Since 2011 I have done several long distance rides across Canada, to Sturgis & the American southwest, through the northwest states including Montana, Idaho, Oregon and even California. On these rides we have often met riders who are on road trips of their own and who have stories to tell. Perhaps because of the route we have taken on this trip we haven't met too many other bikers. We have seen bikes on the road but just haven't been at the same place and time as other riders. It has been rather surprising since on previous rides there have always been chance meetings with other riders.
We are coming up to the July 4th holiday and traffic is beginning to build because this year the Fourth is on a Friday and we have already followed our share of boats on trailers, motor homes, and campers. The summer vacations season is beginning and the main roads are becoming more crowded.
This morning, before we hit the road, Jim was kind enough to clean the bugs off my bike fter he finished cleaning his so I was able to start the day with a clean and shiny bike. We had a leisurely start as we rode from Coulee City to Grand Coulee, a distance of about fifty kilometres. The road skirts Banks Lake which was created by the dam at Coulee City, as it cuts through volcanic deposits laid down more than fourteen million years ago. The rock formations must be intriguing to geologists and even for tourists the ride is worth it just for the views on either side of the lake. A huge rock formation in the lake, Steamboat Rock gives its name to the state park that includes most of it.
Bluffs on the west side of Banks Lake near Coulee City, WA
Layering of fourteen million year-old volcanic deposits on Banks Lake
Riding along the east side of Banks Lake, near Coulee City, WA
West side of Banks Lake
Volcanic bluffs - east side of Banks Lake
Big Red at the bluffs on the east side of Banks Lake
Looking north on Banks Lake
View to the north on Banks Lake
Steamboat Rock
We rode into Coulee City, and it is like many of the small towns here. It appears to have been left behind for the last forty years. The newest place in town seems to be the Funeral Home/Crematorium. The main attraction of course, is the Grand Coulee Dam which was built between 1933 and 1942. The dam spans the Columbia River creating Roosevelt Lake which stretches north to Kettle Falls, WA.
On the way to the viewpoint we saw a doe and young fawn beside the highway. The fawn was still young enough to still have its spots. We both received our does of 'cute' for the day when we saw this.
The dam itself is impressive. It is more than 500 feet high and when it was brought on line it powered the industrial development of the Northwest US during World War II. It is the largest power producing plant in the US.
Grand Coulee Dam completed in 1942
Grand Coulee Dam with power transmission lines in the foreground
The largest power producing plant in the US.
Rock face near Coulee Dam
Bridge over the Columbia River below Grand Coulee Dam
Leaving Grand Coulee, we headed to Wilbur, WA to rejoin Highway 2 to Spokane. One stretch of the highway from Grand Coulee ran straight for almost fifteen kilometres. We rode through wheat and canola fields that stretched into the distance. The canola is in bloom and when you ride through it you breathe in a delicate scent that is much like perfume. I found myself looking forward to riding by the next field.
On Highway 2 we ran directly in to Spokane then merged onto I-90 which took us the sixteen miles to Lone Wolf H-D. This dealership is one of the larger ones with probably a hundred bikes on the showroom floor. When we entered we were greeted twice within two minutes. After looking at bikes and clothing, we were standing by a new bike when a salesman began to talk to us about new bikes. Eventually, knowing that we weren't going to be buying a motorcycle, he took us on a tour of the back of the dealership. The repair area has sixteen bays for mechanics to work on bikes and all of the bays had guys working in them. There was also an area with probably thirty to forty bikes waiting to be serviced.
Sound Harley-Davidson, Spokane, WA
Going upstairs the salesman showed us the storage area for new bikes. His estimate was that there were between four and five hundred new H-Ds there. Where we were standing there were at least ten 2014 Heritage Softtails, as well abut a dozen Street Glides. We were amazed at the number of bikes and the fact that this guy had taken the time to shows us the behind the scenes workings of this dealership.
We headed north toward Newport, WA. The highway parallels the BNSF railroad tracks and within a period of five minutes we met two trains heading into Spokane. Further on we came across a yard where there were at least half a dozen trains lined up and ready to roll west. It seems that Spokane is a major railroad centre, probably the last one before Seattle.
The ride to Sandpoint went uneventfully. After what we have seen for the past three and a half days, the scenery this afternoon was decidedly pedestrian. Once again it was quite warm with the temperature in the low 80s F. We needed to find a room and considering that it is the day before the 'Fourth' we figured it might be difficult to find one if we waited too long. The first place we tried had no vacancies so we headed back to find another motel. WE pulled in to the Days Inn where we stayed last summer.
When we arrived the rooms hadn't ben cleaned and the cleaning staff was arguing amongst each other. We did rent a room then had to leave while they cleaned it. It was after 3 in the afternoon and only a few rooms had been cleaned! However, it was worth it not to have to ride around town looking for a room on the day prior to a busy holiday.
While we waited we walked to Starbucks to get a coffee. While we were there we were forced to listen to a loud Fox listener talk about 'the Consitution' gun rights, FEMA prison camps, and an FBI memo on how to recognize domestic terrorists. Apparently they carry copies of the Constitution in their pockets and talk about Second Amendment Rights. I have often wondered why people who listen to Faux News are able to spew back their hatred and garbage. Invariably these people speak so loudly that not only do their immediate audience has to listen to them, everyone else in the area does also. These guys try to sound intelligent but if you listen carefully they are doing nothing more than parroting Faux News talking points. Idaho is a very conservative Republican state. Last year almost every motel TV we turned on was tuned to Fox News.
We did about 310 kilometres today and so far we have done more than 1600 kilometres on this trip. Tomorrow we will head for the Canadian border and cross at Creston, BC. From there we will send a few days riding the back roads of the Kootenays before heading back to Kamloops.
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