The Big Ride Across America has several free days worked into the schedule. Day 5 was at Gonzaga University in Spokane Wa. A sweet Catholic school with a lot of rich, ornate campus buildings. We spent our off day doing laundry, washing our bikes and filling up on deliciousness. After several days of camping it was a sweet reward to be able to charge all of our battery devices. Phones, cameras, bike lights, battery packs and computers all got re-charged and ready to roll. Once we got our bags re-packed and all the bike repairs complete, we rested.
These fish taco dinners were on the menu.
Thanks to Marich a family owned confectioner out of California for sending us this delicious (and healthy) chocolate to enjoy.
Washington state has some u-pick strawberry fields for all to enjoy…sweet and yummy. Thanks for Sharing!
Chamois pads and spandex shorts are best air dried. We all got to do laundry for free in our dorm building.
The next bike ride is Spokane to Sandpoint which is about 76 miles. The Big Ride starts early, as we report to Charlton and Lynn (ride organizers from VeloSante ) at 6:00 am to load luggage, have breakfast and get on the road early before traffic starts. We are being welcomed into town by the Bonner County Bee, a local newspaper.
In terms of comfort for long distance cycling, the bike short product testing over the past four days have demonstrated a clear winner. For long distance cycling, the elite chamois padding is the best I have ever worn. I have been testing two high end cycling chamois pads. The Top Shelf chamois pad has always been my favorite and the one I recommend for cycling up to 50 miles. I have been testing and riding in the Elite Chamois pad which is a thicker, more dense chamois pad. I absolutely love it. 
It is miles above the Top Shelf for long distances and has completely eliminated all discomfort in the saddle area. I am now a big fan of the Elite Chamois pad. It is one of those pads that feels thick and “diaper” like when you are standing around, but on a long ride (over 50 miles) it is fantastic. It is by far, the best long distance pad I have ever tested. I have seen many chamois pads come and go in my years of cycling and this elite pad is excellent. The Chamois has multiple layers of foam that create a dense shock absorbing pillow for the ischial bones.
Women’s Elite Chamois Pad
Men’s Elite Chamois Pad
Cathy's Big Ride Across America 
How are you managing to charge your bicycle battery pack and how many battery packs are you using.
Great question…at the end of each day I have two batteries that need charged. We have had electric for recharging at every overnight stop. I will get more details on the e-bike posted. The pedego electric bike has been fantastic. See you on the road…
What are the specs on your battery packs, volts, amp hours, watt hours? Are you carrying both packs all the time? Are you running out of battery power? What’s your average speed?
Hello John, The battery is The battery:
Volts: 48
Type of Battery: Lithium Ion
Weight per battery: about 8 pounds
AMP Hours: I will check on this
Watt Hours: I will check on this also.
Top Speed: 25 MPH using full on power, It can go faster downhills.
Avg Speed for my husband and I together is about 13-17 MPH depends on terrain and how often we stop
Range for one Battery is approximately 40 – 60 miles, 40 miles in the mountains and 60+ on flatland.
Your blog & product info is so helpful, many folks (including myself) would love to attempt the long tours and comfort in the saddle on a great performing bike are the key. The Elite chamois bike shorts and a Pedego bike. . . YEAH!!!
So glad you got a day of rest. Keep peddling!!!!