Ceour D' Alene, Idaho to Spokane, Washington

Today's route was 36 miles and the cue sheet was 2 pages long.  The good news is the route was all bike path or bike trail.  The bad news is there was lots of room for bonus miles.

This group of 24 women were anxious to get on the road this morning, but did take time to really enjoy the final riding day.  Everyone was in good spirits, and successfully completed the day.  Staff assumed SAG duties today so that all guests were able to ride, and took plenty of good-natured heat when the SAG wasn't where riders thought it was going to be.

Weather was just about perfect today with sunshine and a little breeze, that turned out to be a tail wind for most of the day.  Could it get any better?  Yes!  For the most part the route was downhill, only 800' of climb today.

The Centennial Trail is a paved trail from Spokane to Ceour D' Alene.  Pavement was, generally, in good condition.  There were other trail users today, even on Sunday; but everyone was courteous and there were no issues.

I rode with different groups and riders today, and sometimes alone.  Amongst all the turns, there was only one that caused an issue near the end of the day; but it was caught in short order and we were back on track for the final 7 miles to the motel where the ride started.

This group of riders is diverse.  For some, this is their first organized tour.  For others, they are tour veterans.  It's safe to say, the majority did not understand the amount of climbing that would be involved.  For some, the tour name, The International Selkirk Loop, led them to believe the route was "through" the mountains not "over" them.  For me, I understood and hoped I was capable of the kind of climbing with the grades that I thought we would see.  I'm sure I haven't previously experienced an average 11%, 13 mile climb before and probably didn't comprehend the significance before this ride.

There's been a variety of weather but generally perfect temperatures, while there has a been a little rain at times.  I still have yet to pull out the rain gear and actually use it!

My bike is already at the bike shop to be returned to Dubuque.  I leave tomorrow and return to work on Tuesday.  Tonight we have our final group meal, and will be treated to a sit down restaurant meal which we have only done once since we left.  Thank you for your emails and comments.  Hope you've also enjoyed the ride.

Last SAG Day

We're closing in on our destination.  Today's 65 mile route ended in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho.  The route included bike path, bike lanes, quiet country roads and a few busy state roads.  All in all, riders were happier than yesterday's route.  Everyone was focused for the last long mileage day.  There was lots to see on the route today.  We're back in agricultural area and there were many osprey sightings today.

There were two scheduled SAG stops, important as there was only one town on route today with any services, Spirit Lake.

Riders left Sandpoint around 7:30 this morning after a very enjoyable time there.   Some were apprehensive about the longer mileage day again.  Everyone is tired at the end of two weeks of biking.

Sandpoint was pretty quiet when we left.  Folks were setting up for the farmers market in the park behind the hotel, but other than that there wasn't much activity.




Riders were on the road quickly to get the work done.  They exited Sandpoint via city street onto a bike path that paralleled US 95, but within 10 miles were able to get onto a quiet country road that would take them all the way to the first stop of the day around mile 24.  For some reason today, I was almost 45 minutes ahead of the riders.  It doesn't normally work out that way.  So, I had plenty time to make sure I had a safe spot away from weed control, did a little artwork for the riders on the road, talked to the locals that came by, all kinds of things.

NOT a good SAG location

SAG stops allow riders to fuel up and for the drivers make sure everyone is accounted for.

Spirit Lake seemed to be a thriving community.  Many of the riders stopped to enjoy the bakery and a coffee.

The second SAG was shortly after Spirit Lake, around mile 44.  It was about that time one of the riders missed a turn, and followed the other riders in by about two hours.







Coeur d' Alene appears to also be a thriving community.  Riders had to navigate the downtown business area to get to tonight's hotel.  There are stores, shops, restaurants and resorts.  It was pretty hectic for the riders, and all were successful in arriving at the hotel without incident.

Tomorrow we return to Spokane on a 37 mile bike path route.  No one is saying it'll be easy after what happened yesterday.

Things You Never Say On a Bike Tour....

Today's route was advertised as 43 miles.  Never say "It's going to be an easy day."

We're still in Idaho, and overnight tonight in Sandpoint.  This was an overnight on last year's ride also.  It's a great stop.  Lots of shops, cafes, wineries and the city beach.  So, personally, I was looking forward to an easy day in the saddle, an early arrival in Sandpoint and time to wander downtown.  Mother Nature and US 2 / 95 had other ideas.

