July 10
Today we started a little later, after the best breakfast so far at The Hoot Owl Cafe just a short walk from our hotel. We went back across the bridge on a great trail for many miles but were then forced to take US 95 for quite awhile, with a shoulder that sometimes diminished but was generally wide but with debris. I started out extremely hopeful that we had fixed my back tire problem and then 20 miles in we realized we were not that fortunate. Rather than change the tube AGAIN we proceeded to stop every 5-8 miles and pump it up, which worked fine until 10 miles from our destination the pump broke. Craig was determined to stop at a gas station and somehow make their air work with a Presto valve, but I looked up bike shops on my phone and lo and behold Two Wheeler Dealer was literally across the street from us. Bob (who has worked there for 31 years) listened to our story then patiently investigated the problem and found a tiny metal thread entrenched in the tire. After having that fixed we bought a new pump and were back on our way.
So from happy to stressed to elated. Now we are just waiting for the front desk to find us quarters so we can do wash and then off to dinner. Did I mention that Coeur d’Alene hotels run the same rate as NYC? Sheesh! Quality Inn for 3 times the normal price. But tomorrow we head down to Plummer and onto the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Have made several calls about fires and smoke and no concerns where we are headed, but doesn’t hurt to send us good vibes :).
July 9
Thought we had the flat fixed for good, but not so much. Had to start taking fill-the-tire breaks after the first 20 miles. Fortunately no real big climbs today and enough shade for fast stops. Saw lots of wildlife this morning with an early start (on the road by 7 and still in the 50’s): deer, wild turkeys, and elk. Crossed the river three times, the last time north into Sandpoint on a wide pedestrian/bike trail. Then we stopped at “Greasy Fingers” where Brian diagnosed the tire problem, changed the flat, and replaced my chain while we stayed out of the heat and sampled the local brews. Staying at a great, small hotel and quite content. Welcome to Idaho!
July 8
Colville to Cusick was not an easy 50 miles. Started with a flat at mile 20, which Craig changed for me in a church parking lot, then proceeded to start leaking again during the 8 mile climb up Flowery Trail Pass. No flowers, average 8% grade, and heat contributed to not happy campers. Except we became happy campers at the Eagle’s Landing RV Park in Cusick (on the Pend Oreille River). We were the only tent amid RV’s but the amenities were awesome including a giant air-conditioned clubhouse with nice showers and laundry facilities. We ate pizza leftover from the night before and conked out early…
July 7
Today was an easier day but still work. Much cooler! We started around 8 in Republic after a full breakfast at 54 degrees but quickly abandoned our long sleeves after starting a 15 mile ascent at average 4% grade (some sections much steeper). The temps stayed in the low 60’s most of the ride and it even sprinkled on us a few times! The logging trucks passing us on an inconsistent shoulder were a bummer but thankfully not too frequent. I promise we are being as safe as possible 🙂
Stopped at a few “historic sites” on the way down (l-o-n-g descent) and then pedaled into Colville by 1:30. Resting before we walk to Italian food and then back to stream the Sounders game!
Trip of a lifetime indeed. Lucky us!!
July 6
Brutal. 62 miles from Omak to Republic, but started with a headwind and 72 degrees already at 6:45 AM and didn’t arrive in Republic until almost 2:00 PM at 92 degrees. Wauconda Pass not really spectacular for all the work (4,537 ft elevation gain). Planning on pizza and early bedtime tonight!
July 5
We eased back into riding today after two glorious days off (including my birthday on the 4th :). Only 47 miles from Winthrop to Omak but 3,140 ft elevation gain. Holly took our big bags for us so we set off right around 7 before it got too hot. Nice cloud cover as we ascended Loup Loup Pass, and Holly stopped to give us fresh water and oranges. We got into Omak by 11:30! Good thing as the temp was already 93 degrees and later hit 97. We were rather lazy all afternoon and then went for excellent Mexican food at Rancho Chico in Omak.
Breit Bikes 