June 28, 2008 Spokane, WA to Sandpoint, ID 76 miles (77)
Woke up to a clear, cloudless sky which appeared to be a good omen…but temperatures were rising and we were met with a wind out of the east – in our faces all the way for today’s’ ride. Let me roll back just a bit to last night. The Big Ride Across Jersey designed by Austin was an item I didn’t think I could afford. From day one I regretted that decision; not only does the jersey look great but what a keepsake it would be. Last night Austin and his riding friend, Ed, asked if I had purchased one. When I said “No”, Ed said he had an extra one that would fit me and offered it to me. That BRAA jersey traded hands on the spot. What great guys!

Now back to the ride: miles upon miles of beautiful scenery on all sides as we rode east on SR-2 in spite of the pesky headwind. Out of Spokane, up and down rolling hills, some quite challenging (and we were promised an easy flat ride), through the towns of Mead, Chattery, Riverside, and Newport. Most of the route was in sight of the Pend Orielle River. In Newport a parade was held in our honor (not really, the parade was in conjunction with a rodeo being held in town). Shortly after leaving Newport we entered Idaho, the first state line crossing of the ride!

The thermometer rose dramatically, topping out in the mid-nineties. That coupled with the relentless sun and wind made the ride a bit tougher than the distance would suggest. Daniel, our ride leader, is concerned because the forecast promises hotter weather ahead.

In camp, on the grounds of Sandpoint High School, community members served our group a great spaghetti dinner. Afterwards some people crashed in their tents, others went to the beach, and several of the guys played a prank on three of the young ladies. When the ladies came back from church they found their bicycles hanging high in a tree! You know what they say about payback - its going to be fun seeing what develops!

Early up and out in order to avoid as much heat as possible.