At first, I was planning to ride on Saturday 6/20, however, Friday 6/19 worked better for Taylor, so we scheduled for then.
As we got closer to the day, the maybes turned into other plans. And, the night before, I got a text from Jeff saying that he wasn't going to make it after all, which is sad because he is the one the suggested the route.
The plan was that Jeff would meet at my house at 8:30 and we would take the back way to Brad's.
Since Jeff was no longer going, once I got the morning watering done and the bike loaded and ready to go... it was only 7:30-ish.
I tried to busy myself with other things, but when 7:50 rolled around, I said bag it, I'll be early.
I put on my gear and pulled out of the yard at 7:54. I pulled out of town and headed up the Lewiston hill.
At about 8:20, I turned off US-95 into Genesee, driving through town, then turning north on Chestnut aka Old Hwy 95. And at 8:25, I pulled off in the Kinyon LLC parking lot for a minute and checked my phone, not expecting anything, but just in case... and anything to add time/slow me down. Being on my way, about 5.5 miles later I turned off Old 95 onto Genesee Troy road and continued north.
Since I was early and I came to Taylors house first, and the fact that she was out in front of her house, I stopped there first.
She showed me around the yard pointing out things that had been done and things she planned to do.
Then inside, we visited a bit while she took care of a few final things around the house and tracked her dads (Brad) position.
Once he was closer to home, Taylor put on her riding boots, locked up shop and we headed to the old man's house.
We still beat him there, granted it's only half a mile from Taylor's to Brad's.
Inside, Taylors daughter was having fun playing with toys and Grandma Shelley.
We visited while we waited for Brad to arrive and get ready.
We got a quick picture before heading on our way.
Brad lead this first leg of the trip, as we went through Moscow, north on US 95. Reaching the junction north of Viola, we turned onto highway 66, becoming the Palouse Cove Rd at the Washington boarder. Going through Palouse, we turned onto WA 272 and made our way to Colfax. Turning onto 195, we went north a short time, then turning onto Scholtz Rd, taking us over to Hume Rd. This we followed to Steptoe Butte, where we turned off and rode to the top.
We enjoyed the view and conversation, although Brad kept saying that it was higher or maybe steeper than he remembered. He seemed troubled with how steep the grade of the hill is off the edge of the road. I can't decide if his fear of heights has gotten worse in his old age, or if he is just more vocal about it.
Here there was a small conversation around fuel and how far Taylor could make it (as she had the smallest tank amoung us). Brad decided that she could make it to the Casino, as to avoid the higher Washington gas prices.
From here, I took the lead back down the butte and back to Hume Rd, where we turned north again until reaching WA-27 just south of Oakesdale.
Where we turn back south east through Belmont and on to Farmington Rd, which we then followed into Farmington.
Turning back North on 3rd street, as we left town it magically became the Tekoa Farmington Rd, which we followed into Tekoa. Here we found C & D's Tekoa Bar & Grill where we stopped for lunch.
They had the World Cup USA vs Australia game on the big TV and we were there when USA made their second goal. The crowd of two that were actively watching, cheered.
We all enjoyed the food. Brad said that we have never had bad food on any of our rides. I would tend to agree, we have always picked good places to stop and eat.
I switch to my half helmet, strapped my jacket to the "backrest" and got out my lighter gloves. But before leaving, we revisited the fuel conversation. We compared the distance to the Casino and the guestimated fuel range provided by Taylor's bike. It's going to be close... Worst comes to worst, I have my 1.25 gallon can that we can use to get her to the next station.
I once again took the lead, following WA-27 north through Latah and Fairfield.
Let's stop for a moment while I explain my setup... In my full face helmet, I have speakers mounted inside, which I play music and get GPS instructions through. With the half helmet, I use the speakers mounted on the bike to play music. However, the Garmin Zumo XT won't send the GPS instructions to just normal speakers. (from what I understand, I'd need to buy an adapter) So, since I didn't have my GPS whispering directions in my ear, I almost missed the turn off in Rockford. (You see, the GPS warns me of upcoming turns from .5 to .25 miles before hand, so I can start watching for signs vs enjoying the scenery.)
Anyway, I made the turn and rode into Rockford, pulling over between Willow and 1st Street to check on Taylor's fuel status. Her low fuel light was on and the gauge was pretty close to empty. I asked Brad, do we want to put some of my spare gas in? Or there was a gas station just around the corner. But he said, no, I think she can make it. Now, let's not be judgmental, I'm sure Brad didn't wish any harm upon his sweet little daughter. None the less, onwards and upwards we went.
Now on WA-278 we went east by south east. Keeping an eye on the lights behind me (making sure they were still there), we crossed the boarder into Idaho, turning the road into ID-58 and a sign "Coeur D'Alene Casino Just Ahead". Normally, I don't see a Casino sign as a sign of hope, but knowing there is a gas station next door, that is what it was. And three miles later, we were pulling onto the road to the gas station. We did have to stop and wait in line with three cars ahead of us. Brad drove up to double check they had non-ethanol and Taylor said she was going to run out idling waiting for a pump. A few cars moved and we were all able to make it to a pump.
See, there was nothing to worry about. I don't know what you were all worked up about. Any day you can go on a ride is a good day, but it isn't a real adventure unless someone almost runs out of gas. That's what makes it fun.
After filling up and cleaning the bugs off the windshield, we were ready to go again. Now, Brad taking the lead, we headed south on US-95 to Plummer, where we turned onto ID-5 and made our way to St. Maries. After making our way through town, now on ID-3, we made our way south. At the junction we turned onto ID-6, passing by Emida.
Brad slowed and signaled at a turn off, only the cancel and continue on.
A ways down the road, he once again slowed and signaled at a turn off.
This time, he did, but only to turn around.
He was looking for the "Great White Pine", but a large vehicle blocked his view of the sign, so he past it.
We streatched our legs, checked out the big tree and gave ourselves a short rest.
The rest wasn't too long since both Brad and Taylor had to get back for pickups. There was a statement made that we are slower when Brad is in the lead verses when I am. Brad defended saying "not that much", and yet he signaled for me to take the lead. I didn't think Brad would succumb to that kind of pressure, but I guess Taylor still has him wrapped around her little finger.
To be fair, I may run a little faster, but Brad is right that it isn't by that much, especially when riding with a group. And, although I like to put others in front to keep me slowed down, when I'm in the lead I tend to use my cruise control to keep me under control. Don't get me wrong, there is that every once in a while when a feeling just washes over me and the throttle opens up, but I never expect anyone to keep up when it happens.
But I digress... We continued south on ID-6 to Harvard, where we turned onto ID-9 south which we followed down to Deary. Here is where we went our separate ways. They, turning west on ID-8 back to Moscow, which I turned east on ID-8 into Deary for a mile. At which point, I turned south onto ID-3.
I stayed on ID-3 through Kendrick and Juliaetta all the way to US-12. Now heading west, onto US-95 into Lewiston. I did go around and fill up the tank before heading home. Arriving at about 17:30 after about 283 miles.
It was a good day for a ride and nice to catch up with Brad and Taylor.
