Through the Palouse and other whereabouts

If you drop off I-90 and head out on 195S, you get to run through a portion of 3,000 sq. miles of America's wheat lands. The highway is well maintained, lacks potholes, gouges, dips, etc., just sweet, smooth road.

There is one Rest Area between Spokane, WA and Moscow, ID. A God send at any time of day or night!

Most of the journey is rolling hill, after rolling hill, of blue sky, fluffy white clouds and wheat. Not much traffic on the two laner. Though around Pullman, WA it gets a bit busy being it's home to Washington State University.

I didn't take pictures but instead Googled The Palouse region images. Tons of pics of the area there. I've added 3 that kinda capture what you see as you ride along.

As with most of the area in this region, nights become cold quick. Afterall, this is a desert too! Over the years of riding in this area, I've learned to pack at all times spare gloves. Thankfully earlier in the season I packed 2 bandannas and a windbreaker. Needed all of that extra gear to get home. Think I'll add one pair of socks.

The night ride was way different from the day ride. Coming up from the river is always cold at night. We all know that. That I was prepared for. I was not prepared for a couple of hours of it. Then it was spots of warm air and longer spots of freakin frigid air. Occasionally I would glance out to the side and clearly see the fields lit up by the full moon. Talk about beauty! Who cared it was cold!!

Been many moons since I've done a night ride, especially 100+ miles of them. Glad I was somewhat prepared. The ride did me good. I may be getting older but man, I still have it!

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Permalink Reply by BBNX on September 4, 2012 at 5:54am

I love cold weather riding.... Even more than summer riding. Of course when I get a chance to ridw "rolling hill after rolling hill" I'll take it hot or not! Night riding, on the other hand, is not on my list of favorite types rides. We do it of course, however, I'd rather not.

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Permalink Reply by LittleSisterWA (AnneH) on September 4, 2012 at 1:49pm

Staying the night & riding back in the daylight wasn't an option. When my friend was all done servicing the bike, i bought him a steak dinner and then headed out of town. The sweatshirt I'd worn down to Clarkston was left in the gal's car who I'd helped load her bike on a trailer and get to Clarkston. Stupid on my part. The coat I had with me is kinda porous so air flows thru it easily. Luckily I had a windbreaker, two bandannas, and extra gloves stashed in my bags. I doubled up my bandanna and gloves and slipped on the windbreaker. My vest helps keep my core warm.

My lesson: stash a pair of socks and one of those one-size fits all cotton gloves in my bag as well. And, switch out my coats. I knew ahead of time that there was a chance I'd be riding back late, maybe 7p or so, but not 10p. Thought I'd be good with the sweatshirt and my other gear.. Night temps have been around 45 in the area lately. Add into that equation this area is also desert and ya have an idea how cold nights can get. Factor in the 60 mph, 100+ miles, closed small towns, no gas stations or convenience stores, clear night sky, a full moon...you get the idea.

It's been a long time since I have ridden a two lane highway with the moon over my shoulder freezing my butt. Well worth the journey. I loved every body numbing, brrrr mile!! :)