{"id":13403,"date":"2015-06-06T09:11:09","date_gmt":"2015-06-06T16:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wabikes.org\/?p=13403"},"modified":"2015-06-06T21:04:32","modified_gmt":"2015-06-07T04:04:32","slug":"twisp-river-road-bike-ride-day-trip-methow-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wabikes.org\/index.php\/2015\/06\/06\/twisp-river-road-bike-ride-day-trip-methow-valley\/","title":{"rendered":"Twisp River Road Bike Ride: A Day Trip in the Methow Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"
Guest blogger Diane Rudholm is a Seattle-based writer and a graduate of\u00a0Cascade Bicycle Club’s Advocacy Leadership Institute. She\u00a0blogs about bicycle adventures and advocacy at\u00a0www.dianebikes.com<\/a>, where this post first appeared. Say “hello” on Twitter (@dianebikes<\/a>).<\/em><\/div>\n
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\"DianeMy husband, four-year-old son, and I visited family in\u00a0Twisp, Washington<\/a>, for Memorial Day weekend.<\/p>\n

On Sunday, we picnicked with my mom- and dad-in-law near the Twisp River. Then we meandered to the\u00a0War Creek Trail<\/a>\u00a0where we parted ways. They led our son on a hike to look for interesting bugs. Meanwhile, my husband and I hopped on mountain bikes and cruised down the hill, along dirt backroads, over bridges, and along the winding smooth stretch of Twisp River Road.<\/p>\n

The day was warm (in the low 80s) and there were thunderclouds rumbling in the distance. We had plenty of water and rain jackets stuffed in a pack just in case. Thankfully, we didn\u2019t get rained on. What we did get was a great showing of balsam roots (my favorite thing about spring in the Methow Valley) and other colorful\u00a0blooms along the roads.<\/p>\n

It was exhilarating to switch from bumpy backroads to smooth pavement with ease. We passed vibrant pine trees and aspen groves, expansive meadows, and playful ranch horses. And, we saw a handful of other people who were riding their bikes or driving with bikes bouncing on their racks.<\/p>\n

When we rode along the backroads, the few people in cars we encountered slowed down to keep from dusting us with road dirt. (Thanks!) Along Twisp River Road, there was ample signage to let people know they were on a bike route, and people gave us plenty of room when passing in their cars. (Thanks some more!)<\/p>\n

We met our family back at the house, but the ride could have easily extended back into the heart of town to get a treat at the\u00a0Cinnamon Twisp Bakery<\/a>\u00a0(hint: try the cinnamon twisp!) or fresh locally roasted coffee from\u00a0Blue Star<\/a>\u00a0before heading toTwisp River Pub<\/a>\u00a0for live music and dancing in the evening.<\/p>\n

More To Do in Methow Valley<\/h3>\n