Selkirk Ride Day 1: Sandpoint to Colville

Day 1 is our longest day.  104.20 miles, 4,931 feet of climbing.

Got an early start to beat the heat and hopefully avoid being last to finish.

Ride started with a 20+ mile loop around Lake Pend Oreille.  Great views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

This ride is 100% volunteer supported.  Funds raised support Rotary clubs in N. Idaho, NE WA, and E. British Columbia.  Clubs talk about what they support in their communities and it's impressive. 

Snack stops are all hosted by local Rotary clubs.  We get a local delicacy at each stop, usually home baked treats along with standard fare.

At mile 55 we left the lake views and headed to lunch in Usk, WA.  Bit of a one blink town.  But the lunch at a local bakery was delicious.   3 homemade soups, sandwiches on fresh made bread, and of course cookies.

Lunch signified the end of our jaunt around the lake. 

At mile 60 we started a series of 3 climbs up to mile 79.  This is called Flowery Trail Pass.  Sweet name for a beastly climb

We were in Colville national forest.  When we reached the 49 degrees ski resort and still had 10 miles to go, I gulped, and kept going.

It was HOT and SUNNY! Some people (aka Phil) ran out of water.  But just then support van pulls up and hands out ice cold water.  By that time of day, it was high 80s and we were grateful. 

 At top, they  had a  welcomed rest stop and more home baked treats.    

Climbs were long and first couple were not that steep (4 - 6%).  Last one was several miles and pushed us closer to 10% at times.

We made it and then were treated to a 9 mile downhill to Chewelah, WA.  A welcome treat but the headwind was strong at start, still needed to pedal. 

Crosswind on curve was dicey... but arrived at bottom safely.

Then another 20 miles to Colville. I was mentally prepared for miles 60 to 80.  Miles 80 to 104 were easy riding, but getting hotter and back and forth on main road.

At the 100 mile mark a sign on a house, said "welcome cyclists,  you got this".  I was alone on that stretch and a woman and her dog cheered me on.

Shortly after that, my feet were swelling in the heat.  I stopped to loosen my shoes and not a minute later the support van zoomed up to check on me.  The support team is incredible.  During the big climb, I watched them ferry riders up the big hills, and come back for more.

At the endpoint there were local Rotarians to greet us, we earned our 100 mile patch and relaxed at local brewery. 

We MADE IT!!!

But...this might be longest,  but not hardest day.