Season 4 Episode 4. WarmShowers warms your hearts.

Season 4 Episode 4.  WarmShowers warms your hearts. 

7/24/24 Snohomish, WA to North Bend 44 miles. 1538’ climb. 

After a hearty breakfast at the spot in town, Jake’s Cafe On Second Street, we soon found ourselves on a killer climb out of town on a country road, Elliot Street - that led to regret over eating such a hearty breakfast. 

We fortunately had set out on a light day coming off two very hard days. Excited to get on the flat, car-free bike trail, we came upon a road closure sign for construction. At least there was road crew to speak with except for the first time in all our rides, the crew member was the rudest, least helpful person in all our bike miles. It was the exact opposite of all the wonderful people we meet. 

After the detour, we hit the trail. Heather and her healthy snacking. 

Heather would rather ride on pavement, even with traffic, compared to riding with zero cars but on an unpaved, crushed stone trail. I in a rare instance of obedience, was following the local recommendation for the safer route. Heather is off in the distance a few hundred yards from me as we rode separately for a few hours. 

I met a wonderful group of wholesome kids selling lemonade and “Otter Pops” at a trailhead in Carnation, WA. They were quite taken by the idea that we were riding all the way to NY. I hope one of them remembers the idea one day and does it. 

I couldn’t resist their buy 2 get 1 free promotion and downed 3 quickly. Refreshed and on a sugar high, off to North Bend I rode hoping Heather was ok. 

Heather’s elk sighting. 

My elk sighting 45 minutes later.

We soon came to what seemed like the idyllic town of North Bend, a safe place to raise a family and enjoy close community. And we arrived to our highlight of the day - our hosts Shelley and Craig, part of the WarmShowers community we are part of - cyclists hosting other cyclists in their home. We had only reached out to them around 9pm the night before as we were in scrounging, day to day mode, and they were so gracious to accept our last minute request. They could not be any kinder. They fed us generously and healthily and after a very rough first week setback, nurtured our weary spirits to get us back on track. 

We enjoyed patio dining in their extraordinary garden. They are master gardeners, which is a talent that is foreign to Heather and me. 

Front garden and magnificent setting. 

Many people know I love maps! Real paper ones, and ones that I draw for others. Amazingly, Craig brought out his classroom size map, with lines drawn detailing their road trips across the country. He helped review all our options for the next few weeks and spent time online with me weighing the choices, and their pros and cons. 

Shelley and Craig - thank you seems insufficient to express our gratitude! Hope we stay in touch.

Copyright Mark Segal 2024.