This map shows the general loop. I have modified the outbound (to Cheney) directions in the table below from what is shown above. Therefore, the outbound (waypoints 1-5 in the map image above) are not exactly as shown. The outbound (to Cheney) route that I document below puts you on a bit of mild single track, some gravely-rocky access roads, and on the paved Marshall trail (this turns into "Columbia Plateau Trail" at the Fish Lake Trail Head).

To do a road-only ride to Cheney, you can go Marshall road to Cheney-Spokane road. Note that Marshall road is dirt. The way back from Cheney (home-bound) is as documented below (from Cheney-Spangle Road to finish) and should show correct mileage. The home-bound half of the loop is almost entirely paved country roads, with the exception of maybe a mile or two of smooth county dirt roads.

This shows a route that starts sort of in the middle of no where. It's at hi-way 195 and Marshall RD. Marshall Road and Thorpe Road join right at HWY 195. You can get to the starting point from downtown Spokane by riding West-bound on 2nd Ave, (turns into Sunset BLVD briefly, but don't go over the tall bridge over the valley). Go down (left) Inland Empire Way into Vinegar Flats. Right on Chestnut St. Follow Chestnut Street to HWY 195. Marshall Road is right across the HWY from the end of Chestnut St.

As you ride down Inland Empire Way, you'll note a little river and some fun little roads/trails by the river. ON the way home -- go down by the river and work your way into downtown by following the river to Sandifur bridge.

The paved part of the rail trail ends and you have a choice (waypoint 4). If you continue forward on the bed of the old rail-trial, you'll be trespassing on Burlington Northern service roads. I've heard that if you go straight here this road will pass by some really pretty scenery; you'll cross over two tracks, and ride through a deep-walled passage that pops you out at the Cheney trailhead at Fish Lake.

But, it is private property, so you must go right, and connect with the Cheney-Spokane Road. Ride a couple miles to the Cheney trailhead at Fish Lake and ride the rest of the paved trail into Cheney. The piece of trail between Fish Lake and Cheney is very pleasant. Watch for walkers and other bikers on this bit. You'll likely not see anyone up until this part of the ride.

When the paved part of the rail trail ends you are at Cheney-Spangle road. To go to Cheney (full services), go right; Cheney is about a mile down the road. To continue without stopping in Cheney, go left on Cheney Spangle RD and then left at Curtis Road and noted in the next step.

This stretch of Curtis road is really a nice section of road. There are a couple quick peeks of Mt Spokane way off in the distance. I tried to get a picture, but by the time I got my camera and took a shot I'd rounded a corner or gone down a bit of hill and lost the shot. oh well.

Here come the cul-de-sacs