38 miles, 750' of elevation gain, 50 - 80 degrees under clear blue skies
We walked around the resort for a short time and got a little latter start as the area was worth enjoying. The room in Spokane was not likely to be ready until 2 so we thought it best to sleep in and stay in Coeur d'Alene for a little longer.
Once on the road, I cycled with the two tandems for a few miles. The entire ride was on the Centennial Trail which links Coeur d'Alene to Spokane and with the exception of a few road crossings was straight forward. The most scenic was when we road along the Spokane River all the way to the back door of the Doubletree Hotel. Once checked in, I packed my coupled bike and am always happy to have it all fit back into the case.
The bike tour was absolutely great with interesting riding, towns and hotels. Good company with the other 12 in our group. I would highly recommend riding the International Selkirk Loop to any cycle tourists.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Selkirk Loop Ride, Day 10 Sandpoint to Coeur d'Alene
62 miles, 1,800' of elevation gain, 48 - 76 degrees under bright sunny skies
The weather broke and we had beautiful sunny skies for the entire day. I woke early and when I couldn't fall back to sleep, I decided to get on the rode and make my way to the resort town of Coeur d'Alene. The route was well planned out by Gary and Rita to keep us off any major highways except for one short stretch on US95 but that had a good shoulder. We rode over the river using an old bridge that was now dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians and enjoyed the views all around without having to watch for traffic and such.
Once we left the Sandpoint area, we were on quiet back roads with Bald Eagles and Osprey nests with young Osprey poking their heads out of the nests. Deer also were a common sighting along with more mountain ranges. Since I left before the breakfast service started in Sandpoint, I did stop at a local cafe and visited with the waitstaff and had a somewhat delayed breakfast.
I arrived in Coeur d'Alene by 1:00 and Dion had just gotten our room so we were able to deposit luggage and bike and go to the famous dessert bar located within the Coeur d'Alene Resort. We probably should have shared but we didn't and it counted as lunch for us. After a quick shower, we went up in a float plane and were treated to spectacular views of not only the lake, but the rivers and mountains that make up the area. With such a beautiful day it was the best afternoon activity we could have done.
We were treated to a wine cellar tour of the resort by Eric the Sommelier. Their collection is about 15,000 bottles and with a glass of wine in hand we were able to view not only all of the collection but how the wine is organized and the temperature controls used to preserve the wine.
The group had its last dinner at Beverly's, the signature restaurant of the Coeur d'Alene Resort and the food, wine and views were a special way of spending the last night as a group.
The weather broke and we had beautiful sunny skies for the entire day. I woke early and when I couldn't fall back to sleep, I decided to get on the rode and make my way to the resort town of Coeur d'Alene. The route was well planned out by Gary and Rita to keep us off any major highways except for one short stretch on US95 but that had a good shoulder. We rode over the river using an old bridge that was now dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians and enjoyed the views all around without having to watch for traffic and such.
Once we left the Sandpoint area, we were on quiet back roads with Bald Eagles and Osprey nests with young Osprey poking their heads out of the nests. Deer also were a common sighting along with more mountain ranges. Since I left before the breakfast service started in Sandpoint, I did stop at a local cafe and visited with the waitstaff and had a somewhat delayed breakfast.
I arrived in Coeur d'Alene by 1:00 and Dion had just gotten our room so we were able to deposit luggage and bike and go to the famous dessert bar located within the Coeur d'Alene Resort. We probably should have shared but we didn't and it counted as lunch for us. After a quick shower, we went up in a float plane and were treated to spectacular views of not only the lake, but the rivers and mountains that make up the area. With such a beautiful day it was the best afternoon activity we could have done.
We were treated to a wine cellar tour of the resort by Eric the Sommelier. Their collection is about 15,000 bottles and with a glass of wine in hand we were able to view not only all of the collection but how the wine is organized and the temperature controls used to preserve the wine.
The group had its last dinner at Beverly's, the signature restaurant of the Coeur d'Alene Resort and the food, wine and views were a special way of spending the last night as a group.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Selkirk Loop Ride, Day 9, Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint
44 miles, 1500' of elevation gain, mid-40 degree temps and pouring rain the entire ride.
No one wanted to leave our B&B school house. The breakfast was outstanding. little cozy sitting rooms dispersed around the inn and the rain gave us more reasons to stay than go. Unfortunately, we needed to get to the next town so off we went. I rode with Dick and Janet today and the company was a great morale booster and kept me going through some tough weather and riding conditions.
