June usually brings more sunny days to Seattle and June 8th was a bit cloudy in Seattle but on the other side of the mountains there was glorious sunshine and temps in the 80s. I decided to take Rachel on her first trip to Leavenworth as she has been feeling a bit neglected and I was in the mood for a beer and a brat.
I left Seattle around 12:30 PM and after a quick trip on 520 and 405 I was was on 522 and then on to 2. I stopped for a quick gas stop in Monroe where I met a few more riders gassing up on their way to Wenatchee. Driving through Monroe, many a person gave me a thumbs up at a traffic light or just wanted to talk to me about the bike. I must say this usually doesn't happen on the CBR. There is just something magical about a shiny Harley Davidson.
For the most part I was riding by myself on the highway. Enjoying the majestic beauty of the state of Washington. The temperature and the smells kept on changing as I climbed higher into the mountains eventually reaching snow and Stevens Pass. Around this time, a couple on two custom bikes caught up to me and I rode behind them up and down the pass.
Finally the temperature started to increase. The ride along the canyon that borders the Wenatchee River was amazing. Temperatures in the 80s cooled by a breeze come off the rushing rapids combined with the surrounding mountains was just breathtaking. No time to stop though to enjoy the surrounds as I was starting to get hungry.
I finally arrived in Leavenworth and was able to get a parking spot on the main street easily by a few sport bikes. I walked to the sausage garden and had a nice cold beer and a nice hot brat. My stomach now full, I decided to walk around for a bit. There were many bikers in the town today and I saw some really amazing custom machines lining the streets. There was an art fair going on as well and I saw some cool pictures. One final stop at the Cheesemonger shop to get some good items to bring back to home and I was on my way back to Seattle.
The trip home was as enjoyable as the trip out there was. It was busier than the ride out and I had more traffic around me. Coming down Stevens Pass and that turn over a cliff still freaks me out but I managed to get around it without incident. After a quick nod to tradition that is the stop at Starbucks in Monroe, I was on 522 and on the way to Seattle. I ended up taking Lake City Way around the lake and approaching the city from the north. By now it was sunnier in Seattle and the skyline looked amazing.
The whole purpose of buying Rachel was to go on further trips more often. I have to say she fits the bill. The miles go by effortlessly and I was not sore at all after either leg or the whole trip. Touring bikes are really amazing machines. Now to plan my next adventure. I am thinking Hurricane Ridge but we will have to see where the road leads me.
Rachel arrives in Leavenworth
The Fartbølle prepares to go back to Seattle