Yakima, Washington: Riding Partner.......................

[WKB]

Yakima, Washington. For the Spring & Summer of 2012..........
Looking for an occasional male riding partner (local preferred) to do some Rails-To-Trails and/or local riding with - maybe just ride the local Greenway on occasion. My wife does not share my biking enthusiasm. I’m a 63 year old, retired professional who enjoys many outdoor activities (biking, hiking, etc.) It would be nice to find someone close to my own age (retired would be a plus, but not mandatory) and interests to do some of those things with. Sorry, but I am not a group rider (so I don’t join any of the local clubs which, I realize, makes it difficult to meet other cyclist) nor do I enjoy riding on the highway (will ride the local back-streets, W. Chestnut, for example to get to the Greenway). I can maintain a pretty good clip, but I am not into competitive riding - like to stop and smell the flowers, etc. I rode with a partner last summer and we had some wonderful rides on some of the Rails-To-Trails here in Washington and in Oregon - it is just that he lives on the other side of the mountains from where I live and it is sometimes difficult for us to get together. If interested, we could meet at a local Starbucks for general discussion. ......... WKB

Specialized Tricross Sport, Specialized Rockhopper Comp., Specialized Enduro Comp.

[scozim]

Check with several of the bike shops and maybe post a note there if they'll let you.

[WKB]

Not a bad idea, thank you. Miss Ellensburg, used to live there, great bike shop, the "Recycle Shop", have bought all my bikes there for years and years. Still just about the only shop that I will let touch my bikes for spring tune-up - Fred and the guys are outstanding! Again, thanks for your response.......

[VertigoFlyer]

How about a ride swap? Meaning we come over to Yakima from Snoqualmie and you show my wife and I a ride in that area and you come over here and we show you a ride on this side? We're both in our 50's and ride a moderate pace of 14-16 mph on asphalt. Slower on a dirt MUP. Lemme know...

[WKB]

VertigoFlyer: Your offer to "swap" rides is most thoughtful, but I'm afraid I would make a poor tour guide for you and your wife. Frankly, I did something similiar to that a couple of years ago and I will spare you the absolutely hedious and vicious details of the encounter - it was a day right out of the bowels of hell..... I swore I would never do it again, ever.....! Sorry, no offense intended to you folks........

However, on to more pleasant things, eh...? if you do end up in Yakima and want to do some riding, we have the Yakima Greenway here - approx. 20 miles (+ or -) if you ride it both ways. I would recommend that you park your vehicle in the local Fred Meyer (40th. Ave. exit off of Hwy. 12 west) parking lot (there have been more than a few vehicles broken into at some of the other trail heads) and ride the Greenway both ways. You can take a "detour" and ride into the small town of Selah - a good place, perhaps, to have lunch on your ride.

I would assume that travel for you is not a problem, so may I highly recommend that you folks ride the Banks, Oregon to Vernonia, Oregon Rail-To-Trail pathway. Given the elevation in the costal mountains, I would suggest that you look at it no earlier than mid-spring (there is some elevation - check the weather/temp. before you go). A buddy and I rode it last August and it is absolutely beautiful - we did approx. 47 miles round trip. When I ride it again, and I hope to, I will probably take my mountain bike and take the time to explore some of the many dirt side trails that branch off the main, paved route. As the signs along the path suggest, just be on lookout for bear and mountain lion (meow, here kitty, kitty :-O .....) We never did see either of those "residents" when we rode. We did witness, however, a coyote having a mid-afternoon snack along the way - looked like a mouse that was on the menu.... Anyway, leave your vehicle in Banks - easy access from Portland and the Forest Grove area. Truly, it was a great ride - you won't regret it..... Best wishes and many safe miles to you and your wife.

[norsehabanero]

have you ever rode the cowiche canyon trails, i live in selah and ride alot, might be interested

[WKB]

have you ever rode the cowiche canyon trails, i live in selah and ride alot, might be interested

I have done some hiking in the Cowiche Canyon area - not bad - for Yakima........
What I really enjoy - when I am riding the mountain bike - are the old fire and forest service roads up in the mountains - especially those on the west side.
I just got back from a ride (yesterday) on the Foothills Trail which is near Puyallup, Orting, etc.... Round trip, got in about 40 miles - it was a great day to ride over there.

I'm glad to see that your school year is going well and hope you are enjoying your classes.

Thanks for your response....! :-)