Day 1
Sandpoint, ID to Colville, WA
DATE: Monday, September 11
DISTANCE: 97 miles (century option also available)
Start elev. 2,080 ft., end 1,586 ft.
map and elevation/grade charts
MAIN FEATURES: Pend Oreille River, Flowery Trail and the Colville National Forest
You will start the day winding over rolling hills along the Pend Oreille River. This is a great place to watch for eagles, hawks and osprey who nest in the trees along the banks. You will pass through several small communities with small shops and business before heading west on Flowery Trail into the Colville National Forest. The Christmas Tree for the US Capitol was cut from this forest in 2013 and is a great place for hiking, mountain biking and camping, as well as the opportunity to see additional wildlife. We will then gradually climb over Flowery Trail Pass (elevation 4,046) and the home of 49 Degrees North Ski Resort. Don’t let the elevation scare you, we have the best sag support and they will be there to assist you if needed.
Once you reach the top, be sure to take advantage of the photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains and since you have earned the bragging rights – don’t forget to snap a picture of the elevation sign before heading downhill to the small community of Chewelah. The final leg of the day takes you through agricultural farms to one of Washington’s oldest cities, and where we will spend our first night – Colville.
CUE SHEET
Sharp left onto Little Fox Trail / 1.0 miTurn right onto Michigan St / 1.4 mi
Turn left onto Little Fox Trail / 1.4 mi
Turn left toward US-2 W / 2.3 mi
Turn right onto US-2 W / 2.3 mi
Turn right onto Little Fox Trail / 2.7 mi
Turn left to stay on Little Fox Trail / 2.7 mi
Turn left onto Syringa Heights Rd / 3.2 mi
Turn right onto US-2 W / 3.2 mi
Turn right onto Le Clerc Rd / 28.8 mi
Turn left onto Kings Lake Rd / 45.8 mi
Continue onto 5th St / 46.1 mi
Continue onto Beeman Rd/McKenzie Rd / 46.7 mi
Continue onto W Calispell Rd / 49.0 mi
Continue onto Flowery Trail Rd / 50.5 mi
Continue onto E Main Ave / 71.9 mi
Turn right onto N Park St / 72.4 mi
Turn right onto W Chewelah Creek Rd/Sand Canyon Rd / 73.0 mi
Turn left onto Kramer Rd / 74.2 mi
Turn right onto US-395 N / 75.2 mi
Turn left onto Blue Creek Rd W / 78.7 mi
Turn right onto Zimmer Rd / 79.6 mi
Continue onto Marble Valley-Basin Rd / 82.5 mi
Turn right onto 12 Mile Rd / 84.5 mi
Turn right onto US-395 N / 89.3 mi
Turn right onto Old Arden Hwy / 89.6 mi
Turn right onto US-395 N / 93.3 mi
Turn left onto Orin-Rice Rd / 94.0 mi
Turn right to stay on Orin-Rice Rd / 94.7 mi
Turn right onto Valley-Westside Rd / 95.2 mi
Continue onto Oakshott Rd / 98.7 mi
Continue onto W 1st Ave / 99.9 mi
Day 2
Colville, WA to Rossland, BC
DATE: Tuesday, September 12
DISTANCE: 61 miles
Start elev. 1,586 ft., end 3,493 ft.
map and elevation/grade charts
MAIN FEATURES: Columbia River, border crossing, LeRoi Mine and Canada’s Alpine City (Rossland, BC)
This will be one of our shortest days and includes a climb at the end of the day (last 12 miles) to reach our destination of Rossland, BC. Our amazing sag support will be with you every pump of the pedal – so if you need help or a lift we will be there for you. We start the day heading north along the shores of the beautiful Columbia River, where the road will wind along farms and give you plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view of this beautiful river. There are a number of places where you can also easily get your feet wet if you wish. Watch for wildlife of all types along this section.
We will then cross the border into British Columbia and begin our accent. Rossland is often called Canada’s Alpine City and is renowned as the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World”. So if you enjoy mountain biking or some extremely scenic hiking this might be a community you will want to return to. Rossland’s wealth began with the legendary LeRoi Mine which produced phenomenal amounts of gold. Stop by their museum for more information on this historic community with hilly streets.
