Decision, decision

Latah trail/Farmer Market Rider... where's Roger?

Decisions, decisions, what to do?  The Latah Trail is such a wonderful route but it is only 10 miles to Troy.  The Latah trail does extend a mile or two and the foundation has plans to link this trail to the Kendrick trail but for now this is a pretty short ride.  Wanda offered an extension to  a road that winds around the hills behind Troy.  She called this the orchard loop.  She promises that the route is perfect for an Easy Does it route as it is very European and we could make a stop at The Filling Station, wonderful café in Troy.  We had just finished a stop at this wonderful café find.  I tried a granola fruit bar that was awesome and Wanda had a smoothie.  This alone was worth the ride. 

 End of the Latah trail outside of Troy
Roger is in the middle!

Our Latah trail/Farmers Market ride was well attended and we all would have liked more miles, but a we finished we each had to make a decision.  Kelly had it easy, she and her husband where planning a date weekend in Spokane, Mary Lou who rode with Kelly was content to just call it good at 26 miles.  Wanda planned to shop a bit at the Farmer market then off to Palouse to join Jim at the Palouse Music festival and Roger, well Roger just kept pedaling.  He’d never been to the Moscow Market either and he thought he’d pedal over and try to find it.  Anita and I were going to hit the Moscow Farmers market. 

  

This market is well known in the surrounding area.  The mix of people is always fun.  You can truly people watch here.  This community is a college town with healthy collection of alternative life styles.  We strolled around looking at the many booths offering local organic produce, handmade soaps, beautiful Palouse photography, and all types of unusual treats from Egyptian Baklava to vegan dried apples.  Along with the collection of healthy treats, there were little children everywhere.  Parents bring kids to play in the fountain, enjoy outdoor music and lemonade,  and it seemed each one had an ice cream cone.

This was a perfect day for a bike ride anywhere in our area.  I hope you all got a chance to enjoy the summer sun.  If you’re ever interested in what an Easy Does it Ride is all about, try the Latah Trail followed by a glass of raspberry lemonade at the Moscow Farmer’s Market, now that’ how to enjoy the day.

 Moscow Farmers Market

Lesson learned. Don't text while going down stairs.

Corrie and I love to bike

I sat a lot this weekend.  Corrie and I along with 7 other from our cycling group had planned to ride CHAFE.  This ride is a fund raiser for the panhandle education alliance in the Sandpoint ID area.  Corrie and I have riden this ride for the last three years and we both feel it is worth the trip.  The ride goes around beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, and the course is  beautiful this time of year. 

As a cyclist/runner we all make choices about the rides and runs we do.  We look at locations, matching our ability with the course and of course the weather.  Usually it’s an easy choice.  When you wake up and put on your shoes you choose ride or no ride.  Pouring rain usually keeps most of us on the couch rather than riding.   We all can understand choices when you add a planned and paid for ride or run.   If you have put enough planning in the event you can easily choose to at least give the run/ride a start.  Pouring rain and a forecast of more can change your plans.  Sometimes it’s hard to make a decision. 

My plan this year was to ride the 80 mi option with Donna Callahan and Jennifer Block from our TRC group.  We had great fun building up to this ride.  We all felt ready for the distance. 

My choices where made a bit easier by my stupid choice to try texting while going down stairs! My dear husband loves to tease me about multitasking and now he has more opportunity to point out my many flaws.  “Pay attention Linda”, he frequently reminds me.  So, my sprained ankle should have made it easy for me to choose to ride or not.  No, think again.  I crashed on my bike in the parking lot. Wrong choice.  I’m a soon to be 60 yr. old runner/biker who’ll ride/run any chance I get.  Long distance, hills, bad weather, sore ankles, hardly ever holds me back.  I have found running/biking to be my connection to living as a full human being.  I will always make the choice to run/bike.  Life is best experienced while being part of your surroundings in an active way.  The result of my attempts to bike with a sprained ankle, even in the parking lot left me with few choices. 

 I watched CHAFE  this year, but still enjoyed the ride.  I choose to consider my entry fee/donation to be worth the cost.  I found out that the charity for the ride makes over $100,000 for early childhood education in this part of Idaho.  What a great way to help this great cause.  How can I not feel like this was a good use of my $$. 

