Northern Tier 2021

A 72-day adventure by Chrysa Read more

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Trip start
June 5, 2021
Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 2 A Fun Afternoon in Skykomish
June 10, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
Skykomish is a small historic railroad town of about 200 people. We have taken over the local motel for the night. The highlight of our walking tour today was a ride on a miniature electric train. Tres was the engineer. You would have thought we were a bunch of kids having fun!Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
My Journey to the Northern Tier
May 22, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
In 2015, my husband and I attended an REI program on cycling the Northern Tier. We were captivated and very interested in doing it. However, we ended up doing the Southern Tier in 2016 with Bubba's Pampered Pedalers. It was during this wonderful 53 day trip that we met our bicycle family of like minded cyclists from all over the country. Since then we have had many cycling adventures with them.

Fast forward to 2018, we signed up for a Northern Tier Trip and were put on a wait list. The wait list never moved forward, so we didn't get to go. We did obtain some routes for the Northern Tier and began planning our own trip for 2020 with friends. Originally there were six of us and we had planned to hire our own SAG and take care of all of the details ourselves. We eventually approached a new tour company and began planning our NT adventure for June through August of 2020. Due to Covid 19, the trip was postponed to 2021, but we picked up a few more participants most of whom we know from other rides. We have been training for the last 2 years for this ride!

As much as I thought COVID was a challenge in 2020, I was not prepared for a new roadblock. In January 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I faced surgery and radiation and a short window before we would leave for the trip. My doctors have been very cooperative about my goal of riding the NT. And I am happy to say that I am recovered and ready to ride!

In less than two weeks we will join 13 other cycling friends in Seattle, Washington and embark on a 69 day trip to Portland, Maine. Everyone in our group has done at least one cross country ride in the past and we know most everyone in our group. Our special road buddies are featured in the photos below from previous trips on the Southern Tier and England. Join us for a fantastic journey!Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Pre Trip Stuff
June 1, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
Today we said good bye to our bicycles and bike gear. Our SAG (Support and Gear) Team will take our bikes on the trailer out to Seattle when they leave tomorrow. I had every intention of taking photos, but forgot as I was making mental notes of everything we need to do over the next three days. We leave St. Louis on Saturday morning. Four days and counting! Here are our photos of our rides!Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Packed and Ready to Fly
June 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 77 °F
After packing and repacking over the past week, we are down to the wire. It has been hard to figure out whether to take warm or cool clothes. The weather keeps changing. We are probably a bit overpacked, but our plan is to get through the mountains and then mail things we no longer need home.

Tomorrow we fly from St. Louis to Seattle by way of Phoenix! I know, our direct flight got changed by the airline a few weeks ago to a plane change and layover in Phoenix. Tomorrow’s weather in Phoenix is 100 and 60 in Seattle. Regardless we are ready for a great adventure!Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Airport Travel Crazy
June 5, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Uber ride to the airport to await our flight. The airport is crazy busy!
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
More Travel Crowds
June 5, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
More crowds while we wait for the second leg of our flight. Glad we will soon be on bicycles!
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Seattle
June 5, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
We made it to Seattle and checked into our hotel. We have a few days to spend here before we set off on our journey. Tomorrow we will drive-yes in a car- to Portland, Oregon to visit my cousin Mark and his family.Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
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Side Trip to Portland Oregon
June 6, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
We made a quick trip to Portland, Oregon-about 3 hours away- to visit my cousin Mark. Although it was a rainy day, we enjoyed a bit of scenery, grilled salmon, and family time.
Traveler Glad you got to do this. How happy you cousins look!
6/6/21Reply
TravelerAwesome that you could work out a trip to see Mark and family...looked like it was a ton of fun!
6/28/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Ride Prep Day
June 7, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
The rest of our group arrived today. We spent a good part of the day getting our bikes and gear ready. Of course there was the obligatory trip to the local Gregg's Bicycle Shop for a few extra items and a Seattle bike jersey. The sun finally appeared this afternoon and the view of the mountains to the east are in our future. Our group meets for dinner tonight and we will do a short ride around Bellevue tomorrow.Read more
TravelerReady - Set -Go!!! Safe travels to you all. I can't wait to watch the adventures.
6/8/21Reply
TravelerHappy Trails
6/8/21Reply
Great to see everyone together and will love following your journey. We are in Booneville tonight. [Julie]
6/8/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Exploring Seattle
June 8, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
This morning was a short ride to make sure our bikes were all working properly. 750 feet of climb in about 9 miles. After a great lunch served by our SAG crew, we headed out again to explore the 520 Trail. The greater Seattle area has some amazing trails. We got plenty of climbing in- 1447 feet of climb in about 23 miles. Back at our hotel, it was time to repack and get ready for tomorrow- which is really the official Day 1 of the trip.Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 1 Bellevue to Sultan
June 9, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
35.45 miles 1557 ft. Our first few days are fairly low mileage days so we can get our bike legs. Also we have a trip mascot that you might see in future photos- the Gnome.

