This is how you go down the Cabbage!

but, but, but, that means your not a super trucker, your not going down at 70 mph with your hair on fire, you know, like we've been told is acceptable to do

 

The speed you can maintain without touching your brakes is the correct speed.

 

Most of us prefer the fast-safe, not the fastest, way to the bottom. But I agree; I really like the big hills. Exhilerating.

 

Wow now it's 70mph Striker --keeps going up!

 

First time I went down I had the perfect load--18,000lbs. Just dropped to 9th and rode the jake all the way, hit the brakes a couple of times to maintain 45mph.
From there I went up into Washington, dropped, picked-up, and headed east through this little hill called Snoqualmie. Had never even heard of it at the time. LOL
Next time through (Cabbage), the signs were lit up for chains. I had them, but had no idea how to throw iron then, so I pulled off at a chain-up area ans waited (the road was just wet).

After a half hour or so, I joined up with a group that said screw it and ran barefoot. As we got near the summit, we heard on the radio that the chains were off. A day later I was headed back through and had stopped at Arrowhead for the night. Woke up and chains were on with a major storm rolling in. Company policy was to throw iron at your own risk. Well, I hate sitting, so I paid an Indian $40 to show me how to put them on. Ended up buying another bag because my locks were broke and also bought a bunch of bungies.

Off I went, all the way to Baker City at 25mph....The first and only time I had to throw iron. Current gig doesn't require driving in snow or ice, or even going to the NW.
I sort of miss the views, but don't miss the risk associated with it.

Sorry for the long-winded post....

 

Like this, right?

 

I've safely gone down 50-55max (76-80k) with engine brake on in 7 direct (13spd), drop to 45-50 in the 2 hairpin turns I watch for any traffic issues so I can reduce speed and this is under ideal conditions, otherwise enjoy the beautiful view going down keep the greasy side down.

 

Living the in NW I throw iron a couple times every Winter, snow on Cabbage or Snoqualmie or any of the other NW passes doesn't bother me much but out there on I-84 the freezing fog and rain and black ice is what gives me the pucker butt more than snow by far.
I used to do Cabbage every week and the only time I worried was in the fog.