105th Roadside News: Bellevue to Spokane - August 19, 2008
Maverick and Radio - Aug 19, 2008

Cloudy skies over Seattle and a statewide Washington forecast for showers dampened the spirits of many, apparently. Estimates of hundreds of motorcyclists starting the Harley-Davidson’s 105^th Ride Home from Bellevue, Washington did not materialize. But, for the fifteen who braved weather conditions, including temperatures in the sixties (lower at 4,000+ foot mountain passes), low hanging clouds, poor visibility, and wet roads for the first 50 miles. It was a blast!

 

 

 

Literally, at speeds between 70 mph and 80 mph much of the day, we soon left the forested cascades and traveled through the high country wheat lands in North Central Washington. The air was as fresh as only mountains and rural countryside can provide. By noon, sunshine brought the temperature into the seventies, an ideal temperature for motorcycling.

 

 

Day one included motorcyclists from Washington, Wisconsin, Colorado, and England.

 

Notably, the residents of small rural towns projected a unique respect for life and each other. Each seems to have a role to fill in the community. Ranchers, wheat growers, town folk, retailers, service providers, and the business infrastructure all combine to create thriving communities. Their businesslike manner suggests interdependence on one another and appreciation for each other. All welcomed our group of motorcyclists into their towns and waved as we moved on down the highway.

 

We arrived at our destination for day one in Spokane and were greeted by a host of additional motorcyclists. Some were excited and looking forward to joining the 105^th Ride Home for day two. Others stopped by to imagine the day when they too, can join a Harley-Davidson Anniversary ride. 

 

Fifteen adventurous riders braved the conditions and left Eastside Harley Davidson at 8:00 a.m. Chatter began immediately over coffee; first introductions, then road stories were shared. The looming clouds failed to dampen spirits or enthusiasm for the day’s ride. It’s a good group to begin the ride. We are told as riders join us along the route and the routes merge, this group will be the biggest as we enter Milwaukee next week. Cool.

 

I guess it had to happen, after all, it is Seattle. And, what are they known for in Seattle besides coffee? Rain. We weren’t on the highway long before the baptism began. Not serious rain, just enough to question the decision to put on rain gear. About an hour down the road the rain stopped, the sun peeked through the clouds, and it began to warm up. Ah, the life of a biker.

 

The route began east on I-90 to Cle Elum where we cutover to Hwy 2 and on to Spokane. The ride to Wenatchee is very scenic with winding roads and pine covered mountains. From Wenatchee to Spokane, you have to like combined wheat fields to enjoy the scenery. We encountered a serious wildfire fire west of Spokane that had crossed the highway, but did not interfere with out ride.

 

 

We were greeted by a large group of riders at the Spokane dealer. Some will be joining us tomorrow morning and you can feel the excitement as they anticipate joining up with us. There will be a whole new set of names to learn and stories to hear. Too bad it is suppose to be raining tomorrow morning.

 

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