May 29, 2025
Day 1 - Silverdale to Port Ludlow
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I hear the rain falling gently at 5 AM, right on schedule. At 7:30, it’s a little misty out, and there’s virtually no rain between then and when we leave at around 11 AM. The rain is supposed to be done for the day, giving way to a mostly sunny afternoon. Supposed to being the operative words here.
We start out dry enough, but after about a half hour we’re riding through a light mist. And, except for a bit of steady rain as we draw closer to Port Ludlow, it stays that way. So, wet but not miserably so, and I am actually enjoying the fresh, crisp air. The main problem for me with rain is that I have to wear prescription lenses and it can get difficult to see through all the droplets on my glasses. (Why don’t they make miniature windshield wipers? I think they’d be big sellers.)
Getting through and leaving Silverdale, there’s a lot of traffic and road work, which is uncomfortable, but people are polite and later we have plenty of shoulder to ride on. There are a couple of climbs that exceed 8% in places, but the e-bikes make 8% hills feel like 5% hills — and that’s in eco mode, which is the minimal level of assist. I tend to turn on the motor only when climbing grades >4%, because my bike is so light and easy to ride as is.
Genny stopped frequently along the route to wait for us and captured a few photos of us as we went by.
It is a short ride — only 27 miles — and we arrive in record time. Because of the gray day I don’t stop to take a lot of pictures, though I do capture scenes with my GoPro, so watch the video linked at the bottom of this post if you want to get a feel for how the ride is.
The Port Ludlow Inn is a beautiful building located next to the Marina. We are able to check in early and are pleased to see that we have another spacious room with plenty of room for the bikes. And, it includes a deep jacuzzi tub, just what the doctor ordered after a rainy day ride! I think I’m getting spoiled.
After getting situated in our rooms, we meet Jim and Genny in the hotel restaurant for lunch. The food is decent and reasonably priced, though the service is laid back. We will also be eating dinner and breakfast here, as there’s nothing else within walking distance.
Rich and I take an afternoon walk around the marina and learn a little about the history of the place. It was originally settled by members of the S’Klaallam tribe, but given its current name in 1841 during the first US navy expedition to map the Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula.
By 1852, it’s the home of the first steam-driven sawmill and mill town on the Sound. The Port Ludlow Inn, a block long and 3 stories tall, where we are currently staying, was once the home of a Cyrus Walker. Hard to believe this entire place used to be someone’s home. I’ll cut this short, but the totem pole pictured below was built on Burning Point, so called because this is where they used to burn the mill’s sawdust and scrap lumber.
Tomorrow promises to be a fabulous day, with clear skies. We are riding to Sequim (pronounced “squim”), only a 33 mile ride. Jim and I played Roshambo to decide who would drive and who would ride. I lost, so I’m driving.
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Today's ride: 27 miles (43 km)
Total: 27 miles (43 km)
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