CUE SHEET
Turn right onto S Lincoln St / 0.0 miTurn left onto W 1st Ave / 0.1 mi
Turn right to stay on W 1st Ave / 0.3 mi
Continue onto Oakshott Rd / 0.3 mi
Turn right onto Valley-Westside Rd / 1.5 mi
Turn right to stay on Valley-Westside Rd / 3.9 mi
Turn left onto US-395 N / 4.4 mi
Turn left onto Greenwood Loop Rd / 6.3 mi
Turn right to stay on Greenwood Loop Rd / 9.4 mi
Continue onto Juniper St / 10.2 mi
Turn right onto Boise Cascade Rd / 13.8 mi
Slight right onto Boise Rd/Boise Cascade Rd / 13.9 mi
Turn right onto Northport Flat Creek Rd/River Bridge Rd / 19.2 mi
Turn left onto WA-25 N / 47.9 mi
Continue onto Paterson-Trail Hwy/BC-22 N / 54.7 mi
Day 3
Rossland, BC to Nelson, BC
Columbia River
DATE: Wednesday, September 13
DISTANCE: 66 miles
Start elev. 3,493 ft., end 1,808 ft.
map and elevation/grade charts
MAIN FEATURES: Nancy Green Provincial Park, Castlegar’s Sculpture Walk, Columbia River, Kootenay River
As you leave the alpine city of Rossland we will have a long downhill trek past Red Mountain Resort and Nancy Green Provincial Park, which includes a sub-alpine lake that you may wish to dip your toes into. As you enter the community of Castlegar, keep your eyes open for their amazing Sculpture Walk that you will not want to miss. There are 20+ sculptures of various media placed all over town, many are on the street you are riding on – so get off your bike, stretch your legs and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed.
One of the many treasurers of Sculpturewalk
Castlegar is located on the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers and also features many historical sites that may be of interest to you. After leaving Castlegar we will be on roads less traveled as we wind our way toward the city of Nelson. The scenery along this section is beautiful with many vistas of the surrounding mountains, rivers and dams – so have your camera ready.
CUE SHEET
Turn right onto BC-3B W / 0.7 miTurn right onto Crowsnest Hwy/BC-3 E (signs for Castlegar/Nelson) / 18.2 mi
Take the British Colombia 22 S exit toward City Center/Trail / 34.3 mi
Merge onto BC-22 S / 34.5 mi
Turn right onto Columbia Ave (signs for City Center) / 34.5 mi
Turn right onto 6 St / 36.3 mi
Continue onto 1 Ave / 37.0 mi
Turn right onto 5 Ave / 37.2 mi
Turn left onto 2 St / 37.4 mi
Turn right onto Columbia Ave / 37.8 mi
Turn right to stay on Columbia Ave / 38.1 mi
Continue onto Castlegar-Robson Bridge / 38.2 mi
Continue onto Robson Access Rd / 38.7 mi
Turn left onto Winter Rd / 42.5 mi
Turn left onto Pass Creek Rd / 43.5 mi
Turn right to stay on Pass Creek Rd / 52.7 mi
Turn right onto BC-6 S / 52.8 mi
Turn left onto BC-3A/BC-6 S (signs for Nelson) / 54.2 mi
Turn right onto Blewett Rd / 55.9 mi
Turn right onto Granite Rd / 64.2 mi
Turn right onto BC-3A/BC-6 S / 67.2 mi
Take the ramp / 67.9 mi
Merge onto Ymir Rd/BC-3A / 68.0 mi
Day 4
Nelson, BC – Layover Day
Ainsworth Hot Springs
DATE: Thursday, September 14
MAIN FEATURES: Too many to list… Nelson is an amazing city and you will have plenty of options to fill your time during your layover here. So whether you are happy putting your feet up for a long deserved rest or looking for more adventure, we’ve got you covered. Many travelers refer to Nelson as a European Village – it is renowned for its eclecticarts scene, diverse, and we might add delicious, restaurants and a wide variety of outdoor recreation. It is also a great place to sit at a sidewalk cafe and enjoy the view or wander through their unique shops and visit with the friendly people. We think you are going to have a wonderful time and may not be ready to leave on day 5! Once you are registered, we will send you a list of contacts for these activities so you can make reservations where needed. Visit Touchstones Museum and other galleries – This is the #1 small arts town in Canada! Rent a kayak and spend the day paddling around beautiful Kootenay Lake.
Rotary Park
Lakeside Park is a great beach for swimming, sunbathing and enjoy a picnic. Hire a fishing guide and spend the day trying to catch the big one Get a massage – give those muscles a rest!
Hike to Pulpit Rock – day hike with spectacular scenery.
Walking Tour of Historic Nelson – walking maps are available of these amazing historic buildings
In case you road too fast through Castlegar yesterday….. there is the Sculpture Walk. Check with SAG support for a ride (space is limited).
Horse drawn carriage ride – two tours available
Kokanee Mountain Zipline – No wings required. From high up in the forest canopy, experience a bird’s eye view of the stunning natural environment as you soar above Kokanee Creek canyon on six awe-inspiring ziplines.
Ainsworth Hot Springs – soak those muscles in the soothing water. Check with SAG support for a ride (space is limited).
For you die-hard cyclists, rent a mountain bike and head for the trails.
Relax… you have earned it!
