Lessons Learned:

• All this talk about weight balancing is BS. 60lbs on the back of a MTB with poor distribution is no big deal.
• Don't overdo it. We were in great shape but our joints weren't up to what our muscles could throw at them.
• Oversize seats will rub your thighs raw.
• Planning on off-road tours is difficult, be prepared for surprises. At least two bridges on the trail don't exist any more!

Services Used:

• Trailside camping was fairly easy, although tough to find a spot in some areas.
• Campground near Wanapum Dam is servicable, has showers.
• Restaurant at Wanapum Dam intersection is a great breaking point... "O-Basket!"
• Bridge over I90 6 miles N or Kittias, near Renwlow is not passable.
• 6 miles N of Kittias, just on the S side of I90 there is a locked gate for the military property. You'll have to take the road from there to the sign-in area and ride on the property.
• We were told by park service personnel that the railroad bridge over the Columbia River is not passable. At this crossing you are about 8 miles South of the I90 crossing, which you will have to take.
• East of here there is very little water near the trail and some deep sand that a fully loaded MTB can't ride through. Our advice... take the road!
• Buy this book and read it: Rails-to-Trails Washington & Oregon (Great Rail-Trails Series.)