Bike It: USBR 10

Along the Skagit River

For the past two plus years, Washington Bikes has spearheaded the effort to create the US Bicycle Route System in our state. Partnered with WSDOT, we successfully received national designation earlier this year for our first interstate route—USBR 10—and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 14 in Anacortes to officially open the route.

WA Bikes board member John Pope of Anacortes, has tirelessly coordinated our USBRS mapping efforts as a volunteer. Yesterday he hopped in the saddle to pedal the 407-mile route that travels across the northern tier of our state. We are following John’s week-long adventure on our Facebook page. Here’s a summary of Day One:

John’s journey began at the ferry terminal in Anacortes. This is the western terminus of USBR 10 and it allows the bike traveler to continue westward to the San Juan Islands and Canada’s Vancouver Island.

Ferry terminal

He meandered alongside the Skagit River his first day, passing through communities like Sedro Woolley and Concrete along the way. He was joined by members of Skagit Bicycle Club for part of the day, then rode for awhile with a solo touring cyclist who was on his way to Winthrop.

After overcoming leg cramps at Rockport, John pedaled onward into the majestic North Cascades National Park. He called it a day at Newhalem Campground, one of three national park campgrounds along USBR 10 as it passes through North Cascades.

newhalem

John’s wife Michele is traveling with him on this adventure in their RV and providing vehicle and moral support, and providing us with the photos. She reported that scenery along USBR 10 has been stunning and they are looking forward to Day Two!

Day One stats: 87 miles traveled on mostly flat terrain.

Resources:

For additional information about USBR 10, including a map, visit our USBR 10 page.

Visit Adventure Cycling Association to learn more about the nationwide effort to develop the US Bicycle Route System.

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  1. […] Bike It: USBR 10 | Washington Bikes – Follow USBR volunteer organizer John Pope as he bikes the route across the state. […]