Too much Smoke, Aborted N. Cascades loop..

[JamesW]

Departed yesterday 0800, up Arlington/Darrington route, not bad, little hazy/misty. Breakfast in Marblemount, nice weather up the passes, enjoying ride. Down East side past Liberty Bell and the overlook, stated getting smoky as we passed Lone Fir campground and oh boy, by time we got to Mazama visibility was 1/4 to 1/2 mile-ish. This was around 1200hrs. Weatherman indicated Eastside crud but really wanted a ride. Turned around, ride back was nice, Diablo overlook was nice as always, refreshing breeze and clear skies. Observed many motorcycles and RVs heading West as we went over. As we came back I felt sorry for the small groups of bikes we saw headed East with two up and camping gear, not much we could do to give them a heads up. Big(smoky)fire now at Cle Elum. Good weekend to stay home.

 

[Fontanaman]

Well this is good to know as I was considering a ride over the hump on Friday. Not Now! Thanks James. Maybe the I will head up to Maple Falls and take the Silver Lake road and see where I end up.

This is a perfect example of why I gave up dual sport riding. After the snows are melt out, the back roads repaired from winter storms, it is the perfect time of year to DS ride, but the fire hazards linger until the first snow falls. Being out on a bike when the air is choked with smoke is not enjoyable. Visibility is poor, your eyes start to sting and the throat gets sore.

 

[FJRay]

It's been bad enough in central Or. that the automatic headlights on the truck have come on. Getting better slowly the last couple days. They say we should see mountains by Monday.

 

[HelzBelz]

yeah, I was holding off on making definite plans, other than "I am riding" .

Thinking I might do the Tour of Honor Dakota's sites this weekend.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Thanks for being the "scout" Jim...too bad the east side is so smoky.

Regardless of the fires and smoke, good weekend to stay put, beat the coming heat wave and stay out of the freakin traffic!

--G

 

[juniorfjr]

The skies have cleared here in eastern Wa since last night. The same favorable winds that cleared the west also came through here. There is still a pretty active fire north of Winthrop, and I understand a new one between Lake Chelan and Winthrop, nearer the lake. And possible triple digit temps this weekend on this side.

 

[saread]

It's not just us. I was rampaging around NorCal last week and the smoke was pretty bad there too. I was camped in the Klamath Natl. Forest and almost choked out. Really bad. Kind of funny though, when I rolled into Humboldt County the smoke got a distinct 420 tinge to it. Go figure.

 

[RC65]

Good to know...I was planning on a Last Big Ride of the Summer this weekend with a 3-Pass Blast, but guess I'll need to figure out another plan.