Today I took a detour
Left Ritzville and headed out across the rolling plains through yet more and more fields of wheat. The wheat is everything and everywhere in the part of the country. The road farmer in me was once again impressed with the quality of the crop. My guess is in about a month it will be harvest time and all these green fields with turn gold. What a sight that would be.
Today's plan was to get to Spokane. A rest day awaited us, and gosh darn it my legs were ready. We started along a frontage road for I90 and made our way to what would be our first and only stop for a bit of Sprague, WA. I had a lovely chat with the local grocer about our trip and what we were up to. People have such interesting questions. For the most part they all seem excited. I've gotten so much excitement about this trip from people. I think to some degree so many people are excited I get to do something that breaks the mold. I get to do something that goes against the usual daily pattern of life. I definitely am blessed to be able to do so, and am grateful for the opportunity. Even when I am tired. Even when I am sore. Even when I don't want to pedal another mile. I get to do this incredible journey.
After Sprague we headed for the Columbia Plateau rail trail. Now most of the rail trails we've been on have been pretty nice. This one....... in my opinion........ well..... this one was not. I've mentioned previously that I'm not much of a rough trail, single track rider. This trail was rocky and there was a narrow line that had developed where most people had tried to go before. Even this line wasn't great and my progress was slow. Eventually I got to the point where I said enough. I looked at the map, found an alternative way, and said SCREW IT! I took my detour. Yes it may have added a few additional miles. Yes it may have added some more climbing, but it also brought me some stunning views, awesome gravel, and piece of mind knowing that I could ride this confidently and quickly.
Lunch was in Chaney, WA which is just outside of Spokane. A fantastic slice of pizza awaited me as I was the last to get there. After that it was mostly downhill via the Fish Lake Trail into Spokane. Gosh I was grateful for downhill.
Spokane. I had heard of this city. I knew nothing about this city. I was shocked at how cool this city seemed. Also. There's a river. A big river. Also. There's falls. BIG falls! I was in awe of the power of the waterfalls that divided this city. Water rushed with a power that puts our Sioux Falls falls to shame.
We made it to our Airbnb for the night. And I was so happy to be off my bike. Another week done. Another week of struggles and aches. However, another week of adventure, stories, and grandeur.
'till next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 72.36
Total Miles Ridden: 531.03
Feet Climbed Today: 1,621
Total Feet Climbed: 23,457
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