An Epic Adventure on the Olympic Peninsula: Duct Tape, Flat Tires, and the GPS Route
🔍 Inspiration Strikes
This particular ride was born out of curiosity and a well-timed scroll through the internet. Colin and John stumbled upon an article on ADV Pulse detailing a rugged, remote, and jaw-droppingly scenic route through Washington's Olympic Peninsula. The decision was made with a nod, a shrug, and probably a "how bad could it be, the route made 5 years ago. It must still go, right?"
"Drawn by tales of misty ridge lines and moss-draped forests, the duo could not resist the siren call of a route described as both 'epic' and 'a bit spicy.'"
🛠 Wrenches Before the Ride
Before we even turned a wheel on the Olympic Peninsula, the trip had already achieved full adventure status. John's rear tire on the Norden 901 was toast—completely pooched. So, naturally, he picked up a Mitas Enduro XT+ to get things rolling. But wait, there's more.
While riding to Kenco to grab that fresh rubber, Colin's Honda CRF250L Rally decided to voice its opinion—by cooking the clutch. With barely days to spare before departure, Colin ordered a replacement and performed a last minute surgery to swap it in. Success? Almost. The clutch cable was also donezo, frayed beyond salvation. And could he find a new one? Of course not.
So, like a true bush mechanic, he McGyvered a fix using duct tape, old clutch springs, and a healthy dose of stubbornness. If that’s not adventure spirit, we don’t know what is.
"And thus, the expedition began—held together by caffeine, hope, and an alarming amount of duct tape."
🛠 Chapter 1: Prelude to the Unknown
With bikes prepped (barely) and duct-taped dreams intact, we made our way to the Black Ball Ferry for the crossing into the U.S. Shockingly, the border crossing was... uneventful. No dramas, no delays, not even a raised eyebrow at the suspiciously overloaded bikes.
Once in Washington, we fueled up and immediately bee-lined for the dirt. Our mission? Find the perfect camp spot and get into the wild before any rational part of our brains could question the route ahead.
☕ Chapter 2: Nails, Tubes, and Priorities
After coffee and the usual morning routine—which included the coffee using the coffee grinder that John swore was worth more than extra tubes—we hit the trail.
Not long in, John picked up a nail in the rear tire. With a sigh, a grunt, and the teamwork of his own one man pit crew, hr tossed in the only spare tube we had—ironically, a 21-inch front tube stuffed into the rear. Why only one spare for two riders? Because the coffee grinder took up the rest of the space. Priorities, right?
From that point on, we rode gently, like two moto monks whispering through the forest, knowing that another flat would mean a very long walk.
⚡ Chapter 3: The Crux
The following day brought the true crux of the ride. Two looming threats made this stretch legendary:
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Fuel Range Panic: Colin’s tank was flirting with empty, and we weren’t sure if he'd make it to the next fill-up.
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The Landslide of Doom: A washed-out section of the trail presented a narrow ribbon of rideable ground, flanked by a steep cliff on one side and an intimidating rock slide on the other. It was slippery, technical, and absolutely nerve-wracking. And turning back? Not an option—Colin didn’t have the fuel to retreat.
Every foot forward was a calculated gamble, but somehow, miraculously, we made it across. Hearts pounding, tires intact, and dignity mostly preserved.
🌺 Chapter 4: Sweet Relief and Twisty Bliss
After the landslide drama, the trail mellowed into flowing, winding routes that reminded us why we do this in the first place. It was fun, scenic, and the kind of riding that makes you forget about flat tires and fuel stress.
"And so, no one died, no more tires popped, and spirits soared like an over-caffeinated raven on a thermal."
🚣 Chapter 5: The Road Ahead
As our odyssey drew to a close, the lessons lingered. The Olympic Peninsula, with its capricious trails and enchanting vistas, reminded us that adventure isn't about flawless execution but embracing the unpredictable dance of discovery.
"And so, with dust on their boots and stories in their hearts, the riders journey toward the end"
🏍️ Gear Partner
A special nod to our gear that withstood the riggers of the road. Our trusted equipment from Joe Rocket Canada provided the resilience and comfort essential for such unpredictable adventures.
Watch the Adventure Unfold
Experience the journey firsthand:
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If you are interested in trying the route, you can find it here.
Ragged Roads Moto
Colin & John
