6/18-Day 6 of Colleen Rides Across the Country Slowly

If anyone is following Lael Wilcox, you will get today’s title. I just got caught up on her podcasts. 

Today was a short day from Ralston to Ritzville. Would have only been about 11 miles the shortest way (Hwy 261), but that’s not the way I went. Still only about 15 miles. 

Because it wasn’t going to be a long day, and I probably couldn’t check in to a hotel until the afternoon, I was in no hurry. Funny thing though, I was still pretty much ready to go by 7:30.

Fortunately, I had Eddie to talk to. Eddie rolled in yesterday afternoon. He’s riding from North Bend to Spokane on the P2CT. Unlike my route, which avoids any sketchy parts of the trail, he was riding almost solely on the trail. The poor boy was whipped. Remember the photo I posted of the trail yesterday? Yeah, imagine riding that all day. No thank you! He was really ready to find an exit strategy. It’s his first longer trip. I told him I totally understood, and that he could take the parallel roads. He also needed to eat and drink. He was feeling pretty demoralized. We hung out for the evening, and by the time we retired to our tents, he was feeling much better. I hate to see someone feeling bad, and I’m glad he had changed his mind. 

I left at about 8:00, wishing Eddie all the best. I gave him my number and told him he could always ask me anything about bikepacking. 

The route immediately turned onto a gravel road. 

A bit of washboard, but not bad. 

The route turned north, then west, then north…basically zigzagging my way to Ritzville. 

What’s up, Shadow!

Lots of rolling hills

Today’s deer sighting (actually, I saw 4 deer- makes up for not seeing one yesterday)

Abandoned barn and house

With about 3 miles to go, the road went back to pavement. I had to do a brief bit on 261 up to the big interchange for I-90. I saw a Days Inn right by the freeway (and close to where the route leaves Ritzville). The rate is okay, so I booked a room. I can’t check in until 1:00 at the earliest, maybe later. I needed to get some groceries, so I rode into Ritzville. It’s been a few decades or so since I’ve been here, but I thought there used to be more to it. There was only one small grocery store (but sufficient). I stopped at a coffee shop to kill time. 

This qualifies as second breakfast, right? Peach smoothie and Rice Krispie bar (it’s cereal!)

Now I’m at the city park. Lots of kids here. 

Soon I can return to the hotel. I took a short day for a few reasons. 1) I wanted a bit of a break. 2) I need to do laundry. 3) I needed groceries. And 4) I wanted to set myself up for the ride to Rosalia tomorrow. It’s about 64 miles, some pavement, some gravel. More importantly, the epic ride weather forecast shows a headwind. I’ll get an early start. 

Update: When I checked into the hotel, there was a sign saying no hot water, so they were giving me a 25% discount. That makes tonight’s stay the same price as the motel in Othello, but here there is breakfast!