Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail - Bikepacking - Day Two - North Bend to Cle Elum, Washington 

Look! At! YOU!! A caboose! I miss seeing the caboose. Now, you can tell the train is “ending” by the sound of another engine (usually). I miss the fellas waving from the caboose. And wow! Yep, you’ve traveled it in more ways than I’ll be able to. Very cool comment!!

Tell us more about the ride in a caboose!

@@tomastaylor I was a 13 year old kid hanging around Cedar Falls watching trains.. I can't even tell you what the train was made up of, it was probably a work train as it went to Cle Elum, turned and returned as a "cab hop." Out and back was about 7 hours or so. It was diesel, not electric... Darn.

Excellent! We just got back from riding the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in British Columbia, Canada. Had to put the video work on pause to get that ride in. Rest assured...Day 3 will be out soon.

@@gravelgrindingboys Another great adventure. Best wishes.

That's the beauty of ridding a bike...the sights, sounds, smell, and emotions are remembered. Driving is too fast...I never remember much from a road trip in a car.

And I appreciate your feedback. Trust me. I do!

Excellent. I used to pull a trailer and would mount the GoPro to the trailer and “film” me and my back. Different perspective for sure. I’ve even “filmed” my cycling shadow.

Wow, yeah that road climb is brutal, the SVT trail would have had a gentler grade.

Hope I don’t talk folks’ ears off. Thanks for the comment and the motivation!

@@gravelgrindingboys Not at all. Perfect amount of commentary with a dash of humor. And the slight southern accent is pleasant as well.

Very nice grade indeed. The challenges were the time in the saddle, the trail bed in some areas, and the detours. Them detours…some had me appreciate that 3% very much. Hey. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate that.

The Milwaukie had the best grade of all the transcontinental railroads as it was built with private money, no government money.

I appreciate you checking in. And yes! Working on day three. We went up to Canada last week and bikepacked the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. 320 miles and 13,100 feet of hard, rocky, washed-out, burned-bridges, BLISS! (That’ll be a 6-parter). Day-3 of the Palouse to Cascades soon (then the other days will come quicker). Sorry for the delay. But I do appreciate your support and interest; I sure do!

It’s strange how each year’s snow melt is different. I knew a fella that did the whole trail in April one year. He got rained on a lot and was cold most of the time…but April! I’ve ridden that doggone 90 before too…because of snow…over by Mullan, Idaho. That was downhill to Wallace and kinda scary.

Yes. Very possible. After seeing that detour sign, I started on down that paved road but saw it was rapidly heading downhill. I went back to make sure…downhill is very okie-dokie…uphill…not so much 😂. // And thanks friend! I appreciate your motivation!! // Day 3 will be out soon…maybe after we get back from the Kettle Valley Trail in Canada. 🇨🇦 The boy will be with me on that trip.

This would be a nice retirement to-do. I’m a little bit farther from retirement but already planning a few things. I met a fella along the way that was a week out from his retirement (he’s 62) and our paths crossed at the Columbia. He was on his way (cycling) to New York. Another fella I met was older and a bit heavier but was inching his way to Washington DC. Got to thinking about what I’ll do when it’s my turn (if I’m so lucky). Thanks for the comment and the motivation!!

Thanks for watching!

Took me a bit…but I got it. Yes. A horse would be a great way to see this trail. John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Still has many signs up with this name. I kinda like the John Wayne Trail…makes it sound tough! LOL

Thank you for the sub!! Yes!! I am working on Day 3 now (Aug 2024). But it’s a slow process…not only for good content but also for other bikepacking trips (Canada next week). Stay tuned…stick with us…we’ll have Day 3 out soon.

Yep. There were many "S-es" in the sand from where folk's tires got "sucked" in. I have 47mm on my gravel bike and I still have issues with some areas. Larger tires to "resist the roll" but this trail does enough "resisting" all on it own.

I am glad you found the channel! I appreciate the compliment and the motivation! It’s a good trail for sure. It gets a little rougher as the days go by, but that makes it all that much more exciting. I’m working on day three now. Hopefully you’ll stay tuned. Thanks much!

It’s likely the most beautiful section of the trail. The other areas are beautiful; yes…but a “different” beautiful.

