downriver Sprint & Classic—Newhalem. nwwhitewater.org

Sunday, 23 Sep

weekdays 24 Sep - 1 Dec SPEC Girls on the Run Fall Session—Whatcom Co. elementaryschools. GOTR is an after school

character development program that combines training for a 5k run with selfesteem enhancing lessons and uplifting workouts; culminates in a 5k Dec. 2. 360-7338630, whatcomymca.org

Saturday, 29 Sep RUN/ADV Muds to Suds—Ferndale, 11am. Get Muddy with your Buddies! At Hovander Park, kids and adults (team and individual scores) can get down and dirty in an Obstacle Course Mud Race.There will be a Boundary Bay beer garden, live music, activities for kids and free raffle prizes, with excitement until 6pm. End your summer with FUN! The event will be spectator friendly, so bring your camera. 360-746-8861, mudstosuds.com BIKE/DEMO Kulshan Demo Day— Bellingham, 11am-3pm. At Lake Padden, near the dog park area, test ride Trek and Gary Fisher Collection bikes. 733-6440, kulshancycles.com PLAY National Public Lands Day/ National Parks Fee-Free Day. To encourage more people to get out and enjoy public lands, the U.S. Department of Interior waives entrance fees to federal park lands, national forest lands,

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29 September (cont.) - 14 October

national wildlife refuges and BLM lands—all that otherwise require a fee or pass, nps.gov/findapark/ feefreeparks.htm PADDLE Mercer Island Sausage Pull—Seattle, 9:15am. soundrowers.org

Sunday, 30 Sep RUN Great Columbia Crossing 10k—Dismal Nitch, WA to Astoria, OR, 9am. greatcolumbiacrossing.com BIKE Kitsap Color Classic. Three loop options. cascade.org RUN Bellingham Bay Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k—Bellingham, 7:30 am. The marathon (Boston qualifier) and half marathon courses are relatively flat, well-supported and along picturesque and expansive Bellingham Bay waterfront with country and urban landscapes, mountain vistas and exceptional seascapes.

The point-to-point marathon is from Lummi Peninsula to downtown Bellingham (free shuttle to start). The half marathon loop course starts at Bellingham’s Depot Market Square.

The fast, friendly 5k is along downtown streets and trails. bellinghambaymarathon.org

of the ocean, featuring surf paddling competition PLUS the 3rd annual Kayak & SUP Scrambles, 2mi races through the surf and across the bay. An awesome weekend of fun and friendship for competitors and spectators. The host location at the Hobuck Beach Resort provides affordable lodging and camping.

206-940-6269, rubycreekboathouse. com PADDLE WKC Nooksack Slalom & Downriver + NF Nooksack River Slalom Class III—Glacier. nwwhitewater.org

Sunday, 7 Oct RUN Victoria Marathon. runvictoriamarathon.com RUN Portland Marathon. portlandmarathon.org BIKE Skagit Valley Farm Pedal—La Conner, 9am. 360-421-4729, festivaloffamilyfarms.com

Monday, 8 Oct RUN Granville Island Turkey Trot 10k Walk, Run, Stroll—Vancouver, BC, 8:30am. turkeytrot.ca

Saturday, 13 Oct

OCTOBER

>>>

Saturday, 6 Oct RUN/WALK Race for Education—Bellingham, 9am/kids race 8:30am. A fundraising 5k starting and ending at Civic Field. whatcomcounty.ciswa.org RUN/WALK Run Like a Girl 1/2 Marathon—Bellingham, 9am. runlikeagirlbellingham.com TR RUN Baker Lake 50k—Baker Lake, 8am. bakerlake50k.com RUN Mount Spokane 50k, 25k— rainshadowrunning.com RUN WWU XC Classic— Bellingham, 10am. directathletics.com RUN Silver Lake XC Runs— Maple Falls, 9am. gbrc.net BIKE The Drier Ride—Ellensburg, 7:30am. Metric or 50k. drier-ride.org RUN/WALK 5K-9—Everett, 10am.

