Mabton - Prosser - Patterson - Crow Butte State Park - Alderdale - Mabton
93 mi (2 days)
100’ climbing
10:00 ride time

We chose this route in south central Washington because (1) neither of us had been to this part of the state, (2) it’s drier than Western Washington this time of year, (3) it’s pretty desserted so you can put your head down and ride without too many distractions and with few cars. This plan would have turned out great except for one unexpected factor — the wind. South-central Washington is extremely dry and void of trees or any other feature that we’re used to in western Washington to block the wind.

The ride started in Mabton and made a right turn at Prosser up a 750’ climb to the plateau above. That’s when the cross-winds really kicked in, without anything blocking the wind for more than 10 miles — and we know because we could see that far — we rode like this all day. Except for the occassional fallen onion on the side of the road (Walla Walla would be a safe bet), there was little stimulation. And the wind kept pushing us all over the road.

Finally we arrived at the gates of Columbia Crest winery and a downhill to the Colombia River. It was another 15 miles up the highway in decreasing winds to Crow Butte State Park where we arrived after dark.

Sunday’s ride was much better. We chose county roads that ascended up a nice river valley onto the plateau, then a 20-mile false-flat as we crept up. There was more agriculture — vineyards and orchards, although the vines looked pretty anorexic this time of year; it’s amazing that they will grow into something edible within 6 months. Except for Alderdale, which consisted of a few farm buildings, we didn’t pass through a town all day. There was an amazing amount of trash on the side of the road, which made me wonder Where are people getting all of this Bud Light?