Hey Hay Walla Walla!

5 Oct 2022

Paul Tolmé

Vineyards, golden wheat fields, expansive views, wine tastings, and pickle shots: a Walla Walla Tour Lite photo album.

Located in southeastern Washington and surrounded by golden brown wheat fields, verdant wineries, haystacks as big as houses, and low-traffic roads that roll to the horizon, Walla Walla offered a picture-perfect backdrop for Cascade’s last major ride of 2022: the Walla Walla Tour Lite.

About 150 people participated in the three-day event from Sept. 31 to Oct. 2, coming from as far away as Utah and across Washington state and Oregon. The weather was ideal for bicycling: 60s in the mornings and rising to the high 70s in the afternoons, with big skies overhead.

Three unique routes of 42 to 56 miles, each with shortcuts, lunch stops, and hydration and snack stations, began and ended at vineyards and a microbrewery. The picturesque college town of Walla Walla, with its historic brick buildings, tree-lined streets, abundant lodgings, and fine dining, provided a comfortable home base.

Participants of all ages–couples, singles, families, and friends–pedaled on rural roads that wound southward across the Oregon border to Milton-Freewater on Day One, northward to Waitsburg on Day Two, and east along the riparian areas and wineries of Mill Creek on Day Three. Many participants rode electric bikes, which are increasingly popular on Cascade’s tours and rides.

Walla Walla County is known as the breadbasket of Washington, and riders were treated to a colorful post-harvest landscape of mocha hues beneath clear blue skies. We chatted with many participants who promised to return with friends and family members in 2023, when Cascade will add some new Tour Lite destinations in scenic locations.

Washington is a beautiful state of diverse landscapes. Our fully supported Tour Lites provide an affordable, accessible, and welcoming avenue for people to explore and experience the cultures, histories, foods, and geographies of Washington–all from the saddle of a bike.

In November, we will announce the dates and locations of some of our biggest rides for Cascade’s 2023 Major Rides and Events Season. Stay tuned. Meantime, enjoy the photos.

Smiles and Pickle Shots!

Taking a shot of pickle brine is a tradition from some riders. Lots of electrolytes!

Mmmmm, yummy!

Multiple Cascade Board members joined the tour, including Co-President Casey Gifford, above left, and Treasurer Nick Zylkowski, below, who pulled his daughter in a trailer while his pregnant wife pedaled an e-bike.