This is good stuff here. And you know what they say: Send a little Southern boy or girl up north for a bit and he or she will come back with an accent. Send a little Northern boy or girl down south for a bit…and we’ll send ‘em back talkin’ just right! - Saddle sores. Yep. That "derrière" of mine did get 🔥 on some of those long days. There’s a reason they don’t make bar stools the shape of bicycle saddles. 😆

Glad you enjoyed it

It’s getting better and better each year. They are always improving it. I’d love to see some of the bridges and trestles restored and rebuilt (but that would cost millions). Maybe one day.

There are a few other detours that I “took the lumps” over. But, I survived. 😆 I’ll be working on Day 3 (July 2024). Day three was an interesting day for sure. It was one of my favorites. That wind was my friend that day…not my friend that night.

Hey friend! Taking notes. Suggestions like this one has me excited to go and give it another go. Thinking that next year I’ll bring along my son (he’ll be 18 then). Next week we are due to go to Canada and ride the Kettle Valley Trail. A week with my (almost) grown son. I get a week with him every week…but not like the weeks we spend on the trails. Thank you for this info; taking notes!

I planned on this trip for about a year or so…and already planning the next time I’ll travel this trail. It’s definitely something I enjoyed. Thanks for the comment and motivation friend!

Awesome! Thank you!

Yes! Nurses can do all things. 😂- y’all are riding next July 2025? Excellent! You may very well see me and the boy…he’ll be 18 by then and as of now (Aug 2024), he’s wanting to ride this trail with me next July (2025).

@@gravelgrindingboys I am checking out e bikes. My friend already has one. I will be 69 when I ride this trail and I'm not tiny! My fat tire bike would make it, but it would take me way too long! I'm definitely getting pedal assist. Just watched your video again and will also watch your video leaving Cle Elum. Old nurses rock!

I do carry a bit of gear that’s for sure. My Trangia 25 takes up about half a pannier. And my sleeping mat is quite large even when rolled tightly (Sea to Summit - Camp Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad). Good food and good sleep…heavier and larger to pack for but oh so worth it (to me). - I should have taken the route you are suggesting here. I’m talking notes…

Heavier load with skinnier tires...I can just feel that pain. I am very glad you found an alternate route.

You are a motivator!! I needed your comment today. Thank you much!!

That would’ve been a fun moment to be part of for sure! I’m glad you’re hooked on the series. That makes me happy and motivated! Working on day three now as of the end of July 2024. Stay tuned!

Excellent information. I appreciate the corrections (and I am certain other viewers do as well). Yes! Thank you. - I am using Koomot. It’s my go-to. I did try Ride With GPS (and still use it). - again: thank you.

This bar is the awesome Jones H-Bar Butted 2.5 Loop Aluminum. I found the sweep or angle of this bar suits me more “ergonomicly” that the straight bar that came with the bike. There is nothing wrong with a straight bar; but I had developed an almost debilitating thumb issue on my left hand. This bar was a game changer for me. Now, here are a few more findings. This bar will keep you more upright on your saddle. The saddle that comes with most Salsa bikes is a very, very nice saddle. But, being more upright, I found my rear really suffered. In the video you will find a Fizik Terra Argo X3 there on my bike. Though I had used that saddle for a few 3-4 hour rides, it becomes quite miserable after the 5th and 6th hour. I have since changed to an Ergon SMC Core Bike Saddle. My son and I did an 8 hour day followed by a 4 hour day last week. MUCH better. As you likely know, there is always going to be a bit of discomfort when sitting on only a few inches of surface space - this is why barstools aren’t made in the shape of bicycle saddles (LOL). I’m okay with a little discomfort…I don’t want pain. So, the Jones bar got me really paying attention to my sit bones. My grips are the Ergon GP4 Lock-On Handlebar Grips. I didn’t think I’d like the grips but that wider surface area for my palm and the extra had position is very nice. They aren’t all that attractive but…who cares! Comfort is King! Hope this helps. // PS: I let my son ride my bike for a few miles that 8-hour day. He’s 17-years-old and is more about looks (he has an awesome Surly Krampus with front suspension), “No wonder you’re not struggling; you’re ridding a pillow bike that goes uphill by itself.” What!? There ain’t no “by itself!” LOL

@@gravelgrindingboys Thank you for the detailed reply. I will seek out those recommendations and put them on my wishlist.

