What?
Yes there will a bike tour this year!! Similar scheme to that of years past. You send me a few bucks up front, we meet at some far off exotic place, and go bike riding. What could be more fun?

When?
This year's bike tour will be in late June, a bit earlier than last year. The dates will span Saturday June 22nd through Sunday the 30th.

Who?All those who went on the BC bike trip last year, have been invited to join us this year. If you know of someone you'd like to join us, please talk to me first. My alternate list is 25 people long! As in years past, we will be limited to 24 people. It seems to be a good number, while a practical limit for how many we can sag. We also will likely find ourselves not being able to invite people we frequently ride with, due to limited space etc. It can be a bit awkward for me.

I have received tentative acceptance from the following: Kristie S, Sylvia S, Marilyn W, Kent, Bill P, John W, Jane W, George A, Larry W, Dottie S, Katherine W, Lola J, Steve R, Sue M, Mick G, Melissa B, Laura H, Liz M, Martin C, Byron R, Paul L, Tom S

I am still waiting to hear from: Susan Cady, Ken C, Laine B

Where?
Last year's BC Bike tour was great. I don't know if we can top that, but we do have a worthy contender. The ride will be in the land of potatoes, Idaho! We will shamelessly rip off Cycle Oregon (yes, in Idaho) route from last year. Big difference is we do it for less (~$300) per person, sleep in hotels (not on the ground) and ride with friends.

Itinerary
The route will be approximately as follows:
Drive to Caldwell Idaho Saturday, June 22nd (~500 miles)
Ride Day 1: Sunday, June 23rd - Caldwell to Mountain Home (95 miles)
Ride Day 2: Monday, June 24th - Mountain Home to Fairfield (59 miles)
Ride Day 3: Tuesday, June 25th - Fairfield to Ketchum (Sun Valley) (49 miles)
Rest Day: Wednesday, June 26th - Blow off a day in Sun Valley
Ride Day 4: Thursday, June 27th - Ketchum to Stanley (61 miles)
Ride Day 5: Friday, June 28th - Stanley to Lowman (59 miles)
Ride Day 6: Saturday, June 29th - Lowman to Caldwell (95 miles)
Ride Trip Total 420 miles
Drive to Back to Seattle, June 30th (~500 miles)

How?
We will drive to exotic Caldwell Idaho on the 22nd. We spend the night there. The next morning you toss you stuff into my van and off we go. We take turns driving the sag van. No one drives more than about 30 miles, unless they want (or need) to. Most of you know the drill, same as before.

How (much $)?
It has been suggested I get a larger deposit for this year's tour. This would cover jointly shared expenses (sag van, picnics, motel deposits, office expenses) etc. This avoids me having to ask for more when we find some of the motels require large deposits or be pre-paid (as happened the last two years). Funds in excess to what is needed for the above expenses will be applied to your motel expenses.

This is a long-winded way of saying your reservation will cost $150 each. The overall trip wont cost anymore than ever, just a bit more pre-paid. Experience shows that people committed to the trip will have no problem committing $150 up front. We really don't need people who are not committed to the trip. DEPOSITS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE! Deposits from people backing out will be applied to the jointly shared expenses of the trip (or pay for my next LandShark).

Why?
To have fun!!!

What is next?
Please let me know your intentions soon. Either a definite yes (confirmed with a deposit), a definite no (other plans, don't like me etc.) or maybe (you go to the alternate list, take your chances). Whatever, please respond soon!! You have until February 10th. At that time I will open the trip up to those on my alternate list. Please send me $150 for deposit. More details to follow in subsequent communiqués.

Call or email me if you have any questions.

Kent Davis