From the “CENTENNIAL TRAIL COALITION OF Snohomish County” meeting agenda June 2009
PROGRESS ON “THE GAP”
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen has gotten a proposal for money to close “The Gap” between 152nd and 172nd Streets included in the nation-wide SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BILL which is either now “in committee” or pending consideration by the committee.
 

THE NEWS IN BRIEF………….
GREAT NEWS!!! RCO GRANT STATUS/BUILDING THE TRAIL FROM ARLINGTON TO THE SKAGIT COUNTY LINE.
The time period for use of the grant was extended and Snohomish County is now working feverishly to get the bid documents out and this phase of the trail under construction as quickly as possible.

 

Columbia Gorge Review

    By Debby Grant

Six BIKES members – Dan & Elaine Scott, Gery Osowiecki, Kathy Riddle, Walt Davis and I, along with nine COGS members, enjoyed a fabulous Columbia Gorge Weekend getaway. Three days of sleeveless riding, gentle rollers through a lush river canyon, stepping off the road to pick cherries and a 12% grade – could a weekend tour offer better attractions? As Dan put it, there were a couple tandem-challenged hills but the weekend was climatologically grand. 

   The Friday route along the Klickitat River proved to be so traffic-free and bicycle-perfect that the group quickly agreed it’s on the do-again list. The Klickitat gentle rollers contrasted with the long grades on the Historic Columbia River Hwy at Saturday’s organized event but the well-stocked food stops kept us fueled throughout the 39-mile, 2974 ft elevation-gain course. We indulged in Nutella-slathered bananas and bagels – don’t be surprised to find Nutella as a hot new item at McClinchy next year.

   The Moderate group said they wouldn’t take the Sunday Hood River route again – the Odell Hwy was high-traffic with narrow or no shoulder much of the way. But Gery said the Social group had the best ever Mexican lunch in Odell and didn’t mention the highway. Since the highway riding came after lunch maybe they were way too busy worrying about post-food muscle stiffness to notice!

Watch for all or some of this weekend’s routes on another BIKES outing – Dan started talking about riding over Snoqualmie to Goldendale and down into the Gorge.  Hmm… self-supported or sagged?

1. Bicycle Alliance of Washington

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington enActs on your behalf in the political arena.  With your support, we work daily to enAct legislation, policies and programs that benefit cyclists.

We know that you care about bicycling.  It's time to enAct like you mean it by making a donation to our annual auction!

We are seeking a range of items that will generate spirited bidding.  Our auction attendees are active folks who appreciate getaways, unique experiences, handcrafted items, gift baskets, recreation opportunities, and other    enticing offerings.  Popular items in the past include:  an African safari, a ski & stay package at Schweitzer Mountain, a weekend stay in a Leavenworth cabin, a gourmet meal for six prepared at your home, a rail/cycling adventure, sunset sailboat cruise, handcrafted jewelry, hand-knit scarves, quilts, housesitting, event ride entries, symphony and theatre tickets, amusement passes, massage/spa packages, and much more.

We've made it easy to submit your donation information with our online donation form!  So don't delay--enAct today!  And do know that money raised from our annual auction helps the Bicycle Alliance be proActive for    cyclists in Washington State.

 Contact Louise McGrody if you have any donation questions.  Click here for more information about this year's auction. To ensure that your donation makes the printed and online catalogue, we need to receive the info no later than Sept 14, 2009. 

 Thank you for supporting a bicycle-friendly Washington!