Day 84 Coeur d’Alene to Airway Heights

August 4, 2023

I was a bit nervous about the route I plotted on Ridewithgps yesterday. Using city streets in an unfamiliar urban environment always raises the possibility that something will go wrong or you may find yourself on a street unsuitable for cycling. In addition, I planned to use the Idaho Centennial Trail as well as the Spokane Centennial Trail, both of which have areas where they use city streets which are not always well signed. And I had no idea what I would be getting into between Spokane and Airway Heights.

After leaving Peter and Henry, I headed down Government Way with heavy morning traffic and a shoulder that temporarily disappeared for a spell and eventually encountered the Idaho Centennial Trail. It meandered around and eventually went through Post Falls where there was a poorly signed detour. Luckily there read another cyclist who helped me find the trail again. I passed a community garden that had some lovely annuals which always cheers me up.

I crossed the Spokane river and entered Washington, my final state.

The trail followed the river and crossed it twice. I ran into some construction and decided to see if I could get through which I did but I was scolded by one of the bosses after the fact.

Haven’t had to deal with this for quite a while

The trail was quite attractive around Gonzaga University.

Aftet the second river crossing, I think I was off the trail as I didn’t see any trail signs. I passed the Masonic temple and an interesting sculpture of runners.

I eventually came to an incredibly steep hill with horrible pavement. The first half was over 10% grade so I decided to hike it. The second half was 7-8% grade so I rode it. Then came the two and a half mile 4.5- 5% grade hill. I can do that. The road then joined with Route 2 and became insanely busy but with a good shoulder and eventually got me to the neighborhood of the campground.

We’ve decided to try to make it to Wilbur tomorrow which is 60 miles as the crow flies i.e. US 2 or about 75 miles using smaller roads. My butt voted for US 2. Hopefully the shoulder continues.

Today's ride: 47 miles (76 km)
Total: 3,177 miles (5,113 km)

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