It was such an ugly day, the only photos for today are of the Sandpoint City Beach at the end of the ride.



Fantastic weather this morning as we departed Bonners Ferry.  Temperatures in the 50's and warming up quickly.  

Negotiating the exit was a little tricky -- through a pedestrian tunnel, left onto the street then right onto a pedestrian walkway to climb the hill out of town.  Traffic was quite busy and once on the street the shoulder was weather checked so riders were mostly on the traffic side of the white line.  All drivers were really courteous, giving everyone enough space to move on down the road.

The further along we went the stronger the wind became, and unfortunately not in our favor.  There was a headwind all day.  But, it's only 43 miles.  How bad can it be?

That headwind coupled with really heavy traffic of all kinds and a bad shoulder on US 2 / 95 made for some pretty dicey travel starting at mile 12.  One of the riders had a flat tire 4 miles from the SAG stop, so two of us stopped to help.  The tire got changed twice because the first replacement tube was bad too.  30 minutes, alot of traffic and one long train later we were back on the road and really grateful for the next left turn that took us away from the highway at mile 23.

There was 2 more miles of US 2 / 95 later in the route, but the shoulder there was much wider, much cleaner and traffic had four lanes.

The rest of the ride was quieter and we were treated to doughnuts from the Mennonite Bakery in Bonners Ferry at today's SAG stop.  Thanks to today's SAG driver, Lois Ann.  They were awesome.

To top it off, I indulged in a hot dog when we got it.  Yes, this is why we ride, so we can eat all the junk we want.  Many of the other riders spent time at the local ice cream stores.

Everyone's in.  Everyone's safe.  Everything turned out okay, but everyone's comfort zone was expanded today.

Tomorrow it's onto Couer d' Alane, Idaho, the last stop before we return to Spokane.  

What....No Rain?

Last night's thunderstorm seemed to help break the cycle, or so we will hope.  We got up to a beautiful, cool morning, and it made for good biking.  Last night ride leader Katie declared in would be hot today.  When asked how hot that would be.  She replied 83.  She resides in Haines, Alaska.  I guess that is probably hot there.  To those of us from the Midwest, it doesn't get any better than this.  If the weather holds tomorrow, it will be sleeveless jersey day!

Today's route was 44 miles to Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  That meant a border crossing at mile 10.  The border patrol officer was cordial and moved our group of four along very efficiently.  It looks like all the riders were in for the day by early afternoon, so I presume that meant no difficulties for anyone.

Ironically, the only significant climb today was coming back into the states, but the grade was manageable and views continued to be interesting.



We also saw what appeared to be a field of poles as we crossed the border.  From what we saw later on the route at Busch Agricultural Resources, I surmise fields of "poles" must be hops.  Who knew?









The biggest challenge of the day, was 4 miles of gravel road.   The only other alternative was busy Highway 95.  Fortunately traffic on the gravel was very light and I was riding alone at that point so I got through without any problems.  I did walk 3 downhill stretches.  All 3 were short, but had no visible path that didn't have loose rock.  

Following the stretch of gravel, the road turned to rock and oil, so still not great but again low traffic.  

The route took us past a National Wildlife Refuge that is in place primarily for Northwest migratory birds.  The refuge appears to be many, many acres in size.  We were in it for quite some time, each side of the road is marked with refuge signs and anything beyond the ditch is designated as "closed."

We're in Bonners Ferry, Idaho tonight.  Chores needed to be done today, including laundry and bike clean up, especially after riding gravel.

Tomorrow we move to Sandpoint, Idaho.

Ainsworth to Creston -- 59 miles

Today is a SAG day for me.  It feels like we're moving back toward civilization.  It has occurred to me that there have been no name brand businesses for the past several days.  Today there was a Tim Horton's and a Dairy Queen in Creston.  Lots of small businesses supporting their communities and communities supporting them!

Morning sky

Skies were ominous at the start of the day, but cleared quickly. 

Bike adjustments for a successful day

Riders had a great day in the saddle with only a short climb out of the hotel that was complicated by road construction.  Everyone negotiated successfully and moved toward the next milestone, Belfour Terminal for a ferry ride across Kootenay Lake.






The ferry was full, including multiple semis.

Ride leader Katie pulling out after the ferry ride.  Thumbs up means all is okay.

Riders only had one more significant climb for the day as they left the ferry but everyone was in good spirits and seemed to enjoy the day.