Langus Riverfront Park. 425-2578369, everettwa.org/parks

RUN Sekani Trail Run 5k & 10k— Spokane, 10am. 509-625-6546, active. com, spokaneparks.org

RUN Leavenworth Marathon/ Half. leavenworthmarathon.com

Saturday & Sunday, 13 & 14 Oct

PADDLE Hobuck Hoedown Surf Paddling Festival—Neah Bay. A full weekend of racing and surf competition for sea kayaks, surf kayaks, and SUPs at Hobuck Beach. The Hoedown is an annual festival in a sublimely beautiful location, celebrating the joy

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TR RUN Harvest Half & 10k— Kenmore, 9am. 503-515-9419, nwtrailruns.com PADDLE Paddle for Food Relay— Bellingham, 9:30am. A 100% fundraiser for Bellingham Food Bank at Lake Padden. 360-739-2257

Saturday-Sunday, 6-7 Oct

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RUN/WALK Autumn Leaf Walk/Run—Okanogan, 10am. To challenge runners from all over the state, the Autumn Leaf offers a 1mi, 5mi, or 10k, and a wonderful scenic and community setting, beginning at the Okanogan Swimming Pool. Fee is just one (but why not give more?) can of food, which will be given to the local food bank; otherwise it’s free. Lots of prizes, including for best costume. 509-8267558, autumnleafrun.com

TR RUN Orcas Island Triple Ripple Trail Festival— Moran State Park. 3 races in 2 days. triplerippletrailfestival.blogspot.com

Sunday, 14 Oct PLAY National Wildlife Refuges Fee-Free Day. Get out and enjoy our public lands—in honor of National Wildlife Refuge Week. fws.gov/refuges

>>> VIew or download even MORE Race|Play|Experience

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14 October (cont.) - 28 October

RUN Spokane Marathon/Relay/Half/10k—spokanemarathon.us MTB DU Klicks Mountain Bike Duathlon— Bellingham, 11am. A solo or relay event on the trails of Lake Padden Park: run 2.6mi around the lake, mt bike 6mi on the technical trails above the lake, then run again. (Free youth du after—see below.) 360-778-7000, cob.org/ races YOUTH DU YMCA Youth Duathlon—Bellingham, 1pm. At Lake Padden, kids can choose from 3 different distances and start times (1pm short, 1:30pm medium and 2pm long). This free event isn’t timed, but all finishers get great goodies. Day-of-race registration only. tbennett@whatcomymca.org, cob.org/races

Fri & Sat, 19 & 20 Oct SPEC Komo Kulshan Ski & Snowboard Swap & Sale—Bellingham. Sell or buy at Whatcom Co.’s largest and longest-running swap. 360-303-3865, komokulshanskiclub.org

Saturday, 20 Oct RUN Lake Padden Half Marathon to Benefit Rebound of Whatcom County—Bellingham, 9am.

Run up and through the forested and steep single track trails above the lake. www.ultrasignup.com, keyword: lake padden

Sunday, 21 Oct RUN The Other Half—Moab, UT, 8:30am. Stunning redrock and mountain views accompany you on this pointto-point half marathon that parallels the Colorado River through a dramatic canyon. Entry to the 9th annual The Other Half includes a long sleeve tech shirt, full course support, shuttles, and a traffic-free course. Runners can expect fun aid stations and Taiko drummers along the way. Finisher medals, delicious food and microbrews will be waiting at the lush green finish at Sorrel River Ranch Resort. 435-259-4525, moabhalfmarathon.org

Advertiser Index Academic Adventures.............43 American Alpine Institute........43 Anacortes Arts Festival........... 51 Bellingham Athletic Club...........4 Backcountry Essentials............26 Bagpipe Construction.............25 Bellingham Bay Marathon...........................56 Bellingham Frameworks..........29 Bellingham Kite......................58 Bellingham Parks & Rec............3 Boundary Bay Brewing...........33 Brandon Nelson . ..................25 Burlington Physical Therapy....45 Busara..................................35 Chuckanut Foot Race..............48 Clear Lake Triathlon...............48 Colophon Cafe......................27 Community Boating Center.....33 Community Food.................... 14 D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano...........22 Dawn Durrand.......................22 Erik DeRoche.........................39 Eugene Women’s Half Marathon...........................53 Everybody Bike......................52 Fairhaven.com.......................28 Fairhaven Bike and Ski...........28

