Greetings boys and girls:

What?
Yes there will a bike tour in 2003!! 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 the last week in June, the same week as last year. The dates will span Sunday June 22nd through Sunday the 29th.

Who?
All those who went (or were going to go) on the Idaho and/or BC bike trip of the last couple years, will be invited to join us this year. Significant others are always invited as well. If you know of someone you'd like to join us, please talk to me first. My alternate list is more than 30 people long! As in years past, we are limiting to about 20 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.

Where?
The ride will start and end in Colville, Washington, but will be mostly in south-central BC! Curly Sue has pre-scouted the route. THANK YOU CURLY SUE. The trip is like the commercial bike tours, except we do it for less (~$250-$300*) per person, sleep in hotels (not on the ground) and ride with friends. Most lunches will be done in "picnic" style. Other expenses are pay as we go.

*Plus what you eat.

The Itinerary:
The tentative route plan will be approximately as follows (with notes from Curly Sue's scouting trip):

Drive to Colville Washington, Sunday, June 22nd (~350 miles)

Ride Day 1: Monday, June 23rd - Colville to Trail BC - 55 miles. W/ Dinner/sightseeing in Rossland

Ride Day 2: Tuesday, June 24th - Trail BC to Creston BC - 100 miles. Tough day with pass!

Ride Day 3: Wednesday, June 25th - Creston BC to Kaslo BC - 70 miles. Beautiful day, with many distractions and challenging terrain.

Ride Day 4: Thursday, June 26th - Kaslo BC to Nelson BC - 92 miles. Another long day and lots to see ("weenie" option ~44 miles)

Rest Day: Friday, June 27th - Blow off the day in Nelson

Ride Day 5: Saturday, June 28th - Nelson BC to Trail BC - 71 miles.

Ride Day 6: Sunday, June 29th - Trail BC to Colville Washington (55 miles) Yes, we are repeating, but things always look different in the opposite direction. Wait till you pull the climb (I think just before or after the border). Views look better on this side of the road. Ride short enough to drive home.
Ride Trip Total 400 to 443 miles

Drive to Back to Seattle, Sunday, June 29th (~350 miles)

How?
We will drive (carpool) to exotic Colville Washington on the 22nd. We spend the night there. The next morning you toss your stuff into the van and off we go. We take turns driving the sag van. No one drives more than about 60 miles, unless they want (need) to. Most of you know the drill, same as before.

How (much $)?
As in years past, I collect a deposit from everyone before the trip. This covers jointly shared expenses (sag van, picnics, motel deposits, maps, copies, office-operating expenses) etc. Funds in excess to what is needed for the above expenses will be applied to your motel expenses.

Same as last year, your reservation deposit is $150 each. 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. DEPOSITS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE! Deposits from people backing out will be applied to the jointly shared funds for the trip (or pay for my next LandShark).

Last year, for example about $50 of the deposit went to "joint" expenses and the other $100 was applied to motel expenses.

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. - explanation not required) or maybe (you go to the alternate list, take your chances). Whatever, please respond soon!! At least tell me when you will know. You have until January 31st. 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.

PS: One question that really bugs me is "When do you REALLY have to know?"

Call or email me if you have any questions.

Kent Davis