Of course no day would be complete without the threat of or actual rain.  The last riders were chased by thunder. With no lightening sighted, they decided to ride it in.  I would leap frog them every five miles to make sure nothing changed, and fortunately rain held off until after supper when we had a bit of a Canadian thunderstorm.  But, who cares we're sleeping and getting ready for tomorrow when we return to home to the United States.  Thanks Canada, it's been great!

New Denver to Ainsworth -- 45 miles

After rain last night, riders were happy with beautiful blue skies and high clouds this morning.  Temperatures were cool to start.  Don't ask how cool.  I still haven't got the conversion thing down.  It's particularly disturbing when you think the route is 45 miles and the road sign says 72.  What???  Oh yeah, that's kilometers.  Can't tell you how many freak outs there have been!

This was the view at today's start --



Even though temps were coolish, it didn't take long to get warmed up.  There was an 11 mile climb right out of the motel.

The entire day was spent rolling up and down after the morning's initial ascent, and for the most part between the mountains with water running everywhere.  Either down the mountain, in a stream or a calm lake.  The views were, again, magnificent and the SAG stops today were positioned perfectly to take full advantage.






There were only two towns after leaving New Denver that were close to the route today, Kaslo and Sandon.  For the most part, we are rural but see many houses, some rustic some quite nice.  Pavement and drivers have been great.  Timber seems to be King here.  We've not seen signs of other industries, for the most part, other than tourism and the Canadian Pacific Railroad.  I'm not sure how tourism works for winter.  There have been very few ski areas visible, and most mountains are tree-covered.  The climbs that we have done usually have gates that can be closed, presumably because of snow or avalanches.  

Today's ride ended in Ainsworth, which as it turns out is an unincorporated area.  The only thing we could find there was the hotel we were staying at and a school bus turned espresso bar next store.  Consequently the hotel's restaurant was inundated with cyclists at the end of the day.  The only server working was beside herself.  She worked hard and got our group AND another group of bikers taken care of as efficiently as she could.

The hotel's claim to fame is it's hot springs.  Riders were treated to unlimited access during our stay.  There is a natural cave on the property which acts as a sauna, and a hot springs pool.  I think everyone took full advantage.  For me, I think it helped.  My legs were starting to get tired and sore and felt better afterwards.  We'll see if it gets me through to the end of the ride.

Chef Sue grilled steaks and sockeye salmon for the evening meal, only to be rained on, again.  Everyone was comfortable eating under the overhang of the hotel, and the meal was excellent.

Rain on the way.  It's just a matter of time.

Nelson to New Denver

Internet has been problematic for the past two days.  I'll catch up posts as quickly as I can.

Monday's ride was 62 miles (99.78 kilometers -- almost a metric century) to New Denver.  The route also took us through Winlaw, Sloan and Silverton.  

New Denver would be similar to Kimmswick or Galena, for those familiar with those Missouri and Illinois towns, with many little shops and cafes.  I found my way to the Canada Post and The Apple Tree Sandwich Shop at the end of the day.  But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

It was a great day on the bike, with many small climbs and one 12 mile climb late in the day.  

There were a few showers along the way but nothing heavy until dinner time.  The mountains seem to create interesting weather patterns.  We have been able to see it raining or see the rain coming for a long distance before anything happens, within a few yards it could be dry again.



This is just before New Denver.  I could see rain on the other side of the trees, but I was dry and managed to stay dry the rest of the day.

Due to the heavy rain at supper time the motel was kind enough to allow us to use a large meeting room their restaurant to eat in after our chef prepared everything in the tour trailer.

Scenery continues to be spectacular.  I can see why folks may have come to this area back in the 60's and 70's and didn't leave; although I'm not sure what anyone does here in the winter.





The water is crystal clear, whether in a lake or running in a stream; you can see straight to the bottom.  No one has tested the temperature, but I would guess it's pretty cold since it is runoff from snow melt.  Today was the first day we saw snow on the mountains.

New Denver was also the location of a World War II Internment Camp and has a tourist center to memorialize that time -- Nikkei Center.  Some of the riders did stop and found it to be very interesting.

Wildflower season is in full swing, July - August; which adds to the spectacular scenery we've had each day.  These almost look like miniature snap dragons.



Riding is challenging, but riders are having a great time making the most of the scenery and experiences.