Day 5
Nelson, BC to Creston, BC
DATE: Friday, September 15
Broom Shop in Crawford Bay
DISTANCE: 77 miles
Start elev. 1,808 ft., end 2,027 ft.
map and elevation/grade charts
MAIN FEATURES: Ferry Ride, Artisans at Crawford Bay, East Shore of Kootenay Lake and the Glass House
The Glass House
We will begin this day a little earlier than the rest, so that we can make sure everyone gets on the same ferry. It is a fairly easy 22 mile ride to the ferry landing at Balfour. There is a delicious bakery, restaurant and other shops to keep you busy. The ferry ride is the longest FREE ferry ride in the world and you will find a coffee shop and restrooms on board – sit back and enjoy the ride. After unloading on the other side of the lake in Kootenay Bay we have a monster of a climb (see the elevation map and remember our excellent support) before dropping back down into Crawford Bay. Here you will find several artisans that are worth stopping at and maybe taking home some of their wares. You will find a handweaver (softest garmets and throws), broom maker (think Harry Potter and Fiddler on the Roof), pottery (multiple shops), forge (everyday iron items) and more. Well worth the stop.
Most of the rest of the day you will wind your way along the east shore of Kootenay Lake where there are many beautiful vistas and photo opportunities. Be sure to stop at the Glass House! It is constructed of more than 500,000 discarded embalming fluid bottles. This square shaped bottle makes for a curiously beautiful home. Before you reach your destination, we will send you onto a secondary highway which drops down into the valley floor where you can view the Selkirk Mountains all the way from the ground up!
CUE SHEET
Turn left onto High St / 0.3 miTurn right onto Ferry Landing Rd / 20.6 mi
Continue straight onto Ferry Ramp / 26.2 mi
Continue onto BC-3A S / 26.3 mi
Turn right onto Lower Wynndel Rd / 70.1 mi
Turn right onto Packing Shed Rd / 70.3 mi
Continue onto Lower Wynndel Rd / 70.5 mi
Turn left onto Creston-Rykerts Hwy / 74.7 mi
Slight left onto Valleyview Dr / 75.5 mi
Slight right onto Crowsnest Hwy/Northwest Blvd/BC-3 E / 76.2 mi
Day 6
Creston, BC to Sandpoint, ID
DATE: Saturday, September 16
DISTANCE: 75 miles
Start elev. 2,027 ft., end 2,080 ft.
Creston Valley
map and elevation/grade charts
MAIN FEATURES: border crossing, hops farm, Bonners Ferry, McArthur Lake, Selle Valley, Sand Creek and Sandpoint
On your last day, we will head south to where we once again cross the border back into the US. As you head south from the border, there is a bit of a climb, but you will also have some nice views of the valley where you will see hops and grain fields off to your right. The hops are grown for Budweiser. More great scenery on the ride to Bonners Ferry – keep your eyes open for wildlife in the fields. Lunch will be provided for you in Bonners Ferry by the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club and there are some great shops in the downtown area. Spend some time and see why they were voted the “most friendly town” in Idaho. Once we leave Bonners Ferry, we will send you on some very quiet secondary roads and more great views to finish off your ride. Watch for the McArthur Lake Wildlife Area, which was established in 1942 to protect and enhance Idaho’s waterfowl habitat and gives you an excellent view of the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges which are at their closest point. From here you will enter the Selle Valley, a quiet and scenic route you will wish you could ride in everyday. As you near Sandpoint we will direct you to a paved bike path along Sand Creek and on to your final destination.
Sand Creek
Sandpoint has a great downtown area, with wonderful shops and restaurants, a winery and brew pubs. The City Beach has white sand beaches and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. There are also museums, galleries, hiking trails and a nearby zip line to give you a thrill. Sunset Magazine calls Sandpoint “The West’s Best Small Town” so you will probably want to add a few extra days to your trip and discover it yourself.
CUE SHEET
Turn right toward 16 Ave N / 0.1 miTurn right onto 16 Ave N / 0.2 mi
Turn left onto Creston-Rykerts Hwy / 1.6 mi
Continue onto ID-1 S / 7.9 mi
Slight right onto US-95 / 20.2 mi
Turn right onto Main St / 34.4 mi
Turn right onto Riverside St / 34.4 mi
Turn left onto Bonner St / 34.6 mi
Bonner St turns right and becomes 4th St / 34.7 mi
Turn right onto Riverside St / 34.8 mi
Turn right onto Main St / 35.0 mi
Turn right onto US-2 W/US-95 S / 35.0 mi
Turn right onto Kootenai St / 35.2 mi
Turn right onto Deep Creek Loop / 38.2 mi
Turn left onto Mc Arthur Lake Rd / 48.5 mi
Turn left to stay on Mc Arthur Lake Rd / 53.7 mi
Turn right toward US-2 W/US-95 S / 54.2 mi
Turn right onto US-2 W/US-95 S / 54.2 mi
Take the exit toward E Superior St / 72.8 mi
Merge onto E Superior St / 73.1 mi
Slight right onto S 1st Ave / 73.2 mi
Continue onto N First Ave / 73.4 mi
Turn right onto Bridge St / 73.4 mi