After another great breakfast thanks to Dave, we headed to the 520 Trail heading east. Unfortunately, right before we got to the trail, one of riders went down. As it turned out she had a mild heart attack. We don’t know if she will be able to rejoin us.

The rest of our group continued onward and enjoyed the beautiful trails and scenery. After a few wrong turns, we took a break and had lunch at Pizza Coop. Back on route we of course immediately had a huge steep climb on a full stomach! The rest of the day included some climbs, but nothing too bad. We are now in a more rural area of small towns. By mid afternoon we could see snow topped mountains. We plan on a good nights rest and a short day tomorrow.Read more
Love the gnome! I hope the woman who had a mild heart attack is ok!! [Robyn]
6/10/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 2 Sultan to Skykomish
June 10, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
26.27 miles 1517 ft. We had a false start this morning! As soon as we rode out of the motel parking lot, it started misty rain. So we turned around and got our rain gear. Today was a short ride but mostly climb with rain and a lot of tourist traffic. There were amazing views of white water rapids and lush forests. This takes your mind off any hard climbs.Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 2 Fun Afternoon in Skykomish
June 10, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Since it was a fairly short day of riding we explored the small railroad mining town of Skykomish. This included and epic ride on a miniature electric rail with a mile and a half of track. We are all just big kids!Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 3 Skykomish to Leavenworth
June 11, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F
Today was a gray chilly day with a 17 mile climb to start. Then a mostly downhill to Leavenworth. The scenery continues to be amazing.
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 3 Skykomish to Leavenworth
June 11, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
51.06 miles 3709 ft. Today was a cold, gray, and slightly rainy day. The first 17 miles was a long uphill climb to the top of Steven’s Pass, an altitude of about 4000'. Dave met the group at a nice rest stop with hot stroganoff for lunch. It was then downhill to the hotel. Leavenworth is a lovely Bavarian village. We have a rest day here tomorrow.Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 4 Rest Day in Leavenworth, WA
June 12, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
The small city of Leavenworth was originally settled by pioneers in search of furs, mining, and lumber. The railroad brought wealth and a sawmill. However, when the sawmill closed and the railroad was rerouted, the city fell on hard times. In the 1960's the whole town rallied behind the idea of creating a Bavarian style tourist town. The buildings, restaurants, and businesses reflect that theme and attract large numbers of tourists. We had a delightful day exploring the city.Read more
TravelerWhat a cute little town...I'm sure you enjoyed it...see any cows yet?
6/28/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 5 Leavenworth to Chelan
June 13, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
58.12 miles, 3272”. Today we reached the leeward side of the Cascades and the scenery made a dramatic change. The mountain slopes are dry and dotted with a few trees and vegetation. Along the roadways we passed many apple orchards, as well as cherries and pears. It reminded of the pecan groves on the southern tier. Our lunch stop was at Entiat City Park on Lake Entiat, a man made lake on the Columbia River. There was a long scenic climb before a descent into Chelan, another tourist town on Lake Chelan.Read more
TravelerBeautiful
6/15/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 6 Chelan to Coulee City
June 14, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F
53.75 miles, 3357 ft. The route out of Chelan was a nice downhill to the river and then an eight+ mile climb with some steep 8–12% grades. It was overcast and a bit chilly and at times the ride was through the clouds. Fortunately most of the rest of the day was more flat or downhill. The landscape continues to change. Today there was little traffic and even fewer towns and houses.
Our home tonight is at the Ala-Cozy Motel in Coulee City. Coulee City sits on the Banks Lake near the Dry Falls Dam that is part of the Columbia River Basin which provides irrigation to the surrounding farmlands. The once flowing Dry Falls was a huge water fall that was over 3.5 miles wide and 400 feet high, much larger than Niagara Falls.Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 7 Coulee City to Davenport
June 15, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
58.67 miles 2050 ft. Today’s route was through the high plains with a nice little tailwind for much of the ride. The land is open with few trees. We passed many winter wheat and rape fields. There were a couple of small towns. It is almost overwhelming to view the vastness of this region. I always wonder how it must of been to cross this country in a covered wagon. The average pioneer traveled 10 miles a day. At least on bicycles we average 55-65 and sometimes more. As we neared our overnight in Davenport, there were a few more trees we can see mountains in the distance. Tomorrow we cross into Idaho.Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 8 Davenport to Coeur D' Alene
June 16, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
75.16 miles, 2242 ft. A longer mileage day meant an earlier rollout. The morning route followed Hwy 2 and some parallel side roads. A few miles out of Davenport, we stopped at the Inland NW Rail Museum for a few pics. There was one steep climb as we approached the outskirts of Spokane.

