My nephew in Roslyn new a spot, he said, where you could ride your bike through a 3 mile long old railroad tunnel.
What time? I said. 11 ok?
Then it was Sunday, and having gotten the timing of that drive somehow into my subconcous, I pulled into the rest stop at East Summit on the Snoqualmie at ten after. Parr for my course.
I followed them down to the Iron Horse Trailhead. One of many I’m told. Now to the fun part.
Comparing light sources at this point is critical.
I had bought a small battery powered headlight for my bike last year. In the morning I tore apart a closet looking for it. John had a light on a head strap. My sister had another small headlight. I pulled out my big maglite too.
Entrance to the tunnel is only about a quarter mile from the parking area (don’t forget the $5 use fee).
Entering the tunnel, you lose visibility fast, as your eyes adjust. The first 100 ft, or so, are wet with dripping water. Be prepared for this if you wear glasses.
You lose light quick, as there is a turn not too far from the east entrance. About that point we spent some time adjusting lights. My big loss of sense was for the walls. I couldn’t tell how far away I was from them. It took awhile to get the sense of how much of a travel lane I had to work with. It turned out plenty.
John wrapped the mag on his handle bars. At this point, the west entrance is a pin of light in the darkness.
Once you’re past the wet entrance, and the eye adjustment, things get fun. It’s dark. It’s scary. Got to pull the Blair witch, flashlight in the face, thing. It’s cool on a hot day. What else could you ask for?
If you take a dog along be careful. My sisters dog, Ollie, kept running in front of the bikes, then trying to look back to find us. I had more than one near collision with her. After a bit, she got the sense of where the headlights really meant our tires were, and how much room she had.
The center of the tunnel is pitch black and cold enough to fog your breath, so be prepared for the glasses thing. West end is wet too.
Out the west end we rode for awhile. One of those “let’s ride til were halfway tired” kind of loops, then headed back.
A bunch more people in there on the return trip. kept on wanting to say “rookie” as I passed them. Ollie had to stay on the leash.
Kids dig this place. There was a bunch of them howling like wolves in there. Wanted to Join them, but I was sure I’d scare somebody. Must be some kind of story in there, you know, “Seven experienced mountain bikers cut through a deserted tunnel. None came out.”
If you’re on a bike, be careful when the tunnel has more people. I actually ran across, not over, someone not carrying a lite, the brave ghost-face flaring up and out of my weak headlight, too quickly for me to stop.
Thank you, very interesting!