Hello PNWers in WA,

I don't know why I still post these, maybe the small chance one of them will gather another rider or two; so, here I go.

*Leaving the Woodinville area around 10:00, entering Granite Falls 10:30.

Weather is supposed to be above 60 on Saturday, so I am going to hit Barlow Pass and take the Mountain Loop Experience (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Loop_Highway), a first for me. I am not too picky on a the when and where I start or end, so I'll leave that dependent on who, if anyone, wants to join me.

Mountain Loop Hwy is more or less a forest service road that goes from Granite Falls over Barlow Pass (2400`) into Darrington, from which you can take SR530 back into Arlington (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Granite+Falls,+WA&daddr=48.084501,-121.543121+to:Darrington,+WA+to:Arlington,+WA&geocode=FRa03QIdmue6-Ck7NfD5DsqaVDHdRY4BWD9tAA%3B%3BFZtR4AIdFoLA-CnrxcEpxtqEVDGYP7KLUXk6Ng%3BFTh03wIdqoS4-CkNNLTweUmFVDHV8Yag0ROKtA&gl=us&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=10&via=1&sll=48.18097,-121.86346&sspn=0.555818,0.881653&ie=UTF8&ll=48.268569,-121.724396&spn=0.554865,0.881653&z=10), or a number of other roads (one I might revisit is Concrete-Suak Valley RD/South Skagit Hwy). The road just past Bedal/Barlow pass is 14 miles of gravel, that should be in good condition. Also, I am making it a point to make a pit stop at N Suak River Falls, a one mile detour and a 5min walk.

I'll be 2up, grabbing coffee somewhere, and then heading out. Let me know if you're interested and we can arrange a meet time and place.

Mike

Does't matter if no one joins you, but its the thought that counts. Hopefull someone will join you. In any case I am too far far away to join so best of luck on you ride.:goodluck:

:cheers:

I agree, keep posting rides, maybe as the weather improves more will come.

Dang, mike. i scheduled to get 4yds of dirt this weekend for some work in the back yard. YOU guess what I'd rather do. If I can re-negotiate with "the boss" I'll let you know by tomorrow. Sounds like a great ride. And I am glad you post your rides here.

David

Sweet mary!, it's now supposed to just about kiss 70 degrees, and we just celebrated St. Patricks Day (and an amazing Huskies upset of Marquette). This ride is definitely happening, if even just with one bike. Double-checked road status and pass elevation (2315'), we're good to go. With all the warm weather, the North Fork Falls should be close to gushing too.

Pictures to be posted.

That's an area I've always wanted to explore. But I'll be up around mt rainier this weekend. Maybe next time.

If any of you gents have a change of heart, the fiance and I are going to head out around 10:00, leaving Woodinville, en route to Granite Falls, and then along the loop and into in Darrington.

Gonnnnnaaaaa bbbbeeeeee bbbbuuuummmmmppppyyyyy!

The ride was amazing, and the handling of the Versys on Forest Service roads was better than I had expected. The fourteen miles of gravel I was expecting amounted to about 85-90% of it washed to the sides, leaving a wet and dirty road. Our turnoff to the falls, FS 49, was more loose in nature, but with decomposing twigs and what not had a soft approach. The V traverse both well, though I might have been pretty tame on it too.

The falls were a sight to beheld as well, both from the rock outcrop and climbing down to the waters edge. It is evident by the canyon carving that this water has force to it, even though it wasn't quite a full steam when we there. The water tumbles down about 55 feet, and then almost immediately pitches a right angle to the left. Had I had a wide angle lens, I would have had an awesome shot.

That aside, here are some pictures, you can view the album here (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=408467&id=532325444&l=ff26c6194c).

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs412.snc3/24879_10150165725845445_532325444_11752262_6685875 _n.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs412.snc3/24879_10150165725870445_532325444_11752266_6075451 _n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs452.ash1/24879_10150165725940445_532325444_11752277_6645181 _n.jpg
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs432.snc3/24879_10150165725950445_532325444_11752279_1667943 _n.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs452.ash1/24879_10150165725960445_532325444_11752280_1512563 _n.jpg

Very nice...did you drop any tire pressure?

alvis

Negatory. I had thought about it, and was equiped to do so, but I liked the riding characteristics as with the stock pressure--which survived the potholes I couldn't dodge.

I bet the two up thing had something to do with that, it sure would help with bit in the rear climbing...did you solo at all?

alvis

no, two up the whole of it.

Looks great, Mike. Thanks for the pics. I was playing in the dirt too - though I don't think I had as much fun as you two - I was moving 4yds of fill aroung the yard for landscaping projects :) Next time? Still haven't gotten to ride with you yet!

David

Greetings Mike. I'm pretty new to the Versys Forum. Just saw this post. Sorry I missed the ride. I will be watching the "rides" forum for rides in the general area in the future.

Greetings Mike. I'm pretty new to the Versys Forum. Just saw this post. Sorry I missed the ride. I will be watching the "rides" forum for rides in the general area in the future.

Sounds good! Welcome to the Forum as well.