Waited until my Son got out of school on Friday then we hit the road.
Rolling into Bend we came across a familiar car along with blue skies.
For camping we've rented a house, camped out at Cascade Meadows RV Park and stayed in Hotels. This time around we camped at Tumalo State Campground and think we'll do it again.
It is close to Bend, very quiet and has real bathrooms, so my Daughter might actually come join us next time.
Nice little fire to keep warm as the temps dropped below freezing at night.
Bacon and Pancakes to start our morning.
The next morning after breakfast we made our way to Phils. It was slightly chilly, but the Sun was out trying to warm things up.
The trails were in premo shape, bone dry and lots of fellow Mountain Bikers out riding. We even passed a few groups of families out enjoying the trails. The temps continued to drop the higher we progressed and very dark clouds were coming our way. Eventually the warming Sun was replaced by falling snow and with the wind become white out conditions for a bit. The snow never really stuck to the ground and the trails remainded dry. We stopped at an intersection and were discussing if we should head back to the cars or continue on. We were joined by another 15 riders all asking each other the same. One comment from a rider was he was only going to climb today to stay warm and did not want to go downhill. The wind and dropping temps took the fun out of all the fast trails if you were not dressed for it. We were better off then some in clothing, but made the call to head back to the cars. We still ended up with 12 good miles of riding.
As we pulled out of the trail head parking lot the snow turned to sleet and then pouring rain.
We cleaned up at Camp and then had lunch at Baldy's BBQ.
Day two was warmer with blue skies and Sun.
We also had some critters join us for breakfast. After breakfast we drove out to Phils to finish the ride we did not complete the day before.
We were joined by another buddy and off we went. My Son likes to chase rabbits and worked hard to say on the rabbits wheel. Leaving a couple of us behind that had not warmed up and still full from breakfast.
I finally caught back up on one of the climbs that I've been filming my son on for the last few years. He had slowed way down, but no complaints and kept pushing on. Heck we all stopped to rest at the top and he pushed on. Caught back up to my son and continued on, soft pedalling behind him. We continued on like this on a few more trails and then he silently got off his bike leaned over and hurled. He would do it a few more times not something he has ever done before. The sound of hurling must be some kind of Chipmunk dinner bell sign. As they came out of the wood work and made short work of the mess. We then continued on to the next intersection the rest of the group continued on to complete the ride. We sat down for a while to let my sons stomach settle. After 10 or so minutes we continued up to Whoops.
Then back down Ben's by the time we reached the parking lot my son was feeling good again. So, we started up Kents. Where we just happened to come across our group again.
We rode back down Kents always a great time. My son once again chasing the rabbit this time with no hurling. At the end of the ride my son was asked what lesson did you learn today. His answer: Don't chase Mr Webber with a full stomach.
Monday morning we normally do a short 12 ride then head home. Didn't sound like my son had it in him and with that we had breakfast at Black Bear Dinner then headed for home.
Traffic was lite until Ellensburg where it took us a couple hours to get to Easton.
Thinking maybe I should have stayed another day or two here