I had a great weekend in a beautiful part of ID.  I contributed to a good cause.  I got a chance to meet with good friends who enjoy biking and I continue to learn lessons in this wonderful experience of life.  So, to all my friends: don’t text while going down stairs and don’t try to ride a bike with a purse in your hands.  You’d think I would have learned that in 60 yrs. But I get it now!!!

Cristy's and Roger win the 2012 Ugly Shirt awards!

 Vintage TRC tee shirt for Roger

Christy's just plain ugly tee shirt

Sun shining, flowering trees are glorious, children playing baseball, it must be spring.  We're all so tired of the rain, wind and gloomy skies.  Typically the first rides of spring bring out many riders and Saturday's "Ugly Shirt Ride" had good attendance.  We had a good collection of shirts for our competition.  Roger wore his new Spam jersey, Vicky brought out a vintage Wild Wife tee shirt from 1982, I wore my Charlie Brown jersey.  It was tough to choose the winner. The prizes went to Roger Dumbeck for the guy with an old TRC tee shirt from the 80's and Christy Hagel who had just a plain really ugly shirt that was an easy pick.   The remainder of riders; Tracy, Kelly and her mother Marylou,  and Donna promised to make more of an effort next year.  

 

 Dave shows up for the ride

We all enjoyed seeing Dave Tibbels on his first club ride since his health problems began last year.  He was so glad to be on bike and riding well that he couldn't care less about his normal shirt. Dave said he's been able to commute to work and was trying to see how he managed on a longer ride.

Everyone enjoyed the gorgeous day and lunch at Taco Time gave us all a chance to hear about upcoming Easy Does it Rides.  Our next ride will be the Art Ride in May and maybe the Latah Trail in June.  Donna and I encouraged our group to check out the other TRC rides coming up this summer.  Keep an eye on the calender.  The season has officially started!

   

Roger in his new Spam Jersey

A chilly start for the first ride of spring

First ride of spring and it's 37 degrees. Not a perfect start, but at least the snow is miles away. We really couldn't complain. Bunnies scampered along the path and the usual walkers and dogs along the path, so it must be spring at last. The size of the group didn't surprise me, as all of the group had registered. All 12 showed up. Our group included the usual riders; Corrie, Gary and Donna Callahan, Bill Arnold, but sereral new riders joined us this morning: Kelly Haberman and her mom Mary Lou, Gary's friend Roger Staats and his wife Tracy, one of my co St. Joes employees Vicki Vogel and her friend Christy, and finally from Pomeroy, RogerDumbeck planning on enjoying the trail without 60mph traffic. So off we went at 10 am sharp, all bundled up and eager to finally get on the bike. We didn't even mind the usual ride up Asotin Creek.

That's what the first ride is about; friends we haven't seen for awhile plus new ones to encourage, as they first discover a new route and the joy of riding a bike again. We stopped at the Asotin Daly's Bakery for lunch and had a chance to get to know our new riders a bit. As usual I kept the mileage to an easy 25 miles. The Easy Does it philosophy was challenged quite a bit though. Not one of the new riders kept to the 10-12 mph, so as usual I brought up the rear but that was just fine for me. Spring is a time to smell the air and listen to sounds of birds proclaiming, it really is Spring, finally.

Flying down Anatone Grade is always fun!

Gary and Russ aren't afraid to try an Easy Does it Ride!

Despite a confusing start place, our Easy Does it Ride had a good turnout. I had put the idea together quickly after deciding to stay home this week instead of riding OBR this week with Corrie. My mom had a bit of a health crisis last week and she’s really needed me. So grandma pulled the long straw and Corrie has Jim McKracken as a tour buddy this year. I'm sure they'll both have great pictures and stories to tell.

