2008 PNW Bandit Rides

[pmackie]

OK guys and gals in the PNWest, it's time to start talking about our first Bandit ride of the year.

I'm thinking of the weekend around May 9, 10, 11 & 12.

Anyone interested? I'm thinking I want to head to the coast, as I haven't done Mount Baker yet.

Let's start talking!!

[Red01]

I haven't run up to Baker yet this year.  Mostly because I'm expecting the road to be in less than ideal riding condition.  Our mountians have been hit with a lot of snow (like yours, I believe), and the ski resort at Baker is still open and usually stays that way until July, so maybe longer this year?  Just las week, we got snow & ice conditions on a lowly 1300' pass east of Seattle that caused a bunch of wrecks (though the road was clear and dry on Saturday when I rode it).  Baker Hwy pretty much ends at the ski resort, but does continue on for a couple of miles to a scenic overlook (speed limit on that part is a lowly 25mph).  Last year, when I was up there on July 7th, the last stretch still wasn't open... though it looked like it could have been:

[pmackie]

Hi Red

Just a thought. On reflection, we'ed better leave Baker for later in the year. I'm just hoping to generate some interest in another early May ride...

Are you and Matt game for a ride again this year? I should be able to convice Cargo7 this year (promises, promises) and possibly my buddy from Nanaimo. Plus any other BanditAlley interest.

If the weather looks promising, how about Vanouver Island? I've got May 9-12 pencilled in for a rider somewhere (maybe NOT over the Salmo Creston  ).

[Red01]

I don't know about Matt... I got a PM from him the other day and it sounded like he was keeping pretty busy with work and school.  I'm willing to consider it, but it is pretty close to when I've already scheduled vacation for for a big family trip to Florida with all my kids & grandkids, so I'm not sure how that'll shake down with time off work AND the extra expense of a mini-vacation so close to a big one.

I _DO_ want to check out VI by bike, but was hoping for a time when the US $ is in a little better shape. 

[Red01]

FWIW - We got hit with snow here in Everett again overnight.  April 15th, and sea level! 
Is winter ever gonna let go?
At least we had a beautiful Saturday with blue skies and temps in the mid-70's (21-24C). 

[GP]

I went to a few roads around Rainer on that hot weekend ...unfortunately the backside ( east) of Rainer was still closed.. the west side ( Paradise is open year round) ..
 If you get anything going for that weekend within a reasonable distance from  Tacoma . I am available on the Sat..

[Bobcat]

2 words: Lo, and Lo. 
I need to make it past this sign:

[MattDaddy]

I'd be game to join a ride.  I'm planning at some point to get up to VI up the Malahat outside of Victoria.  Likely in May or early June.  I'm done with the cold weather and am looking for any excuse to go riding.  I had to work last Saturday, but at least rode to work and back in the sun! 
I haven't done Rainer or Baker.

In early July I'm joining friends for part of their trip to Prudhoe Bay, AK.  Likely 7-8 days to go to Hyder and return.  The ones that are going the distance will be on V-stroms.

Matthew

[andrewsw]

I haven't done many rides here in the PNW, but would like to see some more bandits. There's only a couple here on the eastside of WA.

Are there some good rides mid-state where some of us east siders could hook up with the west siders for a day?

I'm thinking it might be time to start planning a mid-late May ride.

A

[Red01]

There's some EXCELLENT roads up in the north central part of the state around the Republic area.

[andrewsw]

I'm game for a weekend day up there for a few hours of riding. Maybe a moderately early coffee shop hook up. I think I can scare up a couple of bandits from Spokane (Nick B?).

What about Memorial Day? Monday, May 26? I suppose the roads may be a little busy, but maybe not... people may already be at destinations by then.

A

[pmackie]

Hey Andrew SW

You and I should work out some weekend stuff, as we are close enough.

Memorial Day is out for me. I'm off to Califonia with 6/7 buddies (on the bikes). We will be going through Spokane (or past) on Friday, May 23rd.

[andrewsw]

Definitely lets hook up. I picked Memorial Day as I've got madness over the next three weeks... pushing me to late may. We should get together on your way through on the 23rd.  Let me know what your proposed schedule is and maybe we can work something out.

you can PM me or email me if you like.

A