{"id":8088,"date":"2013-06-25T22:37:43","date_gmt":"2013-06-26T02:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=8088"},"modified":"2013-08-01T16:48:34","modified_gmt":"2013-08-01T20:48:34","slug":"day-7-thursday-june-27-republic-to-kettle-falls-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=8088","title":{"rendered":"Day 7. Thursday, June 27 – Republic to Kettle Falls, Washington"},"content":{"rendered":"

Out of the door at 7:00 …..backup, out of the door at 7:30 this morning. \u00a0Of course, it was not until our bikes were fully loaded that we realized I had a flat tire. \u00a0By 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). \u00a0Anyway, it was chilling.<\/p>\n

Our first three miles were on a dedicated paved trail \"\"<\/a>along highway 20; \"\"<\/a>where we enjoyed the beautiful views without the traffic noise.\"\"<\/a> And then we began to climb; \"\"<\/a>scary after an hour of climbing we see a sign that warns of a steep grade…..Really<\/em>? \u00a0Think the sign should have been a few miles down<\/strong><\/em> the mountain.<\/p>\n

Speaking of signs; there’s something wrong this this one, right?\"\"<\/a>We followed a roaring stream most of the morning,\"\"<\/a>past beautiful fields\"\"<\/a> and farms\"\"<\/a> hanging tight to the shoulder for the passing log trucks.<\/p>\n

We continued, slowly with lots of stops in the plentiful turnouts.\"\"<\/a>Close to the top there was a large area that had apparently had a huge fire several years ago. \u00a0\"\"<\/a>While the low growth was thriving, sticks remained where large old trees once thrived.<\/p>\n

After four hours of biking, we managed to get to the top of the 18 mile climb.\"\"<\/a> It was a tough climb, same elevation change as yesterday (climbed 3000 feet), just condensed into shorter distance…….ie: it was tough<\/strong>, and we still had 25 miles to get to our destination. \u00a0We 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.<\/p>\n

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. \u00a0Somewhere along the ride down, we warmed and started to once again enjoy the beautiful scenery.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

But we were tired and welcomed the site of the dive we were staying in tonight. \u00a0Unfortunately, we had to bike another mile + for dinner, but found another great local brew house (yes, they serve wine too)\"\"<\/a> for a delicious and laid back dinner. \u00a0Nothing left after 46 miles; just hoping a good night sleep will be enough for another climb tomorrow.\n\t\t