April 16, 2011 -

This is really two different rides that can be combined into an awesome day trip. Starting at the Hood Canal floating bridge head west and find Thorndyke and Coyle roads, two rural roller coasters. Keep your speed reasonable through the few residential areas and riders should continue to see a minimum of traffic enforcement in the area. No matter what your speed though, stay on the alert for wildlife and road debris, especially in the spring when moss is still on the pavement. Once you arrive in Quilcene stop for lunch at the cafe or Loggers Landing, or cool off with a giant ice cream cone at the general store. Note that there is no fuel in Quilcene; the next station is in Brinnon, near Dosewallips State Park. After lunch it's time to continue south on 101 over a low mountain pass, and then drop down to follow the west shore of Hood Canal. This section of the ride is frequently traveled by vacationer traffic of the way to camping in the Olympics, and there is a moderate law enforcement presence as well, so it's time for a more relaxed ride through non-stop elevation changes and never ending sweepers. Make sure to stop at the Hoodsport Winery to find a local wine to take home for dinner. Once past Hoodsport it's soon time to turn east onto 106 and double back north along the other side of the Hood Canal to Belfair. This is another road to relax and take in the scenery, it is lined with homes along both sides for most of the way up to Hwy 3.