Fairhaven Pizza.....................26 Fairhaven Runners...................6 Faith Built.............................. 13 Fanatik Bike Co......................53 Flyers Restaurant....................28 Gato Verde...........................45 Gone Diving..........................23 Harmony Motorworks............28 Historic Fairhaven.................. 15 Kulshan Cycles.......................26 LFS Marine............................ 14 Lithtex NW............................43 MBBC/Chuckanut Century..............................54 Mount Bakery........................ 21 Mt Baker Foothills Chamber..............................9 Mt. Baker Hillclimb................. 15 Mt. Baker Lodging Inc............39 Nathan McAllister..................35 Nooksack River Casino..........60 North Cascade Eye................ 51 North Cascades Institute.........28 Northwest Behavioral.............42 Northwest Navigation................ 28 & 38 NW Traverse.........................49 Pickup Dogs..........................39 Quicksilver Photo Lab.............29 Sally Farrell...........................42

Salud Spanish........................27 San Juan Sailing....................46 Seattle City Light....................59 Sportsman Chalet.................. 18 Sustainable Connections.........43 The Chrysalis ........................ 19 The Markets..........................47 The Mountaineers..................42 The ReStore...........................35 Tour de Whatcom..................50 Trailhead Athletics.................38 Village Books........................28 VZ Foundation.......................57 WECU...................................27 Wells Fargo Advisors.............34 Whatcom Events Mud Race..........................55 Whatcom Events Ski to Sea.............................2 WIB........................................5 Wood Mizer.......................... 12 YMCA...................................44 Yoga NW.............................. 14 Yoga with Susan D’Onofrio.................23 Zaremba Paxton P.S...............53

RUN Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra—Whistler, BC. bcathletics.org/whistler50

Saturday, 27 Oct RUN/WALK Pumpkin Push 5k for Seattle’s Homeless— 10am. 206-548-3266, pumpkinpush.com RUN Freaky 5k—Federal Way, 9am. 253-835-6932. itallhappenshere.org RUN Carkeek 12-hour—Seattle, 6am. carkeek12hour.com RUN Halloween Runs—Seattle, 10am. Multiple events.

206-335-9305, magnusonseries.org PADDLE Lake Sammamish— 9:15am. soundrowers.org NAV Vampire-O—Lynnwood, 7pm. 206-913-3790, cascadeoc.org

Sunday, 28 Oct TR RUN Cougar Mt Trail Run 50k —Newcastle, 8:30am. nwtrailruns.com RUN/WALK Run Scared 5k—Seattle, 9am. Benefits LLS 206-330-5967, runscared5k.com RUN Columbia Gorge Marathon —Hood River, OR. columbiagorgemarathon.com >>> ALWAYS confirm dates, times, registration requirements, fees, etc. Thanks to event organizers who submit event details. For info on listing your event in Adventures NW’s calendar (print and online), write to dennis @ adventuresnw.com event listings at AdventuresNW.com

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the

Next

Adventure

Cloyoquot Sound Sunrise photo by DAVID PILLINGER

See your Summer “Next Adventure” photo on this page.

For consideration, email your image by to john @ AdventuresNW.com.

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Experience the North Cascades Skagit Tours 2012 Boat tour and lunch on Diablo Lake n Walking tour of historic Newhalem and Gorge Powerhouse n North Cascades Expeditions: Guided hikes, shuttle and lunch n Special powerhouse tours coming in fall 2012 n

For more information, visit our web site at www.skagittours.com. For reservations, call 360-854-2589.

North Cascades Institute Celebrating 25 years of connecting people, nature and community through education.

You are invited to the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center for: Family getaways n Base Camp n Group rentals n

Diablo Downtime Adult classes n Youth programs n n

www.ncascades.org

North Cascades National Park Something to savor

Enjoy summer learning and recreation.

www.nps.gov/noca or 360-854-7200

$4.99 Value Buffet Our delicious and ever-changing value buffet, now on Thursdays 11am - 9pm. Only $4.99 for Winners Club Members!

Signature Seafood Buffet Served from 4pm to 9pm Friday nights. $17.95 with Winners Club Card, $22.95 without.

Saturday BBQ Buffet 4pm - 9pm $11.95 A Feast prepared each Saturday. All-you-can-eat perfectly seasoned BBQ favorites at one low price!

Sunday Brunch Buffet Served from 10am to 2pm $16.95 With Champagne

877.935.9300 5048 MOUNT BAKER HWY, DEMING WA FIND US ONLINE WWW.NOOKSACKCASINO.COM TWITTER.COM/NOOKSACKRCASINO FACEBOOK.COM/NOOKSACKRCASINO Management reserves all rights.

Create Your Own Fresh Dining Experience Every Monday & Tuesday 11am – 2pm & 5pm – 9pm!

Just $11.95 per person!