Day 7, 8, and 9 Okanagan to Colville

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 I had no cell service for thr last 2 days so this is a long update. Day 7 was from Okanagan  to Havillah. The closed bicycle shop opened to replace my seat post The shop owner gave me a alternate route that was 22 miles further, but the 2 pass climbs were easier and the traffic was extremely  light. I was on my way for a new adventure. The climb out of Tonasket was 19 miles with a ski resort at the top. I made it 16 and stopped in Havillah at a Lutheran church that is a trail angel. The church was open to sleep in, bathroom,  and the refrigerator  was stocked with food. What a relaxing night.

Day 8 was from Havillah, Wa to the top of Boulder Pass. It started with the final 3 miles of 1100' climb to the Shitzmark ski resort. I went through another  small town Chesaw and then to Curlew, wa. I thought I  would supply my evening  there, but it was Sunday  and the town was shut down. I  started the climb with as much water as I  could carry. By the time I  got to the top I  was low on water and the pump I  was told was at the campsite did not exist. I was the only one camping  there, so I  unloaded my bike and rode back to the road and shook my empty  water bottle until a nice lady stopped and filled my bottles. Beautiful  evening with the campsite all to myself. Oh, except for the range cows with bells around their necks.

Day 9 was from the top of Boulder Pass to Colville, wa. I started with a eleven  mile downhill  ride and averaged 26 Mph. The ride from the bottom of the hill to Colville was wonderful. I crossed the Columbia  River with some Rolling hills.  I broke a spoke on the rear wheel and made it into Colville just fine. I had arranged  for Betty to meet me in Colville  to go home for a zero day.  While I  was waiting for  Betty drinking my iced mocha outside a coffe shop our ski buddy Connie walked up to get a coffee. How weird, what are the odds? Now I have to take my wheel to the bike shop in the morning. I've  decided to take 2 zero days, lose some weight in my packs, and Betty is taking me to Newport,  wa on Thursday.















Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 26, 2023 at 8:49 PM

    Sounds adventuresome! , I hope there are no more water availability issues! Love the blog and photos! Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. TomJune 26, 2023 at 8:59 PM

    Great pics…keep it up

    ReplyDelete
  3. DennisJune 26, 2023 at 9:00 PM

    Sounds like a pretty good ride so far. Yes, sounds like you're carrying about 20 lb too much weight and while you're home, buy about 10 spokes and a spoke wrench so you can make that repair yourself. Tailwinds, and be safe my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. IronmongersJune 27, 2023 at 9:13 AM

    Missing the mileage from Colville to Newport?? No EFI rules on Rick’s Big Ride? 🤣 just yanking your proverbial chain my friend! So far we are loving your blog spots. Worried that once you cross the Rockies we may lose you for awhile. We had HUGE areas on our drive to RAGBRAI without cell service. Safe trails to you ~

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wade and Kathleen GriffithJune 27, 2023 at 9:48 AM

    So cool that you ran into Connie! But sorry not to see you come thru Spokane. We are really enjoying your blog. Your experiences help renew our faith in the kindness of strangers. Taili winds, easy climbs, smooth descents, and wide shoulders, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJune 27, 2023 at 12:41 PM

    It's always weird when you run into someone in odd places. I am loving the pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 28, 2023 at 8:23 AM

    I look forward to your updates, especially the pictures...those cows. Glad you're taking a couple of zero days, sounds like you have had a few tiring days and nights! Audrey

    ReplyDelete

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