Day 3 - Coulee to Spokane

Another great day on the bike. We left Coulee Dam around seven. The climb out started immediately out of the parking lot as we went up around the dam. 10% grade for about 3 miles and then a more gradual climb for the next 10 miles (see far right). Dave was pleased to have enjoyed a soak in the hot tub the previous night so his legs were ready for the climb. The picture above was the reward for the initial climb. It looks back on Lake Roosevelt, which is created by the Grand Coulee Dam.

Scott discovered that if he rode at 21.5 mph for the stretch into Spokane that he kept pace with the cloud that was moving in the same direction and stayed in the sun, which was nice given the cool air. A modest tailwind gave us a push. Dave claims a 18.1 mph average over 86 miles, but in the interest of full disclosure notes that his computer was not reset until after the initial climb.

Dave's highlight of the day involved food. He was treated to a fresh peach at one of the stops. He suggests it was the best thing, among much good food, that he's had thus far. Lunch was once again a treat. See the picture. Chicken salad sandwich on multi-grain bread; a couple of pickles; some pasta salad with vegetables marinated in walnut oil; a concoction of lentils, garlic and some other goodies called dall, which was great on chips; a hard boiled egg; a chocolate chip cookie... all good.















We got to the hotel ahead of schedule and decided to go down the "big hill" we were told not to go down in our directions. Coffee beckoned us so we descended the hill and found the coffee shop. The photo to the right is from our table at the Blue Ox coffee shop. The gentlemen in the orange vests were convicts picking litter along the highway. The building is the Ascenda House for Clean and Sober Living.





Laundry day was made more interesting by the fact that there was only one machine and the line meant that we'd be washing late into the evening. So we used the tub and the Shamwow and set up our own laundry.

Tonight is movie night, which a couple of videos from Lon and Susan's Race Across America exploits. Riding to Sandpoint, Idaho tomorrow and the weather looks good...