It's definitely March in the Pacific Northwest. Air temps are still freezing overnight, but getting into the 50's during the day. The sun is out for an hour, followed by rain for the next hour. The solutionr is just like any other outdoor adventure: wear layers and no cotton. Today's little journey took the Crew cycling through the forests of Bainbridge Island on a 20 mile shakedown of both equipment and bodies in preparation for next week's much longer cycling tour on the Olympic Peninsula.

You pack a water bottle for two reasons when you're peddling off-road and off-season. The first is obviously for personal hydration. The second is for the bike itself. Do you realize how much mud and grime you pick up in the chain, gears, chainrings, and derailleurs? Even brake calipers get loaded. Then comes the issue when the trail you're on comes to an end at a road crossing and you're not sure where the next trailhead starts. GPS to the rescue with a preloaded chart and electronic compass!

So sign off from Facebook, step away from the computer, dig your helmet out of the bottom of your closet and join us on our adventure next week on the Olympic Discovery Trail. We will peddle a quick pair of 20 milers and an extra 10 miler for those interested.