Ride to Thompson Falls, MT
Thompson Falls, MT
Ride to Thompson Falls: Scenic Roads, Tie-Dye Vibes, and an Ice Cream Challenge
Date: June 19, 2019
Crew: Richard, Bert, Lesley, and yours truly
Breakfast and Big Plans
After our GWRRA ID-H Breakfast Gathering, four Musketeers—Richard, Bert, Lesley, and I—decided the day was too perfect to waste. The plan? A ride to Thompson Falls. The route? Courtesy of Richard, who promised something new and scenic. Spoiler alert: he delivered.
First Stop: The Snake Pit
We rolled into Kingston for a quick stretch at the legendary Snake Pit. It was the perfect spot to shakeoff the morning chill and soak in the rustic charm before hitting the road again. Little did we know, the best was yet to come.
Rolling Into Flavor: Lunch at Sprag Pole Inn
About ten minutes later, engines humming and spirits high, we pulled into the Sprag Pole Inn—a true Silver Valley gem. This isn’t just a lunch stop; it’s a slice of Idaho history with a side of unforgettable flavor.
And let’s talk about that fry sauce. Creamy, tangy, with just the right kick—it’s the kind of condiment that makes you pause mid-bite and think, “This is living.”
What We Ate
- Lesley and I: The iconic Sprag Pole French Dip, stacked with tender roast beef and crowned with horseradish Swiss cheese. Every bite? A savory celebration.
- Richard: Went bold with the BBQ Beef Sandwich—a messy masterpiece that somehow didn’t leave a single stain on his hi-vis shirt. (If it were me, I’d be wearing my lunch.)
- Bert: All smiles with her sandwich, savoring every bite like the pro rider she is.
Unexpected Friends
As we lingered over lunch, we met two adorable pups—Russell and Wilson—who stole the show. Their mom shared a fun tidbit: she named them to balance out her son’s dogs, “Tom” and “Brady.” Talk about team spirit! Russell & Wilson for the win.
Thompson Pass & Thompson Falls
Next stop: Thompson Pass for a quick stretch and a failed attempt at a group selfie. Bright sun, dark screen—no chance. Thankfully, two friendly couples from Troy came to the rescue and snapped the shots for us. Whoever you were—thanks, guys!
From there, we rolled into Thompson Falls for fuel and a breather before heading toward something completely different: a tie-dye wonderland.
Love Works Tie-Dye: A Blast from the Past
In Ponderay, we found ourselves at Love Works Tie-Dye, and wow—talk about a trip back in time. I half-expected black lights and Jimi Hendrix posters to appear. The vibe? Pure nostalgia, complete with that unmistakable “head shop” aroma from back in the day. A couple of purchases later, we were ready for something sweet.
Dub’s in Sandpoint: The Ice Cream Challenge
Our next indulgence was at Dub’s in Sandpoint, where I decided to live dangerously and ordered a medium swirl in a cup. Big mistake. The cone was about 3" high, but the ice cream towered a good 8–10" above that. Can you say “Dumb A?”** Lesson learned: next time, go small.
Homeward Bound
With bellies full and spirits high, we mounted up for the final leg. We dropped Richard and Bert in Athol, then headed home—rolling in at 7:30 PM after starting at 7:15 AM. According to Google Maps, we logged 287 miles. Tired? Absolutely. But grateful for the stunning scenery the Good Lord laid before us. It was a glorious day, no doubt about it.
Why This Ride Matters
It wasn’t just about the miles or the meals—it was about friendship, discovery, and the simple joy of the open road. Days like this remind us why we ride: for the stories, the scenery, and the shared smiles along the way.
Have you ever taken the scenic route through Thompson Pass or stopped at Sprag Pole Inn? Share your favorite ride memories in the comments!