Yeah. That bit of heat in July (2024) was definitely in contrast to the wonderful temps I enjoyed. For sure. Talked to some riders who had to hunker down in a motel for a few days.

@@gravelgrindingboys about what was needed, Ellensburg to Wenatchee we had to get hotels in the late afternoon for my son and I since he wasn’t acclimated. Hope the rest of the trip East goes well, been looking at the route for a couple years to get to CD’A. Beautiful trails all the way, glad you have better commentary than what I did, mostly used the scenery while we rode around the Cascade loop.

Very good to know. I do have access to a hard tail Surly Krampus. Would love it!!

Excellent. I do a bit more video of the trail bed later (if I remember correctly). Had a Facebook friend tell me that my bike has too much rolling resistance…later I told him that some areas of the trail resisted my roll. It’s all good…but there are some areas that my gravel bike would have not done well. Keep in mind that not all gravel tires are made equally. A gravel bike with a “fatter” 650 (or even 700 if possible) would do okay(ish). I would not have purchased a fat tire specifically for this trail…a mountain bike with “modern” mountain bike tires would be fine. I used what I had. My son was like, “daddy, you can take my bike (Surly Krampus).” There is a Surly gravel bike that would have excelled: Surly Grappler. Contrasting my Salsa Journeyman, I’d’a suffered. Stay tuned…I’ll have all the days posted soon. Subsequent days will be shorter videos (for lots of reasons).

I’m thinking like you: John Wayne Trail. That’s how I learned about it / heard about it, “have you ridden the John Wayne trail?” Spoke to a fella in Ralston and got the history behind how the trail was named The John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Very interesting.

Check this out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2Ly1TJuLau8.htmlsi=4uNOxekTbCzZzRlE

It is a chore to edit the raw footage. My “camera” is an iPhone 13 and a GoPro 8. They also don’t “play well” with contrast-ey light with the brights too bright and the darks too dark. Color, light, and making sure it all lines up…but…I do love reading the comments and the encouragement that follows. You should work on your video…take your time. An hour here…30 minutes there. Like peddling a bicycle…eventually we all get where we’re going.

That’s right brother!!! You’re like me…keep them cats out of the cradle and keep on spending time with your son. The very nature of this little channel is to share time I’ve spent with my son doing hard things. He didn’t go with me on this trip. He was finishing his 11th grade year. We are due to spend 7 days on the Kettle Valley Rail trail in BC Canada in two weeks. It’s something I have been looking forward to dearly. I can’t tell you how many miles we’ve spent together…in the middle of no where…with no internet…no interruptions…and seemingly all the time in the world. But, that time is closing in quick. Just a few more rides left…

@@gravelgrindingboys Ha! You're being too generous! Our bikes had been sitting in the garage for so long all the tires were completely flat. But I do think you and I share an appreciation for the outdoors, and for time spent with family. I also know what you mean by "Just a few more rides left..." My eldest kid just started her first fulltime job after college, and right before she started I loaded the family into the car and we went on what may be the last summer vacation road trip where all 5 of us could go. Coincidentally, we spent most of that trip in BC, including a stop in Kelowna, which I understand is not too far from the Kettle Valley Rail trail. BC might as well stand for Beautiful Countryside. Best wishes for your upcoming trip.

Owen’s Meats…taking notes. I’m interested in learning more.

Excellent! I think of that scene in “A River Runs Through It,” when they set in the boat they “borrowed” and it was rougher down river…that’d be my luck…smooth, smooth, smooth…waterfalls! This is good information; would love to float the Yakima.

Yes. The fat tire was very okie-dokie. East of the Columbia, you can see the “S”es in the sand. You know how bikes get bogged down in the deeper sand and the rider tries to stay balanced? Yep. SSSS-es all over sections of that trail. Some of the rock was as deep as rock mulch in a flowerbed. I was slower but I never was forced out of the saddle.

There is a very long detour because of that burned trestle. And…I missed the detour sign somewhere. Don’t want this to be a spoiler but I struggled to learn my lesson regarding detour signs. 😂

You are a motivator for sure! I'm up and working on it (and having a great time reminiscing over the adventure). Been out on some long bike trips since publishing Day 2 (those videos coming soon too). Day 3 is in the works and days 4, 5, 6 will come a bit quicker (don't have any big trips planned for a bit). (PS: Goal is by the end of Labor Day 2024 weekend). Stay tuned...

