Days 33 - 38 - Cascades to Puget Sound and Back to Minneapolis
9/13 - 9/18/2026
I suppose you've been wondering what has become of the four fearless bikers. Or, more likely, you haven't been thinking about us at all, you've got more important and pressing items on your plate.
On Day 33 we left our hotel in Winthrop, WA in the truck. Rain was steady, Washington Highway 20 was full of Sunday traffic and for most of the ride down there was very little shoulder. We thought descending from that elevation to sea level in pouring rain on a busy highway was one way to get one of us killed, so we opted for the safe and enjoyable journey in the truck.
And we went all the way to Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island. It's a beautiful island with lots to see and do.
On Day 34 we set off on a bike tour of Whidbey Island - about 50 miles in all and, since there are a lot of hills on the island, it was a strenuous day, but full of great places to see.
We began by going north to Deception Pass Park and rode to the beaches in a few places. North Beach gave us a great view of the very high bridge we came over to get onto the island. West Beach let us look out on to the sea and we were able to see the San Juan islands.
As we traveled along the west beach road, we took the opportunity to dip our tires into the water symbolizing our success at reaching the western seabord.
Our journey to the island community of Coupeville, WA. There we met Mark's wife's college roommate, Jan Faulkner (formerly Burrows). We had lunch with Jan at Toby's (not the one in Hinckley, MN).
Upon arrival back in Oak Harbor, we packed everything and everyone into and onto the truck and began driving east. That night we reached Winatchee, WA and spent the night there.
In the morning we continued our drive east and reached Bozeman, MT, where we paid a surprise visit to Mark's daughter Mae and her 2 kids, Sam & Evie. Mae got quite a start when Mark snuck up on her while the kids were in the bathtub. The kids saw Mark coming, but Mae was shocked to see her bearded father in the house with them.
On Wednesday, the 4 bikers made the drive to Fargo, ND and on Thursday they completed their drive to Minneapolis.
Friday, 9/18 was a day to rest and prepare for the next adventure. We worked on our bikes, some put on new tires or chains, others re-taped their handlebars or waxed their new chain(s).
We had a celebratory supper put on by CJ (Rolf's wife) and Keelin (Mark's wife) and attended by all 4 bikers, as well as Kaj & Max Thompson (son & grandson of Rolf & CJ) and Libby, Beau, & Maddie Skolnik (daughter and grandchildren of Mark & Keelin).
Stay tuned, the group will head off toward the east coast on Saturday morning 9/19.
Ed summed it up nicely, “Those guys are ballsy- I’ll tell ya that”. :) Keep the blog going!