The light will flash for one hour after the button is pushed
Lake Crescent is nine.miles long and one mile wide. In Washington, it is the second deepest and is the third largest in the Western part of the state. By far, it is the largest lake in Olympic Peninsula.
So then, why is the Lake Crescent section of 101 dangerous to bike riders? Because an 11 mile section of 101 which skirts the lake has no or very minimal shoulders and blind sharp turns. Traversing South on 101, the rider is pinned against a guard rail for much of the way. To add insult to injury, most of the route is posted with a 35 MPH speed limit but cars, RVs and trucks zip by at much greater speed.
There are several strategies when to go. On weekends there tends to be fewer semi trailers and commercial trucks but very dense RV traffic. On weekdays, less RVs but more trucks, including those double trailer logging semis. I opted for a weekday run since I trust the driving skills of commercial operators more than RV drivers -- some being newbie RV renters.
An early morning departure is best for less traffic. Turn on all rear red flashers. I had three -- two on the rear of the bike, one on the helmet. Visibility is key. Wear a nuclear yellow vest.
At the start of the dangerous 11-mile stretch, push the button which activates a flashing light warning motorists that a cyclist is on the road (see pictures).
Ride as near the edge of the road as possible without chance of hitting the guard rail. Ride straight and true without wobbling. Let the vehicles passing you manage the move around the bike.
There are a few turnouts--let cars pass if necessary and enjoy the view of the lake.
There a few small bridges. If there is traffic coming and going on the bridge at the same time, wait before crossing.
After the crossing, there is a small general store called Fairholm General Store and Cafe. They an excellent drip coffee, sandwiches and convenience items. Stop and enjoy a cup with a view of the the South end of the lake -- you have cheated death one more time.
So then, why is the Lake Crescent section of 101 dangerous to bike riders? Because an 11 mile section of 101 which skirts the lake has no or very minimal shoulders and blind sharp turns. Traversing South on 101, the rider is pinned against a guard rail for much of the way. To add insult to injury, most of the route is posted with a 35 MPH speed limit but cars, RVs and trucks zip by at much greater speed.
There are several strategies when to go. On weekends there tends to be fewer semi trailers and commercial trucks but very dense RV traffic. On weekdays, less RVs but more trucks, including those double trailer logging semis. I opted for a weekday run since I trust the driving skills of commercial operators more than RV drivers -- some being newbie RV renters.
An early morning departure is best for less traffic. Turn on all rear red flashers. I had three -- two on the rear of the bike, one on the helmet. Visibility is key. Wear a nuclear yellow vest.
At the start of the dangerous 11-mile stretch, push the button which activates a flashing light warning motorists that a cyclist is on the road (see pictures).
Ride as near the edge of the road as possible without chance of hitting the guard rail. Ride straight and true without wobbling. Let the vehicles passing you manage the move around the bike.
There are a few turnouts--let cars pass if necessary and enjoy the view of the lake.
There a few small bridges. If there is traffic coming and going on the bridge at the same time, wait before crossing.
After the crossing, there is a small general store called Fairholm General Store and Cafe. They an excellent drip coffee, sandwiches and convenience items. Stop and enjoy a cup with a view of the the South end of the lake -- you have cheated death one more time.
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