In the Land of Kilometers

Yesterday was a long day.  The morning started late because of the forecast, and we did have rain.  Instead of leaving around 7, we were able to leave at 9.  Fortunately no storms but the pavement was wet and with light showers off and on until noon which then gave way to sun and a perfect riding day.



There was 48 miles to Nelson.  Roads were generally rolling, two lane country roads.  Pavement has often been chip seal, yesterday was patched blacktop, but overall no complaints about road quality.  Most riders were in good spirits at sag stops yesterday even though cue sheets were pretty confusing.

We traveled through Castlegar where the cue sheet had a right turn at 16.8 miles, but there was no turn there.  It's sad when the SAG is lost!  The good news was it led to a stop at Tim Horton's (Canada's equivalent to Dunkin' Donuts) for a box of doughnut holes for the SAG stop.

Eventually we found our way out of Castlegar but again the cue sheet was ambiguous so I sat at one of the left turns for the front runners to confirm they were going the right way.  So, we're now back on track moving to the designated SAG stop at mile 24, which was to be a convenience store with ice cream on the right; and only one 17% climb in the way.  Yes, the riders, and SAG, came around a corner and there was wall in the way.  I'm not sure whether I've ever done anything that steep.  Some made it, some walked it but it was the talk of the SAG -- the store that was to be on the right was actually on the left.

I spoke to the owners before the riders arrived.  They welcomed the riders, many of whom sampled the ice cream which was a big hit.

This was the scenery at the SAG and a sample of what we have been seeing for the past couple of days --

s

The second SAG was scheduled for approximately mile 40, at the bottom of the last climb of the day.  But, there were a few more due errors to resolve before the riders would get to the correct road that would take them there.  There was a handful that got bonus miles yesterday.  Others were able to be intercepted to communicate corrections before we had a Keystone Cops incident on our hands.

Once back on route, riders rambled down Blewett Road, running along the Columbia River and Kootenay Lake.  There is a hydro electric plant that controls the water flow to generate power for the majority of the British Columbia.

Kootenay Lake is also accessible from Nelson, and is stunning.  It's interesting there is a flow to this lake that allows it to be dammed and used for power generation.



Two riders got in the SAG vehicle at the second stop.  The route was pretty short following the last stop of the day, but again there was a short wall between the SAG and the motel -- a hairpin turn with at least 17%.  No one's saying who made it and who walked it.  The important thing is there were no injuries from someone falling down.  I'm not sure whether anyone realizes tomorrow's route back tracks that tomorrow.

Following that wall, it was all downhill into Nelson.  The last rider was in around 5:00.

Nelson is known for its art culture, but also appears to be a destination for mountain bikers and motorcyclists.  There is a hostel next to the hotel we are in and today's sign says they are full for tonight.

Since today is a rest day, there were chores to be done, including laundry.  The hotel has guest laundry which was busy early this morning, so I found my way to a local laundromat which was also busy with a group of motorcyclists.  They have been on a multi-week tour since the end of June starting from Vancouver, British Columbia, an annual trip.

There are also SAG clean up duties and preparations for tomorrow.  We'll be off to New Denver early tomorrow.

It's All Fun Until.....

Today was a shorter route and one big climb.  We entered Canada in the middle of the climb.  But, we woke up to wet pavement and had intermittent rain throughout the day.  Word was there was heavy rain during the night.  I didn't hear it, so I guess that means I'm sleeping well on the road.



Shortly after leaving Colville this was our view on the route --



23 miles into the ride one of the riders wet down crossing a set of railroad tracks.  Tracks can be difficult to cross on a bike under good conditions, because of the spacing in the tracks a bike wheel can actually get caught.  Today the tracks were wet and the back wheel slid out from under the rider when she went to ride across.  Walking across is always encouraged, but unless they're wet or really bad most cyclists don't follow that advice.  

The good news is the rider was not riding alone and the SAG vehicle had just passed and was still within view of the accident, so there was a lot of immediate help. There was no immediate vehicle traffic. A trip to the hospital determined no broken bones.  

The logistics of the day and crossing into Canada were adjusted in order to transport the rider back to Colville to the hospital.  Everyone was flexible and a team effort kept everyone moving forward now supported by only the van and trailer, which usually goes almost immediately to the next destination.  The rider is back with the group this evening.

We are in Trail, British Columbia this evening.  No difficulties for anyone crossing the border.  Riders went across on bikes and support vehicles followed.

