Day 7. Thursday, June 27 – Republic to Kettle Falls, Washington
Tuesday 25 June 2013
Out of the door at 7:00 …..backup, out of the door at 7:30 this morning. Of course, it was not until our bikes were fully loaded that we realized I had a flat tire. By this time, the clear skies that had been promised were cold (about 45 degrees) and wet (not quite a drizzle, but heavier than a mist). Anyway, it was chilling.
Our first three miles were on a dedicated paved trail 
along highway 20; 
where we enjoyed the beautiful views without the traffic noise.
And then we began to climb; 
scary after an hour of climbing we see a sign that warns of a steep grade…..Really? Think the sign should have been a few miles down the mountain.
Speaking of signs; there’s something wrong this this one, right?
We followed a roaring stream most of the morning,
past beautiful fields
and farms
hanging tight to the shoulder for the passing log trucks.
We continued, slowly with lots of stops in the plentiful turnouts.
Close to the top there was a large area that had apparently had a huge fire several years ago. 
While the low growth was thriving, sticks remained where large old trees once thrived.
After four hours of biking, we managed to get to the top of the 18 mile climb.
It was a tough climb, same elevation change as yesterday (climbed 3000 feet), just condensed into shorter distance…….ie: it was tough, and we still had 25 miles to get to our destination. We had planned to rest at the top, enjoy victory and lunch, but the wind was so strong and the rain threatening, we did not linger.
Once again the first few miles of straight drop were wet and freezing; we waited for the air to warm and our bodies to thaw. Somewhere along the ride down, we warmed and started to once again enjoy the beautiful scenery.
But we were tired and welcomed the site of the dive we were staying in tonight. Unfortunately, we had to bike another mile + for dinner, but found another great local brew house (yes, they serve wine too)
for a delicious and laid back dinner. Nothing left after 46 miles; just hoping a good night sleep will be enough for another climb tomorrow.
Don Says:
You guys are looking good! I know you’re enjoying yourselves, but it’s a shame you won’t be here this weekend–you know, Haynes is having a sale–HA!
Ken Says:
You won’t be needing those coats next Monday and Tuesday with temps around 100 degrees!
Ken Says:
Looks like you won’t be needing those coats next Monday and Tuesday since the temps are supposed to be around 100 degrees!
Justin Says:
Sorry about the flat. When I started to read the blog, thought maybe the kids were not cooperating with you about going to swim lessons at yet another different pool!
Very impressive climb.
Jerry and Lori Says:
No, but she has become very fond of the guardrails….
Jerry and Lori Says:
It was 99 on my bike computer today…we ran out of water and we were beginning to
lose it when found a country store around 42 miles into the ride.
Ken Says:
Looks like you stopped next to the airport. Maybe flying to Idaho?!
Jerry and Lori Says:
Hell…..I am so tired I am ready to fly to Maine…
Jim Corzatt Says:
J & L
Have you seen many signs for Washington state vineyards? Have you enjoyed any of the great Washington state wine?
Anonymous Says:
We believe they ship all the Wahingtin state wines to California where they can get more money for them….we are drinking cheap California wines. We drank a bottle of Cocobon last night with pizza…..life is good
Jerry and Lori Says:
What Haynes is having a sale….let me catch a plane tomorrow….I don’t want to miss it….
Justin Says:
At 99 degrees, you must be inventing some new high heat hover techniques… Sorry you missed the Haynes sale. Paper said it was the last one and biggest ever!
Jerry and Lori Says:
Yes, I am sorry I missed the Haynes sale, but I spent all my money on “beer hydration “
Justin Says:
Heard the lizard sitting near the guard rail looked up and started singing “cat on a hot tin roof” just before he got washed away from the guard rail!
Some crazy temperatures are supposed to stay around for awhile. May need to stop earlier each day for beer hydration. Safe riding
Jerry and Lori Says:
Yes, I had to explain this to the guardrail princess….
Justin Says:
Guess she didn’t look down to see the lizard before it got washed away! Happy Riding.