I started at McDonalds this morning for a quick coffee and Egg McMuffin with Bonnie, then off to the corps parking lot to see who might show up this morning. Our riders included Donna and Gary, Russ and Lori, our two newest riders Jennifer and Candice, along with Ellen and her friend Sharon and my dear friend Bonnie Konrad. We had quite a crew and no one seemed to mind riding up Anatone Grade this morning. It’s about 4 miles, so relatively short but, as I was telling some of our newer riders this is pretty similar to all the climbs in this area. The Lewiston Hill, Whitebird Grade, even Winchester, all have the same gently 5-7% grade, but Anatone is probably the shortest. The deal about this climb is that the hill never ends, until you get to Anatone, 18 miles from the base. We all managed the climb and even continued a few miles further up. And of course the fun part is flying down the gently sloping switch backs. Weee as this kid sails down! Lets go again! Well, maybe not until after another Egg McMuffin.

Bike to Work Day begins perfectly

A Beautiful Day to bike to SJRMC
(Picture taken last month, but you get the idea)

It couldn't be a nicer May morning. We've had our share of nasty, rainy weather for sure. Today is national bike to work day and come whatever the weather I planned to ride today. Bike commuting is different then your usual bike ride. It takes planning and coordinating. I've noticed the route I usually take to work, via the bike path will be unridable for the rest of the summer at least. So, I can either plan to ride on the highway or adjust my route to using the blue bridge. That will be complicated too. Riding up Prospect would be my preferred route but it's tough to cross Main Street Lewiston at that point, with no crosswalks from the bridge side walk to Prospect. I'm not sure what I'll do at this point, but you can see how planning is important.
What to take with you to work includes; clothing, cleaning up at work, shoes, lunch, etc. This is usually pretty easily taken care of with a bike pannier system. There are many bike bag systems available, and of course a simple back pack works too.

I have converted my old bike to a commuter bike which has simplified my getting ready plan. I don't like to change shoes for work, so on this bike I have regular pedals instead of the more efficient clip on shoes. I've really not seen a problem with regular shoes as my ride is only 5 mi to work. You have to make it work for you. I'm lucky that my schedule is very flexible. Most nurses are doing shift work of some kind, which makes another issue with night riding etc. Well, no one said bike commuting is as simple as just getting on the bike.

Well, my breakfast is gone, I'm properly caffeinated and the sun is shining. Riding my bike this morning will give this Friday a great start. I hope all of you can get on your bike today. It's a simply perfect morning.

My ride was great. I managed the construction on Snake River Ave. by maneuvering into the standard flow of traffic and progressed to Prospect as I usually do. I had extra time in the afternoon so I extended my usual ride home by going out to Clarkston via the Blue Bridge and Evans road to home. I got a few extra miles in and the weather cooperated. If you want to get into shape... Ride to Work, any day.

The Zen of Bloomsday

The ZEN of Bloomsday 

The sun is shining brightly as I mill around the crowd. Tony shows up with his running gear on. No extra jacket or sweat shirt for him. It's chilly to say the least, but in the crowd of 50,000 plus it's not too bad. I've chatted a bit with some of the runners around me. The two guys ahead are brothers. One brother is stationed at Fairchild air-force base, the other flew in from St. Louis to join his brother running today, and downing a few too many cold ones, last night. No bother they state, the hung over feeling should go after 5-6 miles, they grimace. This little clump of people also includes a group of 3 women, all from Canada. They happily describe the fun they've had together this weekend. They all come to Spokane and make an annual weekend shopping trip. Their friendship is marked by this annual run together, including matching shirts for each year they've run.

The annual run on the first Sunday in May, has become an annual celebration that marks the start of spring, in this beautiful city of Spokane. Why would anyone want to run in a crowd of 50-60,000 other people. It all has to do with what I call; The Zen of Bloomsday.

We all understand this as we wait in the crowd. The Zen begins with family and planning. The run itself is 7.2 miles, a 12 K. so most of the runners have to make sure they've at least donned shoes and made some effort at training. Most of the adults anyway. The crowd is always a mix of runners, including children with parents or as the brothers nearby, people young enough to just show up and run. Regardless of the training, this group shows health and joy in spending an hour or two outdoors and active.

The plan also includes gathering family or friends. Tony and I stayed with my younger son Ryan and his wife Kim. We all enjoy the chance to spend time together and Tony and I plot together to see if we can get Ryan to join us next year. The Zen always include bringing others next year. This year (2017) we convinced him to join us!