Riders reported sightings of a cougar and a bear while en route today.  The final 5 miles today was a 9% descent into Trail.  It was unfortunately a little damp, so speeds weren't quite what they could have been.  It's a little unsettled on a bike when there are truck runaway lanes.

The forecast is for storms tomorrow morning.  The exact time of departure is TBD at this time.  I am in the SAG tomorrow.  We'll hope it's a little quieter than the past two days.  We be in Nelson, British Columbia for the next two nights.

Canadian Wildflowers

Deja Vu All Over Again

What a fantastic day!  The ride into Colville, Washington was advertised as 72.7 miles with one 13 mile pass to Chewelah Peak.  Total climb for the day was 3,900 feet.  Yes, a challenge.  By comparison, the 13 mile climb to Peak's of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway was nothing compared to the grades today, a steady 11%.

The first part of the day was just one of those perfect riding days.  Nothing hurt, the spin was easy and it felt like you could ride forever.

Temperatures were in the 50's leaving Priest River, and at some point we re-entered the state of Washington.  I'm not sure what it means, but neither Idaho nor Washington advertise nor memorialize the occasion with any signage.

The route today took us along  Pend Orielle River.  When we made the turn it was one of those feelings that we had been here before.  Along the way memories of last year's ride came rushing back.  I'd sat at that the corner for Bear Paw Camp in the heat waiting for riders, and it was memorable.  But still, Colville, Washington didn't mean anything until we went through the last traffic circle in town today.  Yes, we had been here before too.  The chef's theory, who was also on last year's trip and didn't remember being here either, is that our brains were all fried from the heat.  Maybe so.  I do remember wild fires last year burning over the hill just behind the motel.  At the end of the ride, the guide admitted she had made sure all the vehicles were full of fuel and parked appropriately for a quick exit in the event one had been necessary.  No such issue this year.

Temps at the end of the ride today were near 70, but after crossing the pass and getting down the very awesome 8.5 mile descent there were intermittent periods of very light rain.  Enough to finally put the vest and arm warmers back on about 10 miles from the end.  

I rode for a time today with Suzy, who rides with a stuffed bear, Joseph, given to her by her children (he had rain gear too).  We stopped in front of a farm house as the rain got a little heavier, and a really nice guy came out of the house on the porch to ask if everything was okay.  He told us it was raining because he had cut hay earlier.  Made sense to me.  This was his mailbox --



Needless to say, he had horses too.  Which, probably explains the hay.

We saw a lot of hay and wheat today.  I'm not sure how they get anything to grow, though.  There's been no visible irrigation.

Not Iowa

Sometime after returning to Washington, there was also a large group of bee hives in the yard of a shed full of hay.  Seemed a little random, but perhaps it's where the bees are most productive.

On today's route we rode through Chewelah and Addy before arriving at Colville.  Once in Colville, some of the riders stopped at Ron's Drive In, a true drive in.  I need something other than SAG food so really enjoyed a plain hot dog.  One of the customers came over to ask what we were doing, where we had been and where we were going.  Folks are usually pretty surprised especially to find out the group is all women.

Tomorrow we enter Canada.  It will be a 55 mile day with another 13 mile climb.  We will try to cross the border as a group.  There is disagreement as to whether this is the best approach.  I personally think the tour company has done this more than I have, so why not. Plus I have entered this way on another tour and didn't seem to have any trouble.  So, we'll see.  We ride with our passports ready for anything.

Priest River, Idaho

Today's route was 61 miles to Priest River, Idaho.  I was the SAG vehicle today.  After taking the obligatory pre-ride photos, riders were off on the Spokane Centennial Bike Path out of town.

Bike paths usually present support challenges for staff and SAG as it's not always easy to access the trail from the street.  And, from a rider's perspective the various turns and forks can be really confusing.

The first 2 miles of the path had riders on the Gonzaga campus, and then out onto and parallel to city streets.  There was only one turn that could be confusing, and I was able to get to that spot as riders were making the turn.

Following that, a few riders talked about missing a few turns during the day, but no major bonus miles I don't think.  I almost missed a turn early in the day, so stopped and marked the pavement for riders as they would approach so they wouldn't make the same mistake.

Weather was very overcast and in the 50's at the start.  No riders were wet from rain today, because Mother Nature smiled and rained on only part of the route before our arrival.  Made for happy riders.  Temperature at the end of the day was 68 -- much cooler than last year riding to Priest River on the Cascades to Glacier trip when the temperature and route mileage were both over 100 that day.  Today was just about perfect.

