A continuation of the circumnavigation of bodies of water disconnected from the sea. This route was challenging since, although the northern path along the lake is a beautiful rail trail, the southern part is a highway. Much of the strategy of this loop was optimising to have the safest ride along the highway as possible. The starting location was Piedmont, as I was camping at the Log Cabin campsite the night before. This allowed a very early start to the ride as there would be no driving or bussing to start the day. The loop was clockwise to be sure to be on the lake side of the highway which has slightly larger shoulders and frequent viewpoints to duck into when a logging truck was passing.
The ride started at 6:00 in the morning, as early as possible while having some light to ride in. East beach road was beautiful in the morning sun and not a car was seen for the first 20 minutes of the ride. Eventually the highway was reached and a lavish 8 foot shoulder awaited me but not for long. Eventually as the highway met the lake the shoulder reduced down to less than a foot which made riding in the lane unavoidable.
The ride along the southern edge of the lake was stressful but made better by the views of the sunrise colours kissing the lake. Eventually the road curved north and a short stretch of gravel connected me to the Spruce Railroad Trail.
The rail-trail was the most enjoyable part of the ride by far, dead flat with not a person to be seen. Stunning views of the lake were to my right and the dense forest to my left. I soon reached the 450 foot long tunnel that signaled the approach of the east side of the lake and I was within a mile of my starting place.
A very lovely ride but only one to do early in the morning when traffic is at its least busiest. The next morning we hiked Storm King which was a very difficult hike but with very beautiful views and good for the leg muscles.
7/10