Rating: 
Date of Race: 19 Aug 2006
Reviewed By: Foo
Comments: Holy Blue Monkey is that a twirp pig of a ride. The route is known locally as Church-Colfax-Palouse. And for those who don't know, you leave Pullman on Davis, then head out Wawawai Road. Turn on Almota Road and follow it out to Onecha Church (mile 17). There's one good climb on that leg. Then turn toward Colfax. Only two or three hills on that 13 mile leg, but the second one is long and steep. The downhill preceeding it is 45 mph or so. Finally, the hill you've been waiting for. The grade out of Colfax and up to the start of the Colfax-Palouse Highway is only a mile long, and the only the first half is 10% -- then it eases up some. Five miles later is another drop and climb. This one lingers awhile and has the last shade before Palouse. Enjoy it. Six miles after that is the Eden Valley drop and climb. The entire leg is only 17 or 18 miles, but the highest point is somewhere just after Eden Valley, and there are still two minor climbs after that. It's a tough leg, but you crawl into Palouse and head for the lovely, cool shady village green. A short rest almost makes you feel like you can make it to Pullman. It's easy to miss the sign painted on the pavement directing to the park and roll right on through to Pullman. The final leg is 15 miles and mostly downhill. If it weren't 90 degrees with no shade and a 10kt headwind it would be pleasant.
It's a pretty challenging ride, but despite all the monkeys doing a great job on the aid stations, could use better support and maybe even more advertising.