As we begin the run we weave along the route. The tour weaves around the streets of Spokane, up and down the notorious climbs. Up the short slope beside the cemetery, followed by the mile long trek up Doomsday hill and thankfully the water stop at the crest. To be properly into the Zen of Bloomsday, you must high-five the vulture hovering at the top of the climb.

Bands are stationed almost every half mile along the route. Every type of band is present from the Om pa German group, to sightings of Elvis, Trekkie's and neighborhood kids beating on laundry tubs, in cadence, as the group surges past. Babies in arms, elderly grandmas cheering with little doggies on their laps, parties of friends with Mimosa's in hand, even the priest saying Mass comes out to give blessings as the runners pass by the Cathedral.

We where happy to finish and gather the long awaited tee shirt. Of course this is the prize and believe me that is the Zen in hand. Do we run for just the tee shirt? Hardly, but it does say a hearty yes to the joy of life and the beginning of spring, finally.

A joyous finish in the park

Picking an Ugly Shirt is hard this early!

Jean Campbell, our winner for the Ugly Shirt Ride 2011!

Colleen found this shirt in Pakistan!! For real!!

Donna, pretty in pink

Gary in his Old Guy Cycling Team shirt

Heather in her cool Aztec shirt

Linda in her very cool Cat in the Hat shirt

We had a good turn out for the Ugly shirt ride today. The challenge of finding a suitable "Ugly Shirt" brought out several Easy Does it regular riders; Heather, Ellen, Colleen, Donna with Gary in his old guy shirt, Corrie... dressed as just his usual self, along with a few new riders; Linda T and Jean and Ken Campbell with daughter Jody and baby Georgianna in the burley. Ken said they've been riding for years including I Made the Grade a few times.

Jean and Ken Cambell with daughter Jody and baby Georgianna
in the Burley

We had a bit of a route adjustment as we tried to avoid the MS walkers on the path, but we managed to make our way through the crowd without incident. We even managed to pick up another rider, Jan on the way.

The chilly but sunny day had everyone in a cheerful talkative group as we rode toward the 10 mile bridge past Asotin. No flats or problems along the way, a great Easy Does it Ride and we finished it off with a lunch at Taco Time. As far as Ugly shirts go, I have to say it was hard to choose, but if I was going to pick, I guess Jeans blue/purple tye dye shirt was a winner... so Jean promised me we'd work on a Moscow Co-Op cinnamon roll ride sometime, I'll have to present her with her prize then, unless we see her sooner. What fun to ride with such a nice group on a perfectly beautiful spring morning.

Corrie dressed as... Corrie

Come join us this Sat at 10

A cupcake for Easy Does it Riders? Could be... if I get my act together.

You have to start sometime. It's cold and windy at times, and your tires probably need to be pumped up, but it's time!

It's April and the flowers are blooming. Hopefully we'll have good weather. We could go up river past Asotin for an hour or so. If any of you want to ride at a faster pace that's fine. The pace is published to be a pace for a beginner. I just try to stay with the slower pace or what ever the group is at.

An ugly shirt ride is about "not looking cool" I have a favorite jersey that makes me look like Charlie Brown.. you'll have to watch this site for a picture. I feel like a perfectly respectable "dork" in it. I think I might make some of Camille's awesome chocolate cupcakes.. so if folks are coming for food... here's your chance to join the Easy Does it Crew.

Runners and Cyclists join up for New Year's

Welcome 2011

New Years eve is generally not a biker friendly day. The weather this year was typical; cold! icy and just plain gray, even Corrie was spending the day in the recliner watching basketball.

We invited the Seaport Striders to our usual New Years eve dinner and movie event. The turnout was great. Corrie and I, Lance and Janet, Debbie and Scott, George and Barbara Topping and even Dave an Lee Anne Tibbles came down from snowy Moscow. There where another 15 or so Striders who joined us, many of who have joined our biking events in the past.