There are many places along the way for sure…initially. Later there are fewer but sufficient enough. I never went without water (I pack 4 liters). I have a water filter but felt the water east of the Columbia to be less-than-safe to even filter (agricultural areas). I planned ahead for an evening or two where there were no groceries (tomorrow will take care of itself for sure but there still is a bit of need to prep and look ahead). Like on day 3, I knew there’d be no stops at or around camp; I stopped in Ellensburg to get my goods and fill up on water. Glad Ellensburg was on the way. Glad no one ran me out of the store with my bike in tow). // I even packed some shelf-stable sausage to pan fry when there’d be no stores. Not the healthiest but then again…once in a blue moon is okay (or more often). I’d take that sausage, slice it up, pan fry it, add a bit of water to deglaze that pan, mix in some seasonings, pasta, and a bit of time to simmer…even in the blowing wind…and even when a tent pole punches through the roof of your Durston tent…sprits stay high. And…at least it never rained.

This sounds like a plan…I’m up in the Sandpoint “Metro.” My main GPS source was the official website. palousetocascadestrailmaps.com/. I used the printable map (a PDF file) to create smaller printable maps that I had printed at a FedEx place on water proof paper. Truth be known, they were dead weight. I never looked at them. Now…consider I had Komoot to guide me. Some use Ride with GPS. I used it to download the map and export the GPX file and the import it to Komoot. Noting at all against Ride with GPS; I’m just not as familiar with it. And hey!! Coffee sounds good friend!!

Those handlebars are the Jones H-Bar® Butted 2.5 Loop Aluminum. Also, I got the Ergon GP4 Lock-On Handlebar Grips. This bar will lift you in a more upright position and this caused me to need to reconsider my saddle. In the video, I have a Fizik Terra Argo X3 Saddle but have changed to a Ergon SMC Core Bike Saddle. I think I have this figured out!?

I’m a guy with a GoPro and an iPhone. LOL. Feeling pretty flattered though…I appreciate you!

@@gravelgrindingboys Thank you! Undestand!

Wow! Checking out your channel and work. Fantastic!! Think I’ll enjoy watching some of your videos after work tonight!! Thanks much!!

@EpicCinematicAdventures - Wow! Checking out your channel and work. Fantastic!! Think I’ll enjoy watching some of your videos after work tonight!! Thanks much!!

It’s a good bike for sure. Picked it up 2nd hand from a local shop. Added the Jones H Bar. Upgraded the saddle. Added some racks. It works very nice. I haven’t named it…other than “fat tire.” Like today with the bit of rain we’re getting, “gonna take the ‘fat tire’ to work today.” I should name it though…really should.

It took me 6 days (should have taken seven but don’t want to post any spoilers). Cycling has kept me in shape. At 45-years-old, had a doctor (during a wellness check) tell me that I was “the poster boy for what a 45-year-old man should look like.” I’m 54 now. I cook with fat and oil in my cast iron dutch ovens (www.beerandiron.com), I drink my share of beer (1 or 2 a day), and I love cream in my coffee. I eat whatever I want on the trail but “watch the calories” during my day-to-day. I ride daily(ish). I’m not saying I’m skinny, but I still fit in my 33s, weight 185# (at 5’11”), and don’t have to “suck it in anymore.” Biking has kept me mentally “okay.” It’s my “therapy.” I am motivated by meeting 65-year-olds ridding across county and paraplegics in racing wheelchairs on trails cyclist complain about (no joke). You can make this happen! Pack that bike, ride that 10 minutes away to the trail. If you start one Monday morning, you’ll be there by end of day Friday.

Equipment. Big comment that would definitely be better as a whole ‘nother video. Your comment is appreciated; you’re one of a few who has asked this. I just figured there were other bikepackers who know better. Pending a gear video, I’ll give you a brief rundown. // Front bag: Sea to Summit 13 liter carrying a sleeping pad and some extra food secured with ROK straps. // Top tube bag with stuff I’d need more often like a small towel to dab sweat and a spork. I kept sunscreen here later in the trip to avoid an accident in a pannier. // Snack bags with snacks, a liter of extra water, and trail trash (wrappers and other stuff until I find a garbage). // Frame bag has a 3 liter water bladder, tent poles, spikes, mosquito netting, and a towel. // Back bag is a Sea to Summit 25 liter bag with a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, clothes, and stuff I didn’t need for the day. I knew this would be a bag to pack and forget until camp // Panniers had my Trangia, food, digital memory, coffee, and a few other this and that’s. // Front two “anything bags:” one was full of tools, oil, and sealant. The other was full of toiletries and washing stuff. Thats about it. I do tend to carry stuff that (one) I know I will need (and two) will likely need. Unlikely-to-need is usually left at home. There will come a day but…it is what it is. I don’t think I am forgetting anything…at least what I carried on this trip. I also will bring rain gear and a light jacket but I didn’t this trip (got lucky).

