2007 Skagit Spring Classic.

With the 2007 Seattle to Portland Classic (STP) just around the corner (July 14th and 15th), we're taking every chance we can get to "be in the saddle". Being back from a business trip earlier than expected allowed me to join Melissa and a couple other friends for the 2007 Skagit Spring Classic on May 12th. The Skagit Classic is in its 17th year, and offers four different routes: 25 mile, 45 mile, 62 mile, and 100 mile. Most of us rode the 62-mile route (a "metric century"), which included a picturesque climb up Chuckanut Drive. My fears of excessive automobile traffic competing for the extremely narrow roadway were somewhat unfounded.

The ride started out pretty rough. Although the terrain was flat for the first several miles, we had to battle head-on, gale force winds, heavy dust and poor quality pavement. The relative protection of the trees and elevation once we reached Chuckanut Drive gave us a much needed reprieve. Most of the route (until we dropped back into the Skagit Valley flatlands, near the end) was good. Volunteers with the sponsor (Skagit Bicycle Club) staffed rest stops along the route, and handed out homemade cookies and other snack foods.

My only regret is that I didn't take my camera.