Live and learn. After last year's ride across the rugged Cascades and the steep dip down into Grand Coulee Dam (and back up) we vowed to make some serious changes. In a few words, this amounts to lighter gear and stronger legs. So this Spring has brought with it a new, super flyweight tent, a training regime, and a plan to take exactly one change of clothes in addition to our riding outfits. We are still undecided about what, if any, special equipment we might need to fend off hungry bears and wandering cougars but are very well versed in the various ways of discouraging such visitors. A brief but completely non-threatening encounter along the highway with an enormous male just out of hibernation last May has made this a matter of serious discussion! This particular bear was far more interested in the berries than in us, but the sheer size of this creature was enough to instill a healthy respect.
As far as climbing the remaining Rockies is concerned, we are feeling much fitter this year thanks to regular workouts and some delightful spring training rides, the most recent along a mountain road off New Hampshire's own Kancamagus Highway, called (ominously?) Bear Mountain Road. The road is still closed to motorized traffic and there are remaining snow patches that have to be negotiated with care. The warm sun, snow and cold rushing brooks create an invigorating, heavenly micro-climate for riders willing to dodge the twigs and fallen branches. PS no sign of bears on this road as of April 12, 2010.