I never did. It was so strange that being there. Nothing down trail suggested I should have yielded to that detour. Very strange. There were detours later that I ignored...and with much regret (LOL-ish).

Good eye. Yes. It is the Durston X-Mid 2 Solid. I’m in about $420 US (tent, footprint, 2 z-flick poles [not including the MSR Groundhogs]). Suffered a hole in the roof from the wind (third night) but that was my fault. It held up surprisingly well in that wind storm (the Columbia River was white capping). Just got back from camping in Southern Idaho. First night in Stanley, ID at a groomed camp site, A-OK. Second night at Craters of the Moon. The ground was very course and sandy. It did okay in the wind. My son’s tent (the very same as mine) lost a peg when that storm came through. Another person with us was in a self-supported tent (really a much lower grade of tent than our Durstons). I had to hold onto it while he put clothes on. Then, the third night, he was able to pitch his self-supported tent. Us? There was no way those Groundhogs were going in that ground (City of Rocks, Idaho). Not even a millimeter. I could have hammered but knew I’d end up both tearing up my spike and cursing. So, we slept elsewhere. Bottom line: I love it when conditions are best. I was okay in Stanley with my X-Mid but wishing for a dome or self-supporting at City of Rocks. I understand that Durston is working on a dome. This may be the “solution.” I doubt it will be for every situation…like the X-Mid versus the self-supporting dome. If I could go back…I may would like a self-supporting tent…BUT…then when that tent didn’t fit whatever situation I was facing, I’d be saying, “I may would have liked the X-Mid.” “May” is the key word. On a bike, I’m not going to pack two tents…ain’t gonna do it. We bikepackers do have to choose…and you can’t go wrong with either of the tent choices you have…and at the same time…everything can go wrong with the tent you end up with. Go into your purchase decision knowing that and when you need to use your tent torn down and like a bivy, you can just write it off as “it is what it is.” Hope this helps.

@@gravelgrindingboys sounds like we've had similar experiences. I pulled the trigger on the new 1P single walled Durston ..and used it on the gdmbr last month. It was ok. I didn't have to use rocks to tie it down, just mini groundhogs. But very little wind and rain while i was on route. It is small! but the vestibules sure help make it feel larger. And there is that trapezoid space above and below the mat. But the riders using Big Agnes 2P's were in little cocoons ... my tent was almost see-through so with it getting dark at 10:00 I wished i had brought my original xmid 2p..not dyneema. btw, I'm retired and looking at/for rails to trail routes to ride x-country. I found the rail to trail org website and now searching youtube for info...that's how i found your video. I'd be flying into Seattle from Sacramento so I'd need to figure out things from there.

Ride With GPS is a good app. I’m a Komoot user myself. Have you seen this site: palousetocascadestrailmaps.com/

@@gravelgrindingboyshey no I haven’t seen that website. Just opened it , I like how they listed the connecting trails

Maybe 🤔. Hopefully not. I know that later I ignored a few and ended up regretting it. 😂-ish.

My guess is that sign applies to bicyclists that are riding the Interstate, or near the Interstate, not the rail trail.

Oh man. To some degree…you’re right!! Cycled the Denali Highway back in 2001 from Paxton to Cantwell, Alaska. Then again…not really a trail…is it? It’s classified as a highway. I don’t know. The Denali Highway was half the miles as this “trail” was…was it more challenging? I am trying to remember. Hey. Gentleman’s challenge for you: Watch Day 6 when it’s published. And, I’ll meet you where I start that day. You and I will ride the miles I traveled that last day. Brother…then…we’ll revisit this moment.

Nobody calls it a "railroad grade" now that it serves hikers, bikers and horses. Now it's a trail.