Day 6 Sandpoint ID to Libby MT

One day, one more state off the list. Montana won't be so easy, But the bikers are looking foward to some more beautiful country and the always enjoyable tailwind.
With a bit of a late exit from Sandpoint, the stokers (as we have found cyclist are called in these parts of Montana) had a gorgeous morning pedaling along the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille. We stopped for a bite to eat at the quiet town of Huron, and with a bit of help with directions from and Australian, go figure, we continued on to Libby. Turning north on highway 56 we bumped in to a bit of a cross wind bit the incredible views of the Cabinet Mountains more than made up for the loss of momentum. With thirty or so miles to go, the bikers...stokers started to feel a bit of strain; sun and wind can zap energy as can biking over 500 miles in the last six days. With a replenish of water, fruit and an energy bar, they were able to plow through the home stretch. Yeah Libby...One more replenish: of spaghetti and meatballs this time and to the room for some needed rest. EUREKA tomorrow.

Day 5 - Spokane, WA to Sandpoint, ID

Day Five – Spokane, WA to Sandpoint, ID
After filling our bellies with home-made granola, we rolled away from the beautiful Cosgrove home with Art Cosgrove joining the group for the first few miles. From there the trio climbed gradually through the pine forests and dropped into the Pend Orielle River valley, heading for Sandpoint, Idaho.


After lunch in the historic mill-town of Newport, Washington (Many thanks to the Aerie at the Newport Chamber of Commerce for helping to spread the word) we mounted up and continued the last 34 miles along the incredibly scenic Pend Orielle river, winding our way into the Selkirk mountains. Temperatures stayed perfect – topping out around 72 degrees mid-day. The riders were feeling strong thanks to a consistent tailwind, and kept up a brisk pace the whole day.
We arrived early afternoon in Sandpoint, Idaho, hometown of teammate Cassandra and of our first-week driver, Scot Auld. Cassandra and her husband Chris Ankney hosted us all at their home for a big dinner and to celebrate our arrival in the great state of Idaho. Here we will leave Scot as he returns to his family and real life as a manager at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Gray Davis, the next driver, will take the wheel tomorrow as the THF Coast to Coast team heads across the narrow panhandle of Idaho and into Montana. Cassandra too will be leaving the team for a short time to get caught up on life and work – but will be rejoining Bill and Dick in Bismarck, ND.
After dinner Bill and Dick took the van up to the village at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, another generous supporter of the Coast to Coast trip, sponsoring the lodging for the team this night. Tomorrow Dick and Bill will head into Big Sky Country!

PS: I want to thank Dick Tapply and Cassandra Ankney for first offering me the opportunity to support this great adventure – and second for talking me into taking it! It has been a great learning experience for me, as well as a wonderful opportunity to meet some new friends and reconnect with some old ones. Moreover, I am grateful for the chance to share the challenges, successes, and good laughs with three amazing people whom I admire greatly. My thoughts will be with you – I wish you the best in completing your journey. Thanks again – and perhaps the next time our paths merge I’ll be riding a bicycle. – Scot

Day 4 Grand Coulee, WA to Spokane, WA

Day Four – Grand Coulee, WA to Spokane, WA

Anticipating their hottest temperatures yet and some solid climbing out of the gate, the Coast to Coast THF team arose early while the air was still cool. Cassandra wanted first shot at the hill, and hit the road before Dick and Bill had even started breakfast. Our host, Bob Pachosa, cooked up a tasty waffle breakfast and after handshakes and goodbyes the riders began their climb out of the Columbia River Valley and up onto the plateau toward Spokane. About 10 miles into the climb, Dick and Bill began to suspect that Cassandra must have had a secret power-breakfast that morning, as she cleared the top of the steep opening grade in impressive time and kept up a strong pace – Dick and Bill finally caught her just before Wilbur. The trio kept a brisk pace along the flats, aided at times by a nice tailwind

We traveled on Highway 2 again now, passing through the small towns of Wilbur, Creston, Davenport and others – rocky sagebrush rangeland interspersed with intensely green fields of spring crops. Although the sun was bright and getting hot, the cool breeze continued most of the day, keeping conditions tolerable.

As we passed Fairchild AFB and began the decent into the city of Spokane, the traffic picked up and the winds died. The temps had climbed to 85 and in the city it felt hotter. Cassandra opted to avoid the heat and traffic and while she made a supply run, Dick and Bill continued the final, urban leg to the beautiful north Spokane home of Dick’s friends Art & Marty Cosgrove. We were treated to a delicious dinner of big hand-made burgers and baked beans – a much needed protein-fest after a hot 97 mile day! When the evening routine of bike maintenance and stretching was over, a few stories were swapped but it wasn’t long before some yawning developed. Everyone was ready for bed.
Tomorrow will be a scenic, gradual climb up Highway 2 from Spokane into the Pend Orielle River valley, crossing into Idaho and ending the day in the resort town of Sandpoint, Idaho.

Day 3 - Quincy, WA to Grand Coulee, WA

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.

Day 2 - Stevens Pass, WA to Quincy, WA

Day Two – Stevens Pass to Quincy, WA
5/6/07


“Yee Haw!” With snow-covered Cowboy Mountain as a backdrop, the THF Coast to Coast riders departed Stevens Pass, dressed warmly for the 34 degree morning. We were also two riders stronger: Tom Maher and Chris Rudolf of Stevens Pass Ski Area proved they could do more than cook tortellini as they donned their lycra and joined the group for the 35 mile plunge off the pass to Leavenworth, Washington.

After a difficult climb the day before, the descent was a welcome thrill ride, and the group enjoyed the amazing scenery as they followed the Wenatchee River through steep canyons and impressive sections of white water frothy with spring runoff. Chris and Tom provided interpretive services, enlightening the out-of-towners on the geology, flora and fauna of the region. Tom added his wisdom about the river’s many whitewater challenges – experience gained by his years as a professional river guide all over the northwest.

The team emerged from the canyon into the “Bavarian” village of Leavenworth, WA, where the lovely Icicle Inn donated a hearty breakfast and needed caffeine. We were led out of town by Joel Martinez, a member of the senior management team at Stevens Pass – riding his mountain bike and decked out in flip flops and jeans.

Next was a gradual descent through fruit orchards toward Wenatchee, Wa. The team noted the dramatic change in scenery as the day wore on and the landscape became arid, the temperature began to climb and the vegetation became dominated by sagebrush instead of trees. Through Wenatchee we diverged from the busy highway to a wonderful urban bike path, and we said goodbye to the last our temporary teammates for the day.

Out in the flats of the eastern Washington high plateau, the group moved quickly as a stiff tailwind developed. The riders breezed into the agricultural town of Quincy, Washington with the snowcapped Cascades, our starting point only 8 hours before, still visible in the distance. The warm showers at the Traditional Inn near the entrance to town were welcome. After some bike maintenance and a big mexican dinner we crawled into our beds and crashed. Tomorrow will be a shorter-mileage day, but the forecast is calling for sun and temperatures into the 70s so we’ll have to stock up on water.

May 10 Headed for Libby Dam

Hi Everyone,

We are in Sandpoint, Idaho. Yup, Washington is behind us. All is going well. Rides have been beautiful many new frineds and yes we are tired. Most common question, "Doesn't your butt get tired? Answer: Yes! Sorry we have not updated the blog. It has been a challenge to find a fast internet connection. There will be a new addition this moring. Stay tuned.

Dick and Bill