This American Adventure: FCBA Day 56- Boise to Moscow with points between

What an incredible week! Boise was a rest day spent in reunion with a high school friend I hadn’t seen in 38 years. We caught up on life, reminiscing old times and sharing our stories gained in our years apart. We went to Snake River Canyon on Sunday for healing; my mentor guided me so many burdens were lifted from me as I traded light for darkness. I had an experience unlike any I’ve ever had and have been shown ways of ancient spiritual pursuit that are new to me.

From Boise we’ve been riding through the mountains and hills to McCall, Grangeville, Lewiston and now Moscow. I started this trip with abandon, accepting anything the road may present and though have found much inspiration along the way, but nothing compares to Idaho. This is my first time here and I can’t wait to explore more of the Northwest; I’m seriously thinking of calling this place home one day.

Into Idaho was pretty much desert, but suddenly the landscape blossomed as we neared Boise. There on the edge of the desert is the Snake River Canyon, as I mentioned above, and then turning green heading northward. Boise to McCall ride data (partial) From there we followed the Snake River along its course through the state as it makes its way to the Columbia River. Boise to McCall video We arrived in the mountain town of McCall as guests of Our Savior Lutheran Church. We were served a hamburger dinner, of beef organically raised by one of the parishioners. A few of us slept outside under the stars, which turned to rain at 3am sending us inside. We rose just after four to a breakfast of fruit and fresh baked goods, again provided by members of the church. We were on the road by 6, just before sunrise. It was cool enough to where all wore leggings, arm warmers, and some with coats. Even after sunrise it was quite cool, for the river runs between mountainous hills that block the sun most of the time.

The downhill from McCall was exhilarating, blowing my cheap Vivitar camera out of my pocket. I discovered it missing while reaching for it as I was halfway down the mountain, and thought of riding back up to look for it when I realized it would be a worthless effort. There is a bit of traffic on this mountain so I was certain if it had survived the fall it would have been crushed anyway. Subsequent riders following who I met at the bottom reported seeing it shattered on the road. I have my Pentax so can continue with time-laps and standard video, adapting my shooting habits. All is well. Most of the remaining miles were downhill, until White Bird. From mile 75 to mile 83 we climbed just under 3000 feet on 6% to 9.5% grades, with one stretch at 11.1 according to my Strava data showing an average speed of around 5.5mph. McCall to Grangeville ride data The last 11 miles were predominantly downhill and swift. This was my most difficult day lately. We were hosted that evening in Grangeville with dinner, taking showers at the local community pool. McCall to Grangeville video

The next morning started at sunrise and headed to Lewiston. Most of the ride was a very gradual increase of altitude, but then Old Winchester Road presented the most magnificent view over the adjacent valley, and over 15 miles of downhill switchbacks. This was the best ride of the entire trip and can be viewed at Lewiston ride video for those into road cycling perhaps a bit of the thrill can be conveyed. Lewiston ride data

In Lewiston we had our workday. We were split up into teams, two of which built wheelchair ramps. From the video you will see that this project I was on wasn’t in a downtrodden neighborhood. Lewiston build video was for a couple in need of a wheelchair ramp who purchased the materials and instead of hiring a contractor, contacted the local Fuller Center Covenant Partner to offer a donation for the service. This type of partnership brings funds into the local foundation so they can more readily provide for other projects while using our surplus of labor, and brings media attention to the parent foundation. The work was very well planned and supervised so all of us finished with a great feeling of accomplishment.

This morning we slept in, with breakfast hosted by the Church of the Nativity Episcopal Church. From here we headed northward out of town and uphill on Old Spiral Highway as we climbed out of the river valley for 8 miles of 6% grade. From there it was relatively flat with some tail wind and then rain for the last 10 miles. Lewiston to Moscow ride data We are guests of the Christian Life Center who provided dinner, and we took showers a few miles away at Logos High School. Tomorrow is Spokane, 85 miles and into Washington where we will have a rest day and start our final week of the trip into Canada. (Lewiston to Moscow video not available at time of post- see my YouTube channel later).