Sunrise over wheat fields. Sunglasses on at 5:30 am. Biking in the middle of the road. Fences. Gates. Cattle grazing. Near Rock Creek, I came across Palouse riders (horses not bikes) who make an annual 18 day trip across the state. Her grandpa has been doing it for 20 years. Lovely people and horses. Rolling gravel roads. Soaked my shirt, hat, buff in a creek and then my trail ended at a burned bridge. Backtrack to get around into Malden. I stopped in the shade figuring out cell service/water when I heard my name yelled. It was Brian! He caught me and was filling up water at kind strangers’ house. They invited me to do the same. It was a delightful break and Brian and I rolled from town together. This poor town mostly burned down when the forest fire swept through last year.
It was wonderful to have company again after three days on my own. Brian and I decided to ride the rest of the way together. About 3 mi before Rosaria, he got a flat. It was his last of many. I rode ahead to town agreeing to wait for him there. Water and food onboard, we analyzed how long the next 35 mi will take. Then we put the hammer down, taking turns setting the pace. Reached Tekoa in the daylight but the victory lap which takes another hour over 17 state line road rollers was the cherry on top. Grateful for finish line cheer with fellow riders, supporters and dot followers. This was the right bike for this route and no mechanicals. Justin picked me up and we made the night drive home. Day 9 at 110 miles from Ritzville to Tekoa.
The 700 mile cross-Washington ride is complete! 9 days from Rialto Beach to Tekoa on the Idaho State line.
Next up - Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route starting on June 19.