Monday June 12, 2023, 59 miles (95 km) - Total so far: 388 miles (624 km)
Today’s Route:
We set out early just before 7am to beat the heat today. After a quick coffee and breakfast at Java Junkies, we began cycling on Rt. 730 which turned into HW12. Shout out to the young lady at Java Junkies who gave us some route guidance and saved us several miles! Traffic was pretty heavy, including quite a few trucks. In an effort to beat the heat we collided a little with the morning commute. However It wasn’t long before traffic thinned out. Unfortunately we ran into road work, as we would several times throughout the day. I think it’s “chip seal” season!
HW12 quickly turns into a two lane road that hugs the river. It is the primary thoroughfare for semis, but our experience was that they gave us plenty of room.
The ACA map has you get off HW12 to head into Touchet (pronounced Tooshee); however, a new section of HW12 just opened which was not reflected on the ACA map or the Google maps. As a result, we ended up missing our turn off. Rather than ride back up the hill we had just ridden down, we walked our bikes off the side of the highway down a dirt embankment, following a barbed wire fence, and made our way onto country roads. They were a welcome respite from the drone of traffic on the highway and took us through fields of wheat and blooming purple alfalfa which has an amazing sweet fragrance. Our day ended following a concrete bike path into the heart of Walla Walla.
Today’s Good Samaritan:
Michael Austin, the owner of Allegro Cyclery, who removed the rear derailleur from his bike and replaced Sharon’s - which was damaged. A true lifesaver!
The road to Walla Walla
Beautiful farms
Blooming alfalfa field
Walla Walla wheat
Good samaritan - Michael Austin, owner of Allegro Cyclery
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