We were on a few busy roads and the spray from the big trucks were annoying and the traffic with the rain made riding sometimes less than safe. Nevertheless, everyone just kept going and we all finished into a beautiful hotel located right on the lake. Laundry is everywhere drying and bike has been cleaned again.
The are seems to be lovely and hopefully we will go out exploring latter.
No one wanted to leave our B&B school house. The breakfast was outstanding. little cozy sitting rooms dispersed around the inn and the rain gave us more reasons to stay than go. Unfortunately, we needed to get to the next town so off we went. I rode with Dick and Janet today and the company was a great morale booster and kept me going through some tough weather and riding conditions.
We were on a few busy roads and the spray from the big trucks were annoying and the traffic with the rain made riding sometimes less than safe. Nevertheless, everyone just kept going and we all finished into a beautiful hotel located right on the lake. Laundry is everywhere drying and bike has been cleaned again.
The are seems to be lovely and hopefully we will go out exploring latter.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Selkirk Loop Ride, Day 8, Creston to Bonners Ferry
42 miles, 1800' of elevation gain, 55-68 degrees with occasional showers.
The morning looked promising with clear blue skies and off we went. We were back in the US within 8 miles and all our cell phones worked again. We had a tail wind on flat roads, but unfortunately, there were thunder clouds in the distance so I donned my rain gear and wrapped my Camelback and sure enough, the showers eventually found all of us.
We went past a National Wildlife refuge so we all took the time to visit and see what we might run into. Yes they have Grizzly Bears as well as Black Bears in this area but we haven't seen any on our riding. We spent the day riding on fairly flat terrain and did have to navigate 4 miles of dirt/gravel road which didn't pose a problem.
Bonners Ferry is a small Selkirk Loop town with about 1,500 people and one brew pub with excellent food. We are staying in the Northside School Bed and Breakfast. A retired couple bought a decommissioned school house and totally renovated it into a lovely B&B with 9 rooms all uniquely appointed. Some of the rooms still have the original blackboards which only adds to the charm. After lunch we enjoyed the heated pool and hot tub and the endless homemade cookies. It really is a tough life.
The morning looked promising with clear blue skies and off we went. We were back in the US within 8 miles and all our cell phones worked again. We had a tail wind on flat roads, but unfortunately, there were thunder clouds in the distance so I donned my rain gear and wrapped my Camelback and sure enough, the showers eventually found all of us.
We went past a National Wildlife refuge so we all took the time to visit and see what we might run into. Yes they have Grizzly Bears as well as Black Bears in this area but we haven't seen any on our riding. We spent the day riding on fairly flat terrain and did have to navigate 4 miles of dirt/gravel road which didn't pose a problem.
Bonners Ferry is a small Selkirk Loop town with about 1,500 people and one brew pub with excellent food. We are staying in the Northside School Bed and Breakfast. A retired couple bought a decommissioned school house and totally renovated it into a lovely B&B with 9 rooms all uniquely appointed. Some of the rooms still have the original blackboards which only adds to the charm. After lunch we enjoyed the heated pool and hot tub and the endless homemade cookies. It really is a tough life.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Selkirk Loop Ride Day 7, Crawford Bay to Creston
49 miles, 2500' of elevation gain and pouring rain for the first 40 miles.
The ride went along the eastern shore of Kootenay Bay which was beautiful when we could look around and not have to deal with the rain. Nevertheless, it was a good day on the bike with the last 10 miles ridden under clear blue skies. The ride was mellow rollers along the lakeside and for the most part little if any traffic.
Dion picked up our Harry Potter broom all wrapped and ready to fly home, pun! The town of Creston is yet another small town but has an enormous super market and we are in suites tonight so eating in is a real possibility.
The ride went along the eastern shore of Kootenay Bay which was beautiful when we could look around and not have to deal with the rain. Nevertheless, it was a good day on the bike with the last 10 miles ridden under clear blue skies. The ride was mellow rollers along the lakeside and for the most part little if any traffic.
Dion picked up our Harry Potter broom all wrapped and ready to fly home, pun! The town of Creston is yet another small town but has an enormous super market and we are in suites tonight so eating in is a real possibility.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Selkirk Loop Ride Day 6, Kaslo to Crawford Bay, BC
26 miles, 1700' of elevation, 55-70 degrees
It poured all night but I was fortunate enough to have clearing skies all the way to the FREE ferry. A wonderful bakery, The Old World Bakery, is located right at the ferry terminal. I enjoyed a coffee and a multi-berry scone with white chocolate. Yum!
