Day 10 - Pomeroy, WA to Lewiston, ID

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 Stats: 

Today's miles: 35 miles
Today's feet of elevation gain: 945 feet
Total miles traveled: 500.0 miles
Total feet climbed: 19,916 feet
Dead Rattlesnake count: 16

The plan today was to make a ‘quick’ 35 mile run over Alpowa Summit (2785’) early in the day and get to a hotel for the day. The 10 mi climb was gradual, but consistent for the first 8 mi, but was a grind for the last 2mi. In places the shoulder was only 18”….you trust the logging trucks and semi’s to pull over and pass, which most do, but it still raises the pucker factor. The descent into Clarkston WA/ Lewiston ID is initially steep, 1500’ in 6 miles and tapers off the rest of the way.


I arrived in Clarkston @ 9:30 AM. As I was locking up my bike to have breakfast at Mae’s Café, an older gentleman stopped by to ask about the ride. At 78 and just 3 weeks past a hip replacement, he talked about his cycling experience (he had over 15,000 miles on his bikes). George asked me to join him and his friend John who was also a cycling enthusiast (owns 32 bikes) because they wanted to hear more about the ride. It was a great breakfast and an interesting discussion. John graciously picked up the tab as a reminder to ‘pass it on’ to other cyclists.


I made it to the Super8 just after noon. It was great to get showered and out of the heat.


The plan is to stay here tomorrow (or longer if needed) to determine a route plan that will allow me to be done by noon and still put me in an over-night location that provides relief from the heat. The challenge with the stretch from here to Missoula is that there are few resources (towns, convenience stores and lodging). The forecast temps here in Lewiston for the next 4 days range between 104-106F


The last thing to note is that I have officially crossed Oregon and Washington off the list and have completed the first map!! On to Idaho and Montana!!



Location: Lewiston, ID 83501, USA

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