To Spokane

June 12, 2023

It’s another beaut of a day as we roll out from the KOA towards Diamond Lake. I’m appreciating this more after our slog through the rain three days ago.

We're leaving the Northern Tier bike route behind, turning south towards Spokane. There the Spokane River Centennial Trail will take us 40 miles east, back into Idaho and the North Idaho Centennial Trail, eventually leading us to the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes.

Since we left the mountains in Montana and Idaho, the landscape has downshifted to rolling farm lands and forests. Its the first time on the trip that we’ve noticed any cows.

Near Fairwood, a sort stretch off the road on a trail lined with lupines, I think

It's a hilly ride. Forty miles in we hit a giant one on Rutter Parkway.

We both walked this one. It’s kind of a deal to get a loaded recumbent uphill. All the weight is in the back so we’re pushing from there while stretching to steer the twitchy handlebars.

At mile 46 we cross the Spokane River to the western terminus of the Centennial Trail. Built beginning in 1989, it celebrated the centennial of Washington becoming the 42nd state of the union.

I generally think of paved trails along rivers as chill, mostly level rides. This is not that. It’s up and down, rising high above the river on some steep climbs. There may have been more walking.

The dam at Nine Mile Falls, at the west end of the Centennial Trail

The trail is smooth and as wide as a road in some places

We're all alone again, riding among the giants

The trees on the opposite bank look like broccoli to me

After more hills and thrills we arrive at the home of our WarmShowers hosts for tonight, Nick and Addie and their two boys, Calvin and Cliff. We get acquainted over a great roast chicken dinner and pass out in a big comfortable bed. It's so nice to stay with people, especially when they love to ride bikes. Spokane looks fun; we’ll take an extra day here to wander around.

Heart

Comment

Link

Today's ride: 58 miles (93 km)
Total: 474 miles (763 km)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	7
Comment on this entry	Comment	0