The timing worked out well as Dion arrived just in time to take the 10:40 ferry across Kootenay Lake and we went to Crawford Bay together to see all the artisan workshops. They make hand made brooms amongst other things and one of the broom makers supplied all the Harry Potter brooms and so we had to buy one. I'm not exactly sure how we will get it home but we'll figure it out.
Dangerous thunderstorms rolled in while we were having lunch and so the group managed to stay dry and we had an early day into our hotel.
It poured all night but I was fortunate enough to have clearing skies all the way to the FREE ferry. A wonderful bakery, The Old World Bakery, is located right at the ferry terminal. I enjoyed a coffee and a multi-berry scone with white chocolate. Yum!
The timing worked out well as Dion arrived just in time to take the 10:40 ferry across Kootenay Lake and we went to Crawford Bay together to see all the artisan workshops. They make hand made brooms amongst other things and one of the broom makers supplied all the Harry Potter brooms and so we had to buy one. I'm not exactly sure how we will get it home but we'll figure it out.
Dangerous thunderstorms rolled in while we were having lunch and so the group managed to stay dry and we had an early day into our hotel.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Selkirk Loop ride day 5, New Denver to Kaslo
30 miles, 1800' of elevation gain, 60-72 degrees
We left the Valhalla Inn totally stuffed. The inn was purchased about a year ago by a Chinese family and it included dinner last night and breakfast this morning. Dinner was a typical Chinese New Year menu of multiple courses. We cut them off after 7 and were admonished about not eating enough. If you have ever gone to Chinese New Year in Chinatown, New York, you know what I'm talking about. The food was excellent but you can only eat so much. We went walking after dinner to see New Denver and the beautiful lake and enjoyed some impressive gardens. Like Kaslo, New Denver was an internment camp for the Japanese during WW II and the history and population is reflective of how many people stayed.
The ride to Kaslo was once again impressively scenic with snow covered mountains and rushing streams. It was also the day of Oso Negro, the black bear as we were treated to sighting at least 6 during the ride. They were all gorging on grass and it was rather cute when they lifted their heads up with grass sticking out of both sides of their mouths.
The Kaslo high school graduation was today and the 18 students graduation were paraded around on vintage cars with RCMP escorts. Small town approach to helping the students celebrate. The town is rests along the Kootenay Lake and is also heavily populated with coffee shops and restaurants all serving organic food of the highest quality. Still a hippie town like so many others on the Selkirk Loop.
We left the Valhalla Inn totally stuffed. The inn was purchased about a year ago by a Chinese family and it included dinner last night and breakfast this morning. Dinner was a typical Chinese New Year menu of multiple courses. We cut them off after 7 and were admonished about not eating enough. If you have ever gone to Chinese New Year in Chinatown, New York, you know what I'm talking about. The food was excellent but you can only eat so much. We went walking after dinner to see New Denver and the beautiful lake and enjoyed some impressive gardens. Like Kaslo, New Denver was an internment camp for the Japanese during WW II and the history and population is reflective of how many people stayed.
The ride to Kaslo was once again impressively scenic with snow covered mountains and rushing streams. It was also the day of Oso Negro, the black bear as we were treated to sighting at least 6 during the ride. They were all gorging on grass and it was rather cute when they lifted their heads up with grass sticking out of both sides of their mouths.
The Kaslo high school graduation was today and the 18 students graduation were paraded around on vintage cars with RCMP escorts. Small town approach to helping the students celebrate. The town is rests along the Kootenay Lake and is also heavily populated with coffee shops and restaurants all serving organic food of the highest quality. Still a hippie town like so many others on the Selkirk Loop.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Selkirk Loop ride day 4, Nelson to New Denver
62 miles, 3835' of elevation gain, 60-83 degree weather under a totally blue sky!
God make a bicycle just to enjoy these gorgeous roads! After leaving Nelson, we had rolling hills, beautiful views of Kootenay River and wide shoulders. The weather was the best we have had on the trip which allowed us to stop often to have coffee, snacks, Kodak moments, etc. It seems like there was a coffee shop every 5 miles. Perfect.
We left Nelson on highway 3A going west and eventually went north on Hwy 6. Here we rode along the Slocum River until we reached Slocum Lake. The road continued to be really great for cycling and devoid of traffic. Good food and beverage stops continued all the way to New Denver. Several deer herds crossed the highway just ahead. If you got tired of the water views you just had to look up to see snow covered mountains. The leg from Nelson to New Denver is a super side trip well worth taking. The elevation gain really didn't pose a problem for any of us. The sunny weather was great and we might just go home with a few tan lines.
The Valhalla Inn is a mom and pop owned by an oriental family that can't do enough for us. Rooms are clean and the local coffee shop had mango sorbet and we got the skinny on the local lifestyle.
