The Finale

Stage 14 from Spokane Valley to The Dalles Oregon, was another tough 303 mile day. The morning route crossed some barren plains, with the wind blowing strongly in our faces. It never let up, thru the lunch stop at Kennewick, Washington, all along the Columbia River to The Dalles. It was a tough, but uneventful day. Arriving at the Dalles, they had a block party for us, and a late start time for the final stage the next morning.

Sunday morning arrived sunny and clear, and we prepped the bike for the last day. One last pin was cut for the front intake, and we were ready. It's always bittersweet on the last day. You are so ready to get to the finish, but you don't want it to be over.

Team 96 at the last official start 

The route for the final stage was classic. Old highway 30 that had been cut thru the gorge in the early 1900's was fantastic. I eased along, enjoying the final stage, and arrived at the final checkpoint at the Bridge of the Gods, where we were staged for grande finale. Class 1, then Class 2, and finally Class 3 left for the Skamania Lodge across the river!

Staging for the final 2 miles

The 3 Hedstrom Indian arrive at the finish.

The Skamania Lodge, The Grand Finish, overlooking the Columbia River