Day 7 - Colville to Sacheen Lake

A short ride through the town and neighborhoods of Colville brought us to rolling farmland - always deceptive for the bike rider since the “rolling” hills often turn out to offer challenging climbs, no exception here. Weather was perfect but a headwind (is there any other kind for the earnest bicyclist) came up about an hour into the ride and stayed with us the rest of the day.

After traveling the back roads, we returned to route 20, this time with almost no traffic for nearly 30 miles. Following a great downhill and crossing the Pend Oreille (the French would feint if they heard the pronunciation or saw the spelling) River, we turned onto the LeClerq Road. We traveled south along the river after having been within about 10 miles of the Canadian border. After riding about 30 miles we encountered unexpected road repair work. Thankfully, Pat and his Element were still with us. Jim, who was driving at the time waited for Len and Pat at the beginning of the construction zone. When they arrived, we racked the bikes and drove the 5 miles across the construction zone. Len and Pat returned to the bikes to finish the last 10 miles.

We were greeted by Bev Lawrie and Cathy Retterer at the Retterer family compound (two houses and various outbuildings) on Sacheen Lake. Sacheen is much like Donner Lake in the Sierras for those who have a basis for comparison. Very beautiful. Pat and Jim swam across the lake while Len loafed on the dock. Pat decided that he wanted to get an early start returning to Reno, so he departed about 4 PM.

After a day’s rest, the real ride begins for Len and Jim. We’re “easing” into the trip with a 78 mile day fully loaded. Should be fun.