God make a bicycle just to enjoy these gorgeous roads! After leaving Nelson, we had rolling hills, beautiful views of Kootenay River and wide shoulders. The weather was the best we have had on the trip which allowed us to stop often to have coffee, snacks, Kodak moments, etc. It seems like there was a coffee shop every 5 miles. Perfect.
We left Nelson on highway 3A going west and eventually went north on Hwy 6. Here we rode along the Slocum River until we reached Slocum Lake. The road continued to be really great for cycling and devoid of traffic. Good food and beverage stops continued all the way to New Denver. Several deer herds crossed the highway just ahead. If you got tired of the water views you just had to look up to see snow covered mountains. The leg from Nelson to New Denver is a super side trip well worth taking. The elevation gain really didn't pose a problem for any of us. The sunny weather was great and we might just go home with a few tan lines.
The Valhalla Inn is a mom and pop owned by an oriental family that can't do enough for us. Rooms are clean and the local coffee shop had mango sorbet and we got the skinny on the local lifestyle.
Nelson, BC
Yesterday was our rest day in Nelson. At first I thought it would be too early in the ride but we were all happy to spend two nights at the Best Western. Washing our clothes and bikes were the first thing on the agenda.
No group dinners in Nelson which allowed us the opportunity to explore restaurants. Dion and I went to Max and Irmas the first night and enjoyed our salad and thin crust pizza made in a wood fired oven. Sampled the local beers as well and finished off the meal with a wonderful carrot cake. You know cyclists live to eat?
Wednesday is market day and we enjoyed our stroll down Baker Street seeing all that the locals had to offer. Baked goods, fresh produce and potions. I kid you not - potions. Men and women with dread locks were part of the scene and it definitely reminded me of the 60's in the Haight-Ashbury area of San Francisco. I think of Nelson as a college town that misplaced the university.
We went to the historical museum to catch up on how Nelson formed and grew to 9,000 residents all of whom eat Spelt, Kamut, and all those health grains.Hard to find non-healthy items on the menu even the local beer is organic. We did also eat at a fabulous Thai restaurant the second night so happy we were.
Unfortunately, one of our group detached a retina and had to go back to Spokane to fly home to San Diego for surgery.
No group dinners in Nelson which allowed us the opportunity to explore restaurants. Dion and I went to Max and Irmas the first night and enjoyed our salad and thin crust pizza made in a wood fired oven. Sampled the local beers as well and finished off the meal with a wonderful carrot cake. You know cyclists live to eat?
Wednesday is market day and we enjoyed our stroll down Baker Street seeing all that the locals had to offer. Baked goods, fresh produce and potions. I kid you not - potions. Men and women with dread locks were part of the scene and it definitely reminded me of the 60's in the Haight-Ashbury area of San Francisco. I think of Nelson as a college town that misplaced the university.
We went to the historical museum to catch up on how Nelson formed and grew to 9,000 residents all of whom eat Spelt, Kamut, and all those health grains.Hard to find non-healthy items on the menu even the local beer is organic. We did also eat at a fabulous Thai restaurant the second night so happy we were.
Unfortunately, one of our group detached a retina and had to go back to Spokane to fly home to San Diego for surgery.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Selkirk Loop Day 3, Metaline Falls to Nelson, BC
52 miles, 2200' of elevation gain, 42 - 64- 48 degrees
We started the day early 7:45 to arrive at the dreaded border crossing into Canada by 9 am hoping to be greeted by friendly Canadian Custom officials. My experiences crossing into Canada have not been smooth as they think we all carry weapons, drugs and bear spray. Fortunately we were greeted by a young man who was pleasant and understood that we each were declaring two bottles of wine or a case of beer which is our allowed alcohol. This keeps the group happy during the afternoon gatherings with inexpensive US prices vs the high Canadian costs.
So the first 12 miles to the border went well, the next 14 miles were scenic and not a single vehicle passed us. We all stopped at an excellent cafe in Salmo as our hotel in Metaline was quite a distance from any cafe. Dry, well fed and scenic beyond description. Then of course the rain showers came as we are in that area of the world but that didn't dampen our enthusiasm and rode the second have quite happily into Nelson and the Best Western. Huge advantage being married to the luggage van driver as our room is always ready or they make it ready or switch our room to one that is ready so when I arrived dripping in the lobby I went directly to my room, took off all the wet clothes and my husband went to the guest laundry in the hotel and washed all our stuff while I took a lengthy hot shower.
