Day 17 – Idaho Exists

Having had the day off from biking yesterday allowed me to be prepped and ready to roll out nice and early and this time I did just that.

I was beating myself up for not having played golf yesterday. I felt like I had wasted the day. Then I felt the energy in my legs and I knew it was the right choice. To make me feel even better my route took me past the golf course. It did not look like I was missing anything. It was no Othello and that made me feel even better.

I had a bit of a tail breeze (I don’t use the “W” word for fear that I will summon it) and it helped me hit great 5 mile split after another. I hit 40 miles at a small town and got a smoothie at a coffee joint. There was a golf course in this town too. Decisions decisions. The weather was pleasant but a tinge of smoke was in the air. Predicted highs were mid 90s. Do I risk another heat stroke and play plus do another 20 miles? Or do I do the sensible thing and ride to the campsite I have reserved for the night?

I went with sensible. Zoom zoom down the road a went. And then it happened…I came to town of Plummer and realized…I was in Idaho!!!

I celebrated with this healthy eating option.

Yes that is two beef patties, four slices of cheese, shaved ham, and bacon, with onions and mushrooms. I took down the burger but did not do as well with the fries.

Plummer is also exciting since it is the start of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. This is one of the the premiere trails I was excited to ride. It is the result of the Coeur d’Alene tribe’s suit against the rail road, mines, and the EPA for all of the damage done to this river and lake system. They won and the settlement created this trail that was used as part of the bigger Super fund site clean up that occurred. I have over simplified a very complicated history there, sorry. But the up side is this trail, co-managed by the Coeur d’Alene tribe and Idaho Parks, it is phenomenal or so I have heard.

After death by burger I decided to peddle a quarter mile out of my way to start at the very beginning of the trail. This is where I learned about how the trail came to be.

I had 6 miles to my camp site at a State park and it was all down hill. I used my breaks repeatedly and I think I could have coasted without peddling the whole way. What a great way to end the day. 60 miles!

The terrain and weather have changed. There is forest and water and cliffs. I can hardly remember the land of wheat and relentless heat. JK, I will never forget you Eastern Washington.