Incident at Audrey's

Day 6, June 27
Spokane, WA to Sand Point, ID
76 miles

Today's ride was fast, hot and scenic. We headed north from Spokane after a layover day resting in the dorms at Gonzaga University, washing clothes and touring the city. It was the first day on the road after the tragic accident in which Phil Smith was killed, and everyone appeared to be extra-careful along the way. According to this morning's Spokane Spokesman-Review, officials are investigating the accident very carefully. The newspaper quoted a sizeable chunk of my blog account in its story. (Ed.'s note: We'd love to link you to the story, but the Spokesman-Review's Web site is on a subscription-only basis.)

Spokane's public park by the river is well worth a visit. Dozens of runner sculptures, cut and welded from steel plates, a wonderful piece of public art, are enough to justify a trip. The life-sized sculptures, which go around a corner of a sidewalk, include both sexes, young and old, and a person in a racing wheelchair. Nearby is the largest Radio Flyer child's red wagon I've seen. Children climb into the wagon and slide down the tongue.

A public art display of runners sculpted from metal.

A childhood favorite, supersized and enjoyed by a new generation.

Food is one of the necessities and joys of bike touring. With the hard work of riding, we need to eat at least 5,000 calories a day, and our menu should certainly include pie, ice cream, and other delights. About mid-morning, I started looking for someplace that might serve pie and spotted Audrey's Restaurant. As David Ramsey and I pulled up, we asked a man headed for the front door if the place served pie. He assured us there were several varieties available, and all were excellent, and he went  inside. It took us awhile to get organized, and then we entered. A half-dozen men in booths and along the counter glared at us intently. Moments passed, then one asked (a bit ominously, I thought, since we were in the heart of the Aryan Brotherhood country) "Are you having pie?" I exclaimed, "Yes, that's exactly what we're looking for." At that point, the place exploded in laughter. The customer ahead of us had bet the head waitress that the two cyclists outside would order pie, and she had taken the wrong side of the wager. Although Audrey's was out of strawberry-rhubard, the best biking pie, the apple was superb.

Comments

[maryJane Bullen]

Thanks, Bill, for getting back on.
The pixs are great. Now you know where to take that soon to be grandchild for a great slide! . . . and pie!
MaryJane

[Ruth Endsley]

I am so enjoying your diary of the bike trip. My husband and I are friends of Martin Berndt and we had a good laugh at your "oldest rider" column.
What I don't understand is the number of incidents (in different states) where the riders were harassed by drivers or townspeople.
Good luck and keep safe.
Ruth