We had a nice dinner at the Landing Strip Lounge, located in the Lewiston airport.
After dinner several of us headed to the theater. Corrie and I and several others went to True Grit. The theater was packed, Corrie and I couldn't even find seats together. The movie was great. This re make is a true western and the Coen brothers give it a unique perspective. To top off, this traditional bike club event, the Riddle's made an audio appearance via a cell phone call from their new condo in McCall.

We saw many of the same crew today at the Strider's "Hangover" run. This is an annual event that the Striders have put on for several years. The event is open to both runners and walkers. The runners meet at the Confluence and head out for a very informal run. The majority go for a 4 mile out and back on the bike path and a few hardier souls make it a 9 mile loop around the bridges from the memorial bridge to Red Wolf and back to the confluence. Lance MC's this event in his usual cheerful way. No sign of a hang-over in this group.

It makes sense for our two community groups to meet up regularly. We can all benefit from cross training. Most of us have switched back and forth from the running and biking events over the years and it's nice to meet new friends. Meeting new and old friends is a great way to start the New Year off. Before you know it it will be biking weather, but for today enjoy a good book or watching a good basketball game. Happy New Year to all!!

Pumpkin pie and a perfect fall bicycle ride

Donna volunteered to host our ride today. The fall colors in the valley where at their best, it couldn't have been a nicer day. We had a pretty good turn out of riders too. The steep climb up to Donna and Gary's house gave us all a workout. Turning right off of Critchfield road onto 22nd then up Quailridge the grade turns quickly up to a good 10%. It is only a block or so but still a significant challange. We where rewarded for out efforts, however. Pumpkin and apple pie, cider and cookies where available. Most of us had to show our gratitude to our hosts by sampling both pumpkin and apple pie. I hope everyone had a chance to get outside today, it was a beautiful day.

Ride Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP) 2010

Stanley Park, Vancouver BC

We are so glad to be home. Our latest bicycle tour was to the western side of the state. RSVP Ride to Seattle-Vancouver (BC) and Party or I would rather call it RSV and be PREPARED! For those of us on the eastern side of the state this little 180 mi. 2 day treck through the bike paths in Seattle and on to Bellingham and Vancouver BC was scenic and memorable in more ways then one. The 10 page tour route guide was the hint at the complexity of the navigating we experienced. Who knew there where so many bike paths, trails, city bike routes, but be prepared. You can find them everywhere!

A tasty Latte along the way

To those who live in the Seattle area I’m sure the ride wouldn’t have been so overwhelming, I felt like we where taking the Starbucks triple Grande espresso tour! Not for the Easy Does it crew or the Ride a Century every week guy (Corrie). It was a nice surprise to experience nearly perfect weather cool mornings, clear blue skies. We did get our share of head wind near Bellingham, which was not fun but it was nice to be away from the 100 degree days we’ve had here.

The Century a Week guy begins RSVP

You had to be very prepared to manage this ride. If you wanted to even have a hope of getting in, you have to be a member of the Cascade bicycle club which allows you to register at the opening of the registration in January. Then if you know the hotels that the group uses you made reservations in January to get the designated hotels. Corrie did his best in booking overnight accommodations in Bellingham and Vancouver BC, but they where still over a mile from the luggage drop off, so we had to haul ousr back pack on your back while navigating downtown streets, and after riding 100 mi. in the heat. Great fun, I suppose for some… but this was over the top for Corrie and I. NEVER DID A SHOWER FEEL SO GOOD!

Be prepared for the minimal official food and water stops. The riders plan to enjoy the local fair at the various little towns along the way, which is a great way to spend an hour or so at places like Arlington, WA or Lyndon BC.. But, be prepared, the food was wonderful in Bellingham and Vancouver BC. Oh and the best Italian food in the tiny town of Cle Elum. If you ever travel through this little town on the way to Seattle check out Lentines. You’ll be licking the plates clean!

I was worried about the distance of the ride, but I didn’t have much trouble with the ride. I was tired at the end of our long days but mostly exhausted from the logistics of navigating in the traffic in unfamiliar areas. There were plenty of people to follow. But, for this distance (~200mi. be prepared with plenty of Ibuprofen.)

