Roadie Pedalers,

Bob Philips and I rode the 50 mile version of this ride on Sunday. The
ride, sponsored by the Newport/Priest River Rotary and Newport Kiwanis left
Newport Park, headed SW out of town on Hwy 2 for a couple miles before
leaving the Highway for more scenic rural roads. We continued heading SW
(unfortunately they ran out of route sheets so my recollection of all the
roads is limited!) from town. Bob and I hooked up with a bunch of riders
from the Baddlands Bicycle Racing Club (Spokane) and rode most of the ride
with them or frantically chasing them down <g>.

For those who know the area, we worked our way SW and then north, crossing
Hwy 2 south of Pend Oreille State Park. We then worked our way north toward
Sacheen Lake which we skirted and then returned to Newport via Deer Valley
Road.

The weather was delightful, the route scenic and inspiring, the roads good
(a fair section of Deer Valley Rd was recently chip-sealed, but then we are
used to that over here!) and the support excellent. There were three rest
stops on the 50-miler (most riders passed the third stop). Each stop had a
nice selection of fruit, home-made cookies, other snacks and water and
Gatorade. Lunch after the ride consisted of huge baked potatoes with a
smorgasbord of yummy toppings.

All this plus a t-shirt for $30 (including the $5 late reg. fee).
Approximately 130 riders participated in the three different routes: 15, 30
and 50 miles. Bob and I agreed it was well worth the short 30 minute drive
over and will do it again next year, Saturday of Labor Day weekend. We
invite you to consider joining us!


-- Jim