Mile 5 – Susan and John, our most widely travelled riders (e.g. South Africa, New Zealand) with Colville behind them.

June 23^rd Statistics – Colville to Ione:  Distance – 42.9 miles; Average speed – 11.8 mph; Beginning elevation – 1,915 feet; Ending elevation – 2,110 feet; Total ascent – 2,995 feet; Total descent – 2,460 feet.

Today was planned as a short day (40 miles) due to lack of lodging unless we rode 80 miles – glad we choose the short day.  We left early this morning again hoping to beat the weather forecast which was worse than yesterday, i.e. greater chance of rain, thunderstorms, and hail.  The entire ride today was on Route 20, climbing nearly 3,000 feet over 30 miles with a steep 7 mile downhill into Ione.  Unfortunately, we didn’t beat the weather – cold (low 50s) with light rain that started early and continued off and on for the entire ride with constant thunder in the distance.  Fortunately, my cold weather and rain gear kept me reasonably warm (actually, not cold)  and dry (actually, just moist).

Regardless of the weather, the scenery was stunning when I was able to look up without water running in my eyes.  One of our group had to give up at the top of the downhill due to cold and a concern about the steep downhill on the wet road.  Two others riding companions took a wrong turn and rode an extra 20 miles.  I made it the entire way, although the downhill did challenge my braking and turning skills as it took numerous sharp turns.  At the bottom of the downhill, Jim and I stopped at the Cabin Grill 3 miles outside of Ione to get something warm to drink, get out of the rain, and await the van to arrive with our luggage (they were still supporting the riders on the rode).

Little did we know that the Cabin Grill was the only restaurant for 30 miles and that we would be having dinner and breakfast their as well.  The town of Ione was two blocks long with a grocery, church, gas station, and our lodging (see today’s photos).  Tomorrow, while flat will be the longest ride of the trip so far, nearly 90 miles into Sandpoint, ID.  We will also have our first day off to rest and do laundry – can’t wait.

Sherman Pass – Washington State’s Highest Year Round Mountain Pass At 5,575 Feet

June 22^nd Statistics – Republic to Colville:  Distance – 58.2 miles; Average speed – 11.4 mph; Beginning elevation – 2,573 feet; Ending elevation – 1,915 feet; Total ascent – 4,016 feet; Total descent – 4,964 feet.

We left early hoping to beat the weather forecast of increasing chance of rain, thunderstorms, and hail as the day expired.  While the day started cold, overcast, and wet (see today’s photos), by the time I reached Sherman Pass, 5,575 feet at mile 18, the sun came out for the remaining 40 mile ride to Colville, WA.  The 23 mile downhill from Sherman Pass to Kettle Falls, WA and the Columbia River was wonderful (I am running out of new words to describe the views in the Cascades) as it followed the roaring Sherman Creek down a canyon lined with trees and wild flowers.

The sole complaint is the regular duel between some logging trucks (see today’s photos) and bikers – some logging trucks refuse to budge from the travel lane when passing us and clearly are forcing us to ride well into the shoulder regardless of the lack of oncoming traffic, wide roads, or the condition/width of the shoulder.

The final 17 miles from Kettle Falls to Colville was on valley roads in Stevens County – cattle grazing, lush green fields, horses farms, surrounded by mountain meadows and forests (see today’s photos).  The evening in Colville was exciting.  Shortly after arriving at our restaurant, Maverick Steak House, the bad weather hit – the restaurant loss power, the outside dining area was abandoned, lightening was frequent, and streets flooded.    Nevertheless, dinner was great and the Comfort Inn, well, very comfortable.

Jim Schnitzmeyer & Steve Prichard celebrating the 29 mile, 3,330 feet climb to Wauconda Pass.

June 21^st Statistics – Omak to Republic:  Distance – 69.5 miles; Average speed – 10.7 mph; Beginning elevation – 968 feet; Ending elevation – 2,573 feet; Total ascent – 4,412 feet; Total descent – 2,807 feet.

Today’s ride was basically one long flat ride (26 miles), one long climb (29 miles) and one long downhill (15 miles).  Best weather day so far even if 49 degrees when we began in the morning – lot of sunshine and warmth.  One of the most interesting moments was meeting two women my age from Georgia who are biking from Portland, OR to Freeport, ME to their home in Georgia.  They are carrying all their own gear, including camping gear if needed, on their recumbent bicycles (windshield included) – See today’s photos.  Their husbands and children had no interest in the trip and are following it on two blogs the women are posting.  Nancy, I offered them food and lodging if their ride from Maine to Georgia routes them near us.  You would enjoy them.

While the flat ride was nothing special, the views and scenery on the climb and ride down were magnificent (see today’s photos).

Over dinner at Ester’s Mexican in Republic, WA, population 958, we had conversations with local residents.  Republic is a one industry town – underground gold mining of old mines using new technology.  The future is uncertain as some mines are expected to close in 5 years.  Joining us at dinner were two more cross country riders, Earl from Southern CA & Lewis, a high school math/computer science teacher from Wellesley MA.  They were introduced by a mutual friend, but met for the first time face-to-face when they started the trip in Anacortes.  I have to admire them as they, like the Georgian women, are carrying all their own gear, including camping gear.

Afternoon Sky on the B&O North Road Outside Okanogan, WA

June 20^th Statistics – Mazama to Omak:  Distance – 61.0 miles; Average speed – 11.2 mph; Beginning elevation – 1,957 feet; Ending elevation – 968 feet; Total ascent – 3,486 feet; Total descent – 4,708 feet.

Today’s highlights: Sunshine all day (although 47 degrees when we started); More magnificent Cascade Mountain views (see today’s photo post ); Not the thrill ride of yesterday, but still a rush – 7 mile downhill (7% grade) and 5 mile downhill (5.5% grade) after reaching Loup Loup Pass (4,020 feet).  The quaint town of Winthrop; Delicious breakfast at the Mazama Country Inn; The Black & Blue Steak and Blueberry Angel Desert (angel food cake, blueberries, ice cream) at the Koala Grill in Omak; 18 hours before I have to sit on the bicycle seat again; Hot shower and internet service.  Not a highlight:  A bearing going bad in one of my pedals; No services for 30 miles.

Why we rode 78 miles today!

June 19^th Statistics – Rockport to Mazma:  Distance – 78.8 miles; Average speed – 10.2 mph; Beginning elevation – 222 feet; Ending elevation – 1,957 feet; Total ascent – 6,578 feet.

Today’s highlights: Easily (but not quickly) completing the hardest day of biking for the entire tour!!!!;  Little traffic and wide shoulders on route;  Sunshine at 1 pm for the rest of the day; Magnificent Cascade Mountain views (see today’s photo post); A 17 mile downhill (5%-7% grade) at the end of today’s route – going 30+ mph for 30 minutes was a rush (I am not going to share my maximum speed for fear of giving Nancy a heart attack); Arriving at the Mazama Country Inn with energy to spare;  Burning up 6,500 calories; Relishing the 38 lbs I lost and did not have to carry up the mountain;  A long hot shower and dry clothes at the end of the day.  Not a highlight: 47 degrees, overcast, and misty to begin the ride at 8 am; being wet, cold and sweaty for 4 hours, sweaty for 4, and freezing for 30 minutes as I plummeted 17 miles down from Washington Pass;  a 40 mile climb so I could do the 17 mile downhill.