I found this wonderful Quilt store in Arlington, WA

Be prepared for some complicated city driving such as the 4 round abouts we encountered. These weren’t’ too complicated once you realized what was going on but poor Corrie nearly became road kill in one. Besides navigating round-abouts we had two suspension bridges to cross.

Fort Pitt Suspension Bridge

So finally be prepared to bike into Downtown Vancouver into one of Canada’s largest and most diverse cities… traveling through China town and the trendy Gaslight district, navigating a crazy down town with tour buses, ferry terminal traffic and bike lanes everywhere for this very bike savvy local population. IT was Absolutely crazy and exciting, especially if you had no time to even begin to follow your booklet of directions without getting hit by a granny and her walker, a punk rocker with tattoos everywhere , tourists from every country imaginable, and all this at the end of biking 80 miles.

Oh, and be prepared to sit at the border for hours if you happen to be in a bus!! Thank goodness it was a really plush bus, unfortunately neither Corrie or I where prepared for no lunch stops! So, if you’d like to do RSVP in the future I’d say you’ll have a wonderful experience… as long as you’re PREPARED!

A beautiful August ride on the Latah Trail

11 Riders for our Latah Trail Ride

I was glad we choose the Latah trail for our August Easy does it ride. It was going to top 90 in the Lewiston Clarkston Valley and our ride would be cool and in the trees. We had a great turn out for the ride; Brenda McIntosh and I where first, then Gary and Donna Callahan showed up with Chuck King from Pullman, next came Lori Gaskill and her friend Janet, followed by Heather and Beth Rimmelsbacher, and Coller Tougher, and last but not least Mary Hoesenhrl. I couldn’t believe it. Most of our group had never been on the Latah Trail.

I encouraged everyone to watch the busy trail and go at their own pace. Just out of the parking lot Lori came up with a slow leak/flat tire. I was more then happy to fix her flat but she emphatically stated no, that’s it, I’m getting a new bike. Jay’s off to Alaska fishing with his buddies, so I’m getting a bike. Well , there you go. Husbands beware. When mom needs a new bike, mom gets a new bike. So, we quickly lost Lori and Janet on this ride, but I know we’ll see her again and I can’t wait to see what bike she’ll buy.

The ride was beautiful. The sky a bit hazy but this ride is always a treat for those of us use to the Lewiston/Clarkston trail. The golden fields, pine tree forests, winding road down to Troy Id. The wind was in our face on the way back but it was pleasant and cool as the heat increased. This was Beth’s first ride beyond 10 miles on the Clarkston bike path and she was hooked. She managed twice the distance and never a complaint.

We finished close to noon and we all went our own way. And surprise, surprise who should show up just to say hi, but Chandler and his wife Becky. They weren’t able to join us for the ride but we updated them on plans for rides still to come including Joseph. Maybe we’ll see them.

Chandler shares a root beer

I was planning to investigate the Moscow farmers market. I haven’t been to the Market in years and it seems like an entire different world at this neighborhood experience. Take it in and while you’re at it, take time to ride the beautiful Latah Trail for a cool August ride.

Moscow Saturday Market

2010 OBR Bike Tour

The Stanley Basin

A bike tour around the Stanley Basin sounds like an adventure and it was, as usual. Corrie and I have signed up for the Oregon Bicycle Ride for the last 7 years and we’ve always had a wonderful time. I tell people it’s like adult summer camp. Our fun is planned for us, all we have to do is show up and bike our butt off for a week.

The group has been at this for almost 30 years and they have it down. They plan a 400 mi or so route around scenic areas in Oregon, Wa or Idaho. They look for low traffic roads with good shoulders and a 40-75 miles. This sounds like an impossible task for some riders but remember all you have to do is keep riding.. and if you’re over your limit there is a friendly sag driver to pick you up and did I tell you they plan the most wonderful rest stops… OH,MY, GOD… you wouldn’t believe the spead they put out… fruit of all kinds, chips, homemade cookies, pickles, cheese, crackers, peanut butter and bananas with… chocolate!!! And the second rest stop… not to be outdone will have a completely different list of yummy snacks.