The first SAG was scheduled to be at a general store at Colbert, Washington.  Riders were glad for the SAG but pretty disappointed to find the store not opened yet (9 a.m.) so they could get an espresso.  The sign on the door said the business opened at 11:30, unusual hours we thought for a coffee shop/general store.

Today's route was beautiful (I'll need to expand my repertoire of adjectives by the end of the trip).  After leaving Spokane the area was rural but populated early in the day.  There were many homes, but also fields of wheat, lavender and peas.  There were also small herds of livestock, including horses, burrows and alpacas.  The logistics made SAG locations a little challenging, as facilities are usually pretty important to riders.  The closed general store was a double tragedy for riders to deal with.



Early in the day I had time for a few photos before meeting the riders at the first SAG.  These don't do the landscape just with the fields, mountains and big sky.



One of the benefits of running SAG is the immersion process to learn riders' names, plus being able to talk to folks at the stops and learn their story.  This group is, as with most trips like this, diverse and have some interesting stories.  This company also rotates roommates, which makes it easier to get to know everyone.

There is a spread in riding levels in the group.  There was also a mechanical problem today before the first SAG, so the group was spread out by more than 90 minutes, which is a big gap.  I backtracked at one point today to try to find one rider who had not gotten to the last stop.  So, as with last year when I also (ironically) drove the SAG to Priest River, it turned into a longer day.  But everyone got in safe and sound.

The chef prepared Alaskan sockeye salmon with dill sauce, new potatoes, fresh green beans and a fresh lettuce salad for supper tonight.  We'll also be treated to breakfast prepared at the trailer tomorrow morning.  Every meal amazes me what she creates from the back of a trailer!

I'll be riding tomorrow, 70 miles to Colville, Washington, 3,900' of climb.  Check back to see how we do.

Priest River Lumber Mill

Priest River, Idaho

Every March Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Every March Dale and I have the same conversation....
Where is Gonzaga University?  You guessed it...Spokane, Washington.  It is a beautiful campus, but it's obvious that college life has changed since some of us were in school.  Campus housing is amazing here.  


This is the art building which includes a museum.  Our Spokane hotel is next door to the campus, and one of the city bike paths goes through campus.

Today was mostly about chores.  We went to the bike shop this morning to pick up bikes.  The shop is about a mile from the hotel. This is where I had my bike shipped, and to have the Spokane shop re-assemble it for me.  The other option would be to disassemble myself, and either ship or take on the plane.  I prefer to ship ahead and make travel as simple as possible.

After getting everything back to the hotel, I wandered around and found a local sandwich shop for lunch, Caruso's.  It was excellent, and really busy by the time I left.

After lunch, I got on my bike and took a short ride before tour orientation then the SAG driver meeting.  I took the bike path through campus which then winds around through town.  It will be the route the riders will take tomorrow on our way to Priest River, Idaho.



Spokane is a really bike friendly community from what we've seen.  Motorists are courteous.  There are bike lanes and paths throughout.   It is also pedestrian friendly with a good walk-able downtown area with lots of shops, small restaurants and bars.   This is some place I would return to visit when there's more time.

Arrival last night was a little off to enjoy the city's fireworks display.  We saw the conclusion from the airport shuttle as we drove into downtown.  There were a lot of people milling around when we arrived at the hotel, so I assume the show was well attended.

I will be on SAG tomrrow, then every third day after that.  We are a group of 23 this time.  There are two riders, plus the chef, that were on last year's Cascades to Glacier ride.  Tomorrow will be challenging as I get to know and, more importantly, recognize the riders.  It's important, of course, to keep track of everyone, and more important to realize when someone is off route.  Tomorrow's 61 mile ride Priest River.  The cue sheet is a page and a half long, which is pretty lengthy for that mileage, and means many opportunities for bonus miles.  

Everyone is anxious to start.  The group is a mixture of seasoned riders and a few that are new to touring.  Unfortunately, at this time the forecast is not favorable, but we ride unless there's lightening.

Thank you and shout out to my Missouri SAG team (Steve, Brenda, Sophia and Natalie) for making sure the trip gets off "on the right foot."  The Minions were waiting in Spokane along with SAG treats (although the M&Ms will probably not make it that far).