Nelson is a lovely little town where all the draft dodgers went during the Vietnam War. The entire town is made up of coffee shops, natural grocers, restaurants, all of which only have organic, vegetarian and or vegan menus. Hard to find even a local beer that isn't organic. So tomorrow is our day off and we will spend it at the farmers market, exploring the town and perhaps doing an activity on the large lake. Hope you are all doing something equally as interesting.
If any of you have a suggestion for a high performance rain jacket, I would love to hear from you as my current jacket is not longer as waterproof as I need and will definitely need one for the Pacific Coast ride I am doing in the early fall.
We started the day early 7:45 to arrive at the dreaded border crossing into Canada by 9 am hoping to be greeted by friendly Canadian Custom officials. My experiences crossing into Canada have not been smooth as they think we all carry weapons, drugs and bear spray. Fortunately we were greeted by a young man who was pleasant and understood that we each were declaring two bottles of wine or a case of beer which is our allowed alcohol. This keeps the group happy during the afternoon gatherings with inexpensive US prices vs the high Canadian costs.
So the first 12 miles to the border went well, the next 14 miles were scenic and not a single vehicle passed us. We all stopped at an excellent cafe in Salmo as our hotel in Metaline was quite a distance from any cafe. Dry, well fed and scenic beyond description. Then of course the rain showers came as we are in that area of the world but that didn't dampen our enthusiasm and rode the second have quite happily into Nelson and the Best Western. Huge advantage being married to the luggage van driver as our room is always ready or they make it ready or switch our room to one that is ready so when I arrived dripping in the lobby I went directly to my room, took off all the wet clothes and my husband went to the guest laundry in the hotel and washed all our stuff while I took a lengthy hot shower.
Nelson is a lovely little town where all the draft dodgers went during the Vietnam War. The entire town is made up of coffee shops, natural grocers, restaurants, all of which only have organic, vegetarian and or vegan menus. Hard to find even a local beer that isn't organic. So tomorrow is our day off and we will spend it at the farmers market, exploring the town and perhaps doing an activity on the large lake. Hope you are all doing something equally as interesting.
If any of you have a suggestion for a high performance rain jacket, I would love to hear from you as my current jacket is not longer as waterproof as I need and will definitely need one for the Pacific Coast ride I am doing in the early fall.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Selkirk Loop Day 2, Newport to Metaline Falls, Wa
68 miles, 2300' of elevation gain, 46 degrees and rain all day.
After several years and months of bike tours, I encountered rain. Really can't complain as the ride was just so beautiful, the rain was a non-issue. We basically made two turns during the entire ride. We spent the first 50 miles riding along a major river and within the first few miles was welcomed by a small moose. Gave him plenty of room as we shared the road for about a mile before he headed back into the woods. Eventually at the 50 mile marker we went up the hillside and climbed for about 8 miles to Sullivan Lake. It is surrounded by the Selkirk Mtn chain and the most pristine lake I've seen in quite a few years. Worth the climb.
I did have three different pairs of dogs chase me today. Not as bad as some of the Southern Tier states, but really wonder why the owners take no interest in keeping their dogs under control as they are quite a hazard and one bite my cycling shoe which was tougher than his teeth.
After several years and months of bike tours, I encountered rain. Really can't complain as the ride was just so beautiful, the rain was a non-issue. We basically made two turns during the entire ride. We spent the first 50 miles riding along a major river and within the first few miles was welcomed by a small moose. Gave him plenty of room as we shared the road for about a mile before he headed back into the woods. Eventually at the 50 mile marker we went up the hillside and climbed for about 8 miles to Sullivan Lake. It is surrounded by the Selkirk Mtn chain and the most pristine lake I've seen in quite a few years. Worth the climb.
I did have three different pairs of dogs chase me today. Not as bad as some of the Southern Tier states, but really wonder why the owners take no interest in keeping their dogs under control as they are quite a hazard and one bite my cycling shoe which was tougher than his teeth.
Selkirk Loop Day 1 Spokane,WA to Newport, WA
54 miles, 2500' of elevation, 78 degrees
The ride started in beautiful blue skies along the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River. After a few short miles we turned north and were quickly out of any population and into really quiet country roads with mountain views. Eventually a good wind developed and pushed us all the way to our final destination. We stayed in a mom and pop motel within walking distance of the little town of Newport. A good first day for a bike tour.
The ride started in beautiful blue skies along the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River. After a few short miles we turned north and were quickly out of any population and into really quiet country roads with mountain views. Eventually a good wind developed and pushed us all the way to our final destination. We stayed in a mom and pop motel within walking distance of the little town of Newport. A good first day for a bike tour.
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