ManifestDestiny2010Redux: 6/9 Steven's Pass

Our original plan was to do this in two days but Will convinced everyone we could do it in one so we gave it a go. We rode route 2 in a light rain through suburban communities and 21st century American sprawl dotted with espresso shacks in parking lots where the attendants are sometimes scantily clad women. We stopped for food in Skykomish and discovered that a large transcontinental bike party would be spending there first night in the small town along the Skykomish river. We remarked at the coincident and headed back on the road. We started the climb up Steven's Pass and were happy to use the scenic Old Cascade Highway for a stretch. We reached the top of the pass, 4061ft, in the rain and then descended down towards Leavenworth, along the Wenatchee River as the clouds parted. The last 35 miles we lost 2800 ft, and cruised along the wild waters of the Wenatchee. We were all ecstatic riding cruising at 20mph through the canyon in the sun after summiting our first mountain pass. We arrived in Leavenworth, a Bavarian style village. As we rode through town we spotted a small group of older gentleman out for a weekly ride. We told them our story and one of them, Luke, kindly offered to open his backyard to our tents. We found the house, chatted with Luke and his wife Stephanie and then went out to eat at the local Mexican restaurant. We met up with Carrie and Ashley, who had completed the pass early and relaxed at the town park before heading to bed.