This week I packed up my bike, lugged it to the airport, and got on a plane–not all that unusual, I performed that series of actions perhaps countless times over the last few decades. But. This was the first time in nearly two years that I was conducting the familiar maneuvers for another formally familiar reason: a press trip.
My new ride.
As I write this, I am sitting in my comfy hotel room in downtown Walla Walla excited about the ride I have mapped out for tomorrow. I am here, doing a bit of research for the first of (hopefully) a series of articles about cycling in wine country.
My bike all packed up and ready for the United Airlines handlers (and saying more than a few prayers).
Here are a few photos of my first two days in Eastern Washington, with plenty more (hopefully) to follow.
I never thought I would say this: Getting of a plane made me feel normal again?
After a good wrestling match with the bike and the Nissan Sentra trunk, I was able to squeeze the monstrosity into the back seat.
The room at the (relatively) new Finch Hotel on Main Street are pleasantly charming…
…as was the little care package left for me by the front desk.
After a quick stroll around downtown (which has gone through a host of changes since my last visit three years ago)…
My wife, who decided to join me and make it also into a bit of a girls’ trip (don’t ask), decided to stop for a glass of wine (as one does in Walla Walla).
As for the wine? Well, it was, uh, well, served at a really good temperature.
Then it was some fabulous tacos at AK’s Mercado on Main Street.
The evening ended with a little rosé and a bit of work by the Finch’s fire pit.
The following morning we headed over to Allegro Cyclery to pick up my wife’s rental.
Followed by a short ride north of town.
This photo doesn’t do the stunning scenery justice (more on that soon).
Following the ride, I checked out a few of the town’s tasting rooms, including Gramercy, where the wines are phenomenal.
Then it was on to the charming Kontos Cellars where I was particularly enamored with the Merlot (which I believe I have said exactly zero times).
The day finished with a dinner at TMACs and some incredible lamb chops.
My trip is just beginning, so there will be much more soon!
the drunken cyclist 
I like the concept of a lamp chop.
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Oops.
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Lovely photos! Will you be visiting Caprio Cellars? I just wrote about them for an online magazine, publication pending! Enjoy your trip!
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It was pretty fabulous, I have to say!
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Glad to see you on the road again! And I like the concept of a “lamp chop.”
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Sorry, would erase my (redundant and silly) comment, but I can’t figure out how!
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Thanks! And “Oops.”
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