Camping in the Park


Our ride this year was quite a mix. We started in the little town of Carey, Id.. who would ever take time to explore a little town the size of Anatone, if not on a bike tour with nothing else to do. We start very early… about 8 am after a substantial breakfast of eggs, oatmeal, fruit, meat of some kind… some eat well, but many just have the gormet coffee, light on all but the oatmeal and plan for more about 25 miles down the road at the first rest stop. Our first ride out of Carey was about 50 miles in a flat desert, but we would have time to tour the Craters of the Moon National Park. Everything looks better when you travel in the cool morning by bicycle. The National Park was amazing in it’s desolation and you wonder what pioneers had to go through if they traveled through this county. Most everyone arrives by 1 pm and we settle into the routines of the afternoon.
• First you look for your tent… and if you have a fast hubby like mine, it’s already set up!
• Next you find camp central and look for that tub of iced drinks… juice, pop, beer ,take your choice
• NAP or Shower… via the traveling shower truck ( a semi converted into mens and women’s showers, clean as a whistle and with a dependable hot vigorous shower
• FOOD… snacks or lunch, visit with all your camp buddies
• NAP… read that good book you brought
• Dinner…. Visit will all your camp buddies
• Nap or read
• Sleep… heavenly, deep sleep that you’ve earned after biking your butt off!
Our tour continued from Carey to Arco and Challis… another thriving metropolis of about 100 people. All our rides where a challenge this year from a 50-80 mile day with 30mi/hr head winds (we where told) to Galena Pass, more head winds on our easy day. So no easy days for our group.



Our tour continued from Carey to Arco and Challis… another thriving metropolis of about 100 people. All our rides where a challenge this year from a 50-80 mile day with 30mi/hr head winds (we where told) to Galena Pass, more head winds on our easy day. So no easy days for our group.

We did get a layover day in Stanley, ID. This is an idyllic mountain town. The small population are mostly associated with some type of recreation in the surrounding woods, mountains or the Salmon river. We had our choice of hiking, swimming, rafting, biking or even mountain climbing. Corrie had written about his experience riding but I had the better experience of rafting the Salmon river. The guide began our ½ day guided white water raft trip with a safety lecture. How to man the oars, sit in the raft as we ventured into level 1-4 rapids, wear our life jackets, and in the event we “went for an unexpected swim”, how we would be snatched! Little did I know that within in 5 min of entering the rapids I would be in for a “SWIM!” I found myself in the front spot of the 8 man raft, very uncomfortably sitting with my foot in a pocket. The first few minutes seemed easy but they warned us about the soon approaching rocks we where going to dod…..ge! OH, NO, OVER AND UNDER I WENT, head over heals and more, as I was tossed around in the rapids…OH, NO, there goes my sandals, OH NO, there goes my hat… NIKKI”S Biking hat! OH, MY GOD they’re moving away… as I grabbed onto the floundering Brit who joined me for a swim… thank God, I’m a swimmer, not afraid of the water, but dunked into swirling rapids is a whole different experience!! I climbed up the Brit and we both managed to reach the raft and the strangers I started with pulled us in and became our instant best buddies. Was I cold they asked?? NO, I’m in the raft!!! That was quick! After a bit of shaking, I managed to calm down, enough to grab my oar and take my part as part of our rafting crew. The rest of the ride was uneventful as I found more secure footing. We had about another hour or so of rafting plus lunch on the shore prepared by our guides. What a lunch!!! Moroccan chicken, couscous and veggies, blue cheese and garlic dip, chips, brownies, lemonaide… did I say I’d put aside the weight watchers diet plan. This was an eventful adventure. Not only did I take an unplanned swim but as we managed the rapids, first one sandal then the other followed the currents and made it straight back to me. But, not the hat… my favorite biking hat, my only biking hat was sacrificed to the river. Some day it will be found by a surprised rafter. Maybe they’ll convert and try a bike. Sorry Nikki, I loved that hat.

The friends I met during our bike tour will stay with me forever. I’ll probably forget their names, I probably won’t send them promised e mails. I’ll miss the biking adventures we shared, but I have Corrie to share our memories and of course the pictures will remind me of the wonderful biking “summer camp” adventure.





Corrie and Dave