Day Three – Quincy, WA to Grand Coulee, WA
05/07/07
The sun came up warm today and a strong wind was moving eastward across the dry farmlands. Bill and Dick headed off at a time-trial pace, emboldened by the tailwind and a relatively flat ride ahead. By lunchtime, however, the sun was hot and the dry air was sucking the moisture out of the riders – their early pace began to look like it may have been too ambitious.
Though the impressive scenery of the Sun Lakes and Dry Falls area provided inspiration, as the miles piled up the fatigue became evident and the team was glad to make the glide into Grand Coulee, WA – perched on the cliffs above the massive Grand Coulee Dam and Columbia River. Of course, the Gold House Inn – where proprietor Bob Pachosa generously subsidized our stay – was at the top of the steepest grade of the day.
After a blissful recovery period (and even a dip in the Columbia!) in the shady grass of a local Bureau of Reclamation picnic area, the team ate a hearty meal at the local watering hole. We couldn’t resist taking in the sights of the Grand Coulee Dam (Bill got his Dam picture) and afterwards headed for the inn for some down time. Blogging, food inventory, bike maintenance and body maintenance were in order as the sun, still hot at 7 pm, sunk below the rocky hills to the west.
Tonight the riders want to turn in early, as the forecast calls for 80+ temperatures and the day will begin with several miles of steep climb right out of the gate. We’ve already decided on an extra early start to try to complete the climbing portion before the mercury climbs too high. Tomorrows ride will end in Spokane, WA.
05/07/07
The sun came up warm today and a strong wind was moving eastward across the dry farmlands. Bill and Dick headed off at a time-trial pace, emboldened by the tailwind and a relatively flat ride ahead. By lunchtime, however, the sun was hot and the dry air was sucking the moisture out of the riders – their early pace began to look like it may have been too ambitious.
Though the impressive scenery of the Sun Lakes and Dry Falls area provided inspiration, as the miles piled up the fatigue became evident and the team was glad to make the glide into Grand Coulee, WA – perched on the cliffs above the massive Grand Coulee Dam and Columbia River. Of course, the Gold House Inn – where proprietor Bob Pachosa generously subsidized our stay – was at the top of the steepest grade of the day.
After a blissful recovery period (and even a dip in the Columbia!) in the shady grass of a local Bureau of Reclamation picnic area, the team ate a hearty meal at the local watering hole. We couldn’t resist taking in the sights of the Grand Coulee Dam (Bill got his Dam picture) and afterwards headed for the inn for some down time. Blogging, food inventory, bike maintenance and body maintenance were in order as the sun, still hot at 7 pm, sunk below the rocky hills to the west.Tonight the riders want to turn in early, as the forecast calls for 80+ temperatures and the day will begin with several miles of steep climb right out of the gate. We’ve already decided on an extra early start to try to complete the climbing portion before the mercury climbs too high. Tomorrows ride will end in Spokane, WA.
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