The West Coast (CA,NV,WA,OR), Trip Reports » Lost Lake
by scatmanThis past weekend I had the itch to get out and camp. Instead of letting the fact that I don’t have a single bikepacking pack, a rack for my Pugsley, or anyone to go with stop me I loaded up my backpack from the PCT and headed to the mountains. My destination was any flat spot along the snowmobile trail to Lost Lake near Snoqualmie Pass, WA. For most of the drive to the trail head I worried the parking lot was going to be more suited for my Pugs then my car. Luckily when I got there it was frozen solid, as I would be soon. It was damn cold!
The trip was more about just getting outside than anything but I did learn a ton. The Crystal Springs Sno-Park area in which I was, has a great network of snowmobile trails. I have a lot more exploring to do. I just have to do it when the sleds are not there in throws.
1. I have a hot ass, as I woke up with a huge dent under it from the snow melting. We’re talking J Lo size people and my ass or lack of one isn’t big.
2. Bring warmer gloves for the am as it can be colder.
3. Hip belts and pedaling don’t mix.
4. Apparently I can sleep through the Groomer, as it passed (40’ away) during the night or early morning and I never heard it.
5. Loose corn like snow sucks to ride in.
6. People smile when they see a fat bike.
- Note the overly large 3 person tent for little old me. I went a little crazy selling stuff on Craigslist this summer.
- My campsite for the night. Hard snow, bright moon, loud squirrels, curious woodpecker and Hugo (my Pugs).
- Though the sun looks warm it was a super cold morning.
- My non-bikingpacking set up. I should have my gas tank and a sling done shorty. After that a frame bag.
- Lost Creek I believe???
This is all the pictures I could manage as I was using my Iphone and my hands were freezing. I couldn’t bare the thought of taking them off again. Next time I’ll remember my actual camera.
I put Sram Gripshift on my Pugs as it was so hard to use the Shimano trigger shifters last time. This was a huge improvement and the bike preformed better too. Remembering the winter boots was key. At least my toes were warm. I’ll post gas tank and sling pictures soon.
Get out there!
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Nice! Maybe consider some pogies (handwarmer thingys for the handlebars). My best winter biking purchase, even just for commuting/daytrips. Mine are from Dogwood Designs, but you sound handy enough to make your own.
Poagies are the cat’s meow. They rock. You won’t believe how much warmer your hands are. I also went with the Dogwood Designs product. I am very much a DIYer, but the pattern for poagies is a bit tricky. And if you don’t use a VERY stiff fabric, they would be flopping around and closing up, making it very difficult to remove your hands and put them back while riding (for things like signaling turns or just wiping your nose).