Most of us use wheeled vehicles daily to get from one place to another without truly appreciating the interesting places we live. Chasing to get to our destination but not enjoying the journey, an experience made worse when we're boxed inside cars with the windows closed, unable to fully appreciate the smells or sights because we're focused on traffic.
So take some time this summer to roll along and explore nature and the city alike via scooters, bikes and skateboards while appreciating all the Inland Northwest region has to offer.
GOING DOWNHILL FAST
When you mention Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the first thing that comes to mind for many is winter recreational sports, such as skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Yet the fun doesn't stop when the snow melts. The pure joy of clear skies and magnificent views makes Schweitzer a destination unto itself, but add in some mountain biking and you're set up for a memorable summer.
The resort features 16 marked downhill mountain biking trails and over 30 multiuse trails. Sean Mirus, Schweitzer's vice president of marketing, says the resort encourages visitors to enjoy the lift-serviced biking with spectacular views and challenging trails. For the intense biker, the track has an elevation change of 4,000 feet from top to bottom, spread across the 12 miles, to enjoy.
"On Schweitzer, there is over 40 miles of trails, and that does not even include the trails below the resort in what we consider the lower basin, or the Little Sand Creek watershed trail network," Mirus says.
Whether you have a mountain bike or nothing at all, the resort's ski and ride center offers everything from rental equipment to bike repair needs. The shop offers bikes and safety equipment for kids, as well as full-suspension or cross-country bikes for serious enthusiasts.
And after enjoying a long day on the trails, there are numerous restaurants to refuel at before getting back onto the bike. If spending the summer on Schweitzer via a mountain bike sounds fun, unlimited access passes are $249, which lets you take unlimited scenic lift rides and includes two free days each at partnering resorts like Mount Bachelor, Timberline, Grand Targhee and Whitefish.
CRUISIN' THE CLASSICS
It's hard to miss — mostly audibly — the sheer number of classic cars and motorcycles that hit the pavement around the region every summer, which is also the best time to see a custom paint job shine in the sun's brightness. The Car d'Lane Classic Car Weekend June 13-14 in downtown Coeur d'Alene features over 400 vehicles on display by local enthusiasts.
If you're itching for more classic cars to check out and learn about, head up north for the annual Coaster Classic at Silverwood over Labor Day Weekend. Park admission includes access to the car show, featuring hundreds of muscle and vintage cars on view.
Feel like checking out some Harley-Davidson hogs or want to chat with some local bikers? Head to Cruisers Bar & Grill in Stateline, Idaho. The bar is a favorite among local bikers who find it a great watering hole to check out live music, showcase their bikes and participate in friendly games. Cruisers is well-known for the driveway that runs directly through it, allowing everything from motorcycles to muscle cars to pass by while wowing patrons. Head to 1cruisersboulevard.place for an event schedule and more.
SHRED SPOKANE
Skateboarding has become a staple sport in America and beyond, with recognition in the 2024 Olympics as an official sport. And skateboarding or longboarding is a great way to explore a city. To celebrate the love of skateboarding, visit a local skatepark on the longest day of the year, June 21, for Go Skateboarding Day and shred.
Check with your local skatepark, such as Coeur d'Alene Skatepark and Millennium Skate Park in Kootenai County, and Hillyard Skateboard Park, Joe Albi Skatepark and Riverfront Skate & Wheels Park for local celebrations. Skate shops are also a great source to find out what festivities may be planned around the "holiday" in your neighborhood. It's also a good reason to visit your local board shop, such as Pistole Boardshop or Broke SK8, both in Spokane, for boarding essentials like new wheels or griptape.
JOURNEY TO DESTROY THE ONE RING
No, there was never a bicycle in The Lord of the Rings or in The Hobbit. The fellowship and Thorin's company mostly walked, with the occasional ride on the back of a Great Eagle of Middle-Earth. There are no eagles for us to ride here, but we can ride a bike and get lost in Middle-Earth with the Conqueror Virtual Challenges.
If you're like me and have plenty of imagination but lack motivation to get in cardio exercise, then this is perfect for you. Fortunately, those of us in the Inland Northwest have access to plenty of places with nature reminiscent of the books' or films' settings. Utilizing a custom app with a Middle-Earth map, the challenge enables riders to follow along with Frodo and the Fellowship as they complete their own quest.
Log your biking (or walking) distance with a smartwatch or exercise tracker app by linking it to the virtual challenge app. There are five different options that vary by distance, starting with the Shire Challenge (145 miles) and ultimately leading to the Mordor Challenge (282 miles).
The best thing about the virtual challenge may be the medal you'll receive after completing it — an apt reward for the effort you logged to destroy the One Ring. The Shire medal is a beautifully designed metal die-cast depiction of Frodo Baggins' home, and on the back is an envelope for storing the One Ring. The Mordor medal depicts the Sammath Naur, the fiery chambers where Frodo took the ring to be destroyed, and allows you to place the One Ring on that medal, signifying the completion of your journey. For more information, head to theconqueror.events/lotr8.
TRAILING THROUGH NORTH IDAHO
Since running isn't for me, I enjoy a bike ride with views, and there are so many trails to choose from in the region, like the Hiawatha Trail and Centennial Trail. But here, we're going to talk a bit more about the stunning Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. It's perfect for a few hours or a full day of bike riding, set against the stunning backdrop of North Idaho's natural views. The 72-mile paved trail takes riders along a former Union Pacific railroad route, which begins in the Silver Valley and concludes in the town of Plummer.
By bike or scooter, enjoy views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and ride across the Chatcolet Bridge. The well-maintained trail features numerous resting areas, including picnic shelters, restrooms and parking locations. The scenery is so magnificent, you'll definitely want to stop and smell the flowers. ♦
