Washington Bicycle Ride III
Itinerary

July 26 - 31, 2009

From the shore of Lake Chelan to the Columbia River, the historic mining country of Central Washington, and the orchard laden Okanogan Valley, you will enjoy the quiet roads of this unpopulated area. Your journey begins by riding through an area that was transformed by the Ice Age Floods. Grand Coulee Dam and the mighty Columbia are sure to be a highlight. Traveling north will bring you into dense forest, dotted with open meadows, lakes, and small remote towns that will take you back to times gone by. We're certain you will want to pause along the way at one or more of the many orchards. Take in the taste of the infamous Washington fruit fresh off the tree or wet your thirsty throat with a chilled glass of cider made right at the orchards. It's a pleasure that is not soon forgotten.

Saturday, July 25 - Arrive in Chelan
 - Registration & Orientation

Chelan, with its vineyards, orchards, lake activities and small town charm is a great place to spend some time. You might want to come early, or stay a few days after the ride, to enjoy a taste of this magical place. You could take in a wine tasting tour, spend time playing along the shores of Lake Chelan, take the ferry or the historic Lady of the Lake boat up Lake Chelan to the rustic and remote resort community of Stehekin for a day or two. There is so much to do here you might want to plan an extra week in the area.

Sunday, July 26 - Chelan to Coulee Dam
 - 68 miles and 4,150' CEG

You will travel through an area that was hit by "the greatest floods ever to be documented." During the Ice Age over two million years ago a mass of ice formed a huge ice dam at Lake Pend Oreille and blocked the Clark Fork River. This created an enormous lake encompassing the valleys of western Montana. The pressure of the water against the massive ice dam forced it to break loose and dump water, ice, huge boulders the size of houses and other debris over much of the Northwest and into the Pacific Ocean. These ice dams and floods repeated many times for about 2500 years transforming the land. The larger boulders you will see in the fields along the route were deposited by these ancient floods. Your camp is within a few blocks of Coulee Dam were you can take a tour during the day and watch the laser light show that night.

Monday, July 27 - Coulee Dam to Republic
 - 72 miles and 4,950' CEG

You will follow the Columbia River for short distance before heading eastward on the quiet roads through the Colville National Forest. This area is known for an abundance and variety of wildlife. The Sanpoil River is a big part or this day's ride. As you travel upstream towards Republic you will have many opportunities to cool off in this serenely placid stream. The small town of Republic was once a thriving gold rush town which still has remnants of its old west history. You won't want to miss the great murals on buildings around town that will offer a glimpse into the past.

Tuesday, July 28 - Republic to Oroville
 - 66 miles and 4,720' CEG

Quiet unpopulated roads of the Colville and Okanogan National Forest are the theme for this day's ride. These forests are dotted with open meadows, lakes, rivers and distant vistas. As you approach the Okanogan Valley there will be rolling hills with high mountain backdrops and views of the valley below. Oroville, the layover day, is located within a few miles of the Canadian border on the edge of the Osoyoos Lake and flanked by miles of fruit orchards.

Wednesday, July 29 - Oroville to Oroville (Layover Day)
 - 53 miles and 2,450' CEG

The gentle terrain and beautiful orchard-lined roads will offer you a delightful day's ride. You will have spectacular views of the valley, pockets of pasture lands speckled with livestock and wildlife, surrounded by high rocky mountains, rivers and lakes. With the campsite at the edge of Osoyoos Lake you might want to take a break from riding and enjoy a dip in the lake or a stroll through this sleepy little hamlet visiting the Train Depot Museum which tells the story of the backbone of Oroville. There is also a local winery and brewery that is sure to be on the top of your visitor's list.

Thursday, July 30 - Oroville to Bridgeport
 - 83 miles and 2,780' CEG

This is your longest day but the terrain is relatively gentle. The route basically follows the Okanogan River along the valley floor. The Okanogan Valley, known as the "Apple Capital of the West", is a deep valley with ideal climate for growing an abundance of fruit. Orchards and wineries dominate the valley and hillsides. There is also an abundance of wildlife. With the sparse population, don't be surprised if you see bear, big horn sheep, moose, bald eagles or other magnificent wildlife that inhabits this area. Bridgeport, "Gateway to the Mighty Columbia", is home to the Chief Joseph Dam. The many phases of this community stem from early-day gold mining by Chinese immigrants, to cattle ranches, orchards and wheat fields. The town was revived with the building of the Dam.

Friday, July 31 - Bridgeport to Chelan
 - 37 miles and 1,744' CEG

The final day of your ride will be dominated by more orchards and the Columbia River. You will pass through the small communities of Brewster and Pateros. The town of Brewster originated with the Gamble Hotel which burned down in 1941. The town was relocated here where the steamboats traveling up the Columbia could have a safer wharf. As you pass through Brewster, just imagine seeing thirty-two horses pulling the local hotel down the road to its relocation.

Total miles 379 with Long Option on Layover Day
Total CEG 20,794' with Long Option on Layover Day

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