we started out by taking the ferry to Southworth, and then hopped on our bikes and did about 12 miles to Port Orchard. From there we went on to Burley, Ollala,
and some other little hamlets strung along like beads along a very very hilly road. Yes, some of those hills were steeper than what i found on Hurricane ridge, but there were lots of downs too, including one steep and straight enough that I broke my personal downhill speed record of 32 mph... I was plummeting down that hill at 35 mph at one point..
About 10 miles outside of Gig Harbor, we got lost. Raleighdon who kindly stayed behind with me has only done this ride once before so he wasn't completely sure where to go; so after two false turns, he decided that the only way we'd ever catch up to our friends was to go the direct route over the hill and down into Gig Harbor. That was a nasty climb, about 10% grade for a distance. We caught up to our friends in Gig Harbor; had a quick lunch, and then I was informed that we needed to hurry to catch the ferry and we had 20 miles to go. I didn't think that was bad until DH told me he wasn't sure we could make it because the next 20 miles were HILLY. augh..
upon leaving the restaurant i noticed my legs were TIRED. REALLY tired.
but DH enthusiastically informed me each time we completed another of the three main (nasty) hills. and continued to be a warm, sweet coach/cheerleader.
With 20 minutes to spare, we finally arrived at the ferry terminal. It was beautiful and hot, well, for me. 64 miles and 4400 feet of climbing. I am toast. literally. but i completed yet another "grown up ride"