Lunch was at Riverside Park and the trailhead of the Spokane River Centennial Trail. This trail winds along the Spokane River to the Idaho border, where the North Idaho Centennial Trail continued to Coeur D' Alene. Another beautiful day with wonderful scenery.Read more
TravelerLooking good. Nice to be on a trail. Thanks for the updates. I like looking at the route map and following your progress.
6/16/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
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Day 9 Coeur D" Alene to Wallace
June 17, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
70.69 miles, 3103 feet. Today’s route started out on the Idaho Centennial Trail which ran along the beautiful Coeur D" Alene lake. The route turned into a rather rocky trail and then a dirt path up a steep climb. By mile 10, we realized that our route was a series of back roads that led to dirt trails that were not rideable. After attempts to reroute, it was finally determined that our only option was to take Hwy 90 twenty miles to the small town of Cataldo. After a much needed lunch stop, the route continued on the Coeur D" Alene Trail the rest of our way to our overnight and rest day in Wallace, Idaho.Read more
Traveler REALLY?
6/18/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 10 Rest Day in Wallace Idaho
June 18, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Today was a rest day and most of us spent part of the morning doing laundry and a little bit of retail therapy. Breakfast and lunch were at Dave's Red Chair Diner (our SAG team). After lunch we took a tour of the town of Wallace and the Sierra Silver Mine. Wallace was once a huge mining town for silver and lead. Today it is a tourist destination. We enjoyed the historic buildings and local cuisine. Wallace has also declared itself the Center of the Universe. We all laughed as we visited the Center of the World in Felicity, CA on the Southern Tier Ride.

Tomorrow we leave Idaho and arrive in Thompson Falls, Montana. We also lose an hour as we enter The Mountain time zone.

Photo Credits: Janet, Tom, Amy- I left my phone at the hotel.Read more
TravelerI love all these adorable little towns...so much fun to live through your pictures.
6/28/21Reply
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 11 Wallace, ID to Thompson Falls, MT
June 19, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
38.8 Miles, 3886 Feet. So you might think this was a short day with less than 40 miles to ride. The first 8-9 miles were on a nice smooth blacktop road with little or no traffic. We followed a pretty creek to the side of the road and passed several abandoned mines and mining towns. It was a gradual climb. By mile 9, the gravel and the steeper climb began. The riders rode as much as they could and walked the rest. When we reached the top there was still snow on the ground in places. We could hear hikers on a nearby trail blowing their bear whistles. The SAG van had difficulty maneuvering on the steep rough surface.

At the top of the climb, the elevation was 5880 feet. We encountered a group of four wheelers and they told us we were about 7 miles from pavement - all downhill. While the road surface improved on the descent, the grades ranged from 12-18%. Once again many of the riders walked downhill. Fortunately the last 18 miles were nice smooth pavement. This 38 mile route took everyone 5-6 hours to complete. We are not quite sure when we crossed into Montana, but we lost an hour to Mountain time when we did. Tonight we are staying in Thompson Falls.Read more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 11 Thompson Falls, Montana
June 19, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Thompson Falls is a small town of about 1300 located near a natural falls on the Clark Fork River. It was established by a British fur trader and geographer, David Thompson in 1801. The railroad arrived in 1881 and the gold rush in nearby Coeur D' Alene brought more people to the area. Today it is a recreational area. There is also a hydro electric dam on the Clark Forks River which produces enough electricity for 85,000 homes.

After a very late lunch or a slightly early dinner, we took a short walk to the Thompson Falls DamRead more
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Northern Tier 2021 Chrysa Niewald
Day 12 Thompson Falls to Hot Springs
June 20, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
47.23 Miles, 2543 Feet. After a rainy night and a wet early morning, the rain stopped by breakfast time. Today's route was on mostly smooth pavement. We followed the Clark Fork River for much of the way with some slow gentle up and downhills. Just before our lunch stop there was a five mile climb, but the grade was fairly gentle. As we made our way through the last few miles, the mountain slopes had fewer trees and lots of grasslands in the valley. Our overnight tonight is in Hot Springs, Montana which is on the Flathead Reservation. We had a massage therapist and a reflexologist waiting for us when we arrived.Read more
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