Mt. Rainier
A group ride was announced on PNWriders to Mt. Rainier, and since I hadn’t been there for many years, I decided it was time.
Paradise was crowded, but I managed to find a quiet spot off the road where I could eat my lunch and admire the mountain.
I rode to honor, in my own way, some folks who recently passed, friends and associates struggling with health issues, and friends experiencing career challenges.
About two dozen riders assembed in the Krispy Kreme parking lot at South Hill Mall in Puyallup. Traffic for the Puyallup Fair caused several riders to be a little late, so we wandered around and admired everyone’s ride. Eventually headed south on Highway 7 toward Elbe.
A few of the riders were interested in my Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter, commenting especially on the trunk space. In turn, I admired a great looking white Triumph Speed Triple.
As we finally got underway, it took a bit for everyone to settle into a riding rhythm. At first, there was some showboating as their excitement took hold.
I’m always amazed at the things these sport bike riders can do. I rode at the tail end of the pack, in the “sweep” position. As I watched some of the antics in front of me, I slowed down a bit more so I wouldn’t run over any bodies or bikes if someone crashed!
Changing plans at Elbe
After a couple of stops, we rolled into Elbe. The temperature had climbed to the point we were all sweating under our protective gear. A few riders coming from Mt. Rainier National Park told us the road was packed with cars, the wait was long to get into the park, and there was no parking left at Paradise.
Upon hearing this, commitment to visit the mountain quickly dissipated. I wandered through the group, and kept hearing folks talk of turning back. I waited a bit and found nobody was planning to continue on to the park.
I gave turning back due consideration (about ten seconds), then saddled up and headed to the park solo. My wait to to get into the park was only about ten minutes. (The entrance fee is only $5 for a motorcycle!)
Once inside, there was little pressure from cars to go faster, so I took my time working the road to Paradise. That road, by the way, is rather rough. Yes, it’s paved, but it is bumpy and rutted, and the constant transition from bright sun to dark shade made seeing the road surface difficult. The front forks on my Burgman got quite the workout!
On the ride, I split my thinking between paying close attention to road conditions and people I know who recently passed away…and also about friends who are struggling to survive crushing diseases and career issues.
Once up to Paradise, I went past the visitor center and lodge, and across the valley, found an unoccupied turnout where I could see the mountain, and ate my sandwich. A blue jay jumped up on my feet, looking for crumbs. How could I say no?
On the way home, I thought about why the other riders had bailed out on the trip. I finally realized that if they couldn’t go 100 miles an hour, they just weren’t interested. They drive these incredibly powerful, agile machines, and plodding along at or below the speed limit is just not their cup of tea. As riders, they seize the moment and live in it, fully. That’s not a bad thing.
Burgman at viewpoint
On the other hand, I ride a scooter. My goal is to get there safely, with the gear I need to enjoy myself once I arrive. The Burgman didn’t let me down. After more than three decades away from the mountain, I was blessed to get reacquainted with The Mountain on a beautiful late summer day.
I rode to honor several folks I know, some living, and some who recently passed away. I’m sure my motivation to honor them was different from the rest of the riders I started with. In a way, I’m glad I was able to make this a solo trip. Somehow, that seems more fitting.
PDF 
