“…its about the journey, not the destination…”

Riding along US 2 and US 97.

     Logistics…one of the most difficult factors in motorcycle touring is heat. When its cold you can use heated vests, jackets, gloves, grips to stay comfortable. In the extreme heat you can  only take off so much clothing. What you have to do is stop more often, maybe 100 miles. Drink a bottle of water at each stop. Put on sunscreen several times during the day. If you can get your riding done as early as practical. The hottest part of the day is in the late afternoon. Get the bulk of your riding done before late afternoon. That way you can stop more often when the heat is at its worst. 

A chilly morning ride, with the temperature due to be in the mid 90s.

     What an interesting day. From Wenatchee I rode south on  US 2 west and US 97 south...again, great road. There were parts of it out of Wenatchee that wound along a river, like in a gorge.  It was chilly because it was near water, and in the early morning the road was in the shade. Within 20 miles I emerged from the mountains, and made a left on 97 south. The road climbed, and as it did it once again became desert like. I was riding on high plains, and would do so for most of the rest of the day. Because of this heat never became a problem until I was 30 miles or so from Redmond OR.

The scenery changed as I rode up onto the high plateau.

     Once again the ride in was uneventful. I rode into Redmond by 2:45pm, and was in my air conditioned room by 3pm. I found a good Mexican steak house, got into a conversation with the owner, had a good dinner. Once again back in my room, the bike with a full tank, settling in to watch a movie and relax.

Mount Rainier on the horizon.