September 6, 2009

I got myself going early this morning ~ 4:30 am and was on the road by 5:50. I discarded anything that was not needed to lighten the load up the mountain. Kinda of felt like I was trying to save a sinking ship. The four bagels that wouldn't get eaten, stove fuel that wouldn't be burned, the paper book novel I finished ~ all trashed.

My hope was the mountain grade was over exaggerated like the rest of the grades seemed to have been on the map. Morning is my best time for a challenge, so off I went.

The first 7 miles there was a noticeable incline. I used the middle gear and averaged about 8 miles per hour. It's the Sunday before Labor day and there is virtually no traffic.

When I came to the sign requiring chains on trucks when the lights are flashing and another sign indicating a passing lane, I knew the steepest part was in front of me.

The climb was steep and steady for six miles. It took me about 1.5 hours to get to the top ~ Lolo pass. (Cole they named a mountain pass after your auntie!) I pedaled, walked some, stopped some. It was cloudy with fog sinking in the valley/gulch far below. The adjoining mountains were either thick with vivid green pine, or barren from logging.

The top of the mountain is Lolo Pass with an elevation of 5,225 feet. In 13 miles I climbed 1,900 feet. There is a real nice visitor station on top run by the National Forest Service. Bathrooms, coffee, internet, helpful staff, loads of information. I hung out here for a good hour.

After leaving the center's parking lot I immediately cross the state line leaving Idaho and entering Montana. I also cross a time zone. (trivia ~ Idaho is a state that has two different time zones.)

From here it is 23 miles down hill. Yee haa!!

There is a noticeable difference in the land scape. The rock formations are softer, like the wind has worn them away. There are no sharp edges. Every thing is rounded and curved.

There is space. There is the river, road and flat land between the mountains. Previously, I was riding next to the river or next to a rock ledge. It is also colder. Not sure if that is because of the weather front that pushed through or that is just how it is.

I passed through Lolo Springs. There are actually hot springs in the area. Then I come through an area with large log cabin homes with acreage. Looks like people who own these places want to appear to be ranchers but is all for show.

I can tell Missoula is coming up as I hit the trailer home parks. Missoula is considered a college town and is home to the University of Montana. I will be staying in Missoula for two days.

It is quieter than normal downtown as it is after 5 on a Sunday. I am able to buy wine at a grocery store on a Sunday. The selection is very good. They do have package stores here but with a different twist. The package stores are also casinos and there is one on every corner.

I am struck by the number of homeless people, most of them young - 16-25 years old. By their faces I would guess the root of the problem is dug related. I see a bill board that says drug abuse cost $388 million tax dollars in the state of Montana. I think it is a low number from what little I have seen or the state is not providing adequate services.

I have travelled a total distance of 627 miles.

September 5, 2009

Today I went from Lowell to Powell a total of 42 miles with a managable uphill grade. Highway 12's scenery was much the same as yesterday. With little traffic you could hear the river rushing by. There were a few people out in the river casting their fly rods out in hopes of catching a trout.

I am camping at the National Forest Powell campsite. There was a 30 minute terrential down pour. Luckily my tent was set up and gear inside before it started. Even better was the fact I took a walk up to the Losha lodge for a glass of wine and huckleberry cobbler and watch the storm pass from inside.

When I returned to the tent everything was dry.

September 4, 2009

Today will take me from Kooskia to Lowell. I'm pretty sure I remember some decent climbs on the map. None came. It was a steady grade up. I would shift in and out of the big gear.

There was very little traffic. The river was on my right as I continued on twisting U.S. Highway 12. Surroundings in this wilderness corridor are spectacular: a medley of bright-green grasses and ferns, subdued forests of mixed conifers, sunlight dancing off the bubbling river, boulders makein "v's" in the current. One fascinating man-mad feature was the roadside gondolas that takes people across the river on stout cables to their private residence. (The picture that is sideways).

There was a lot of road work being done whichwas fine with me. It kept traffic slower and more spaced. There were two or three times I needed to follow a "pace" car throught the construction sites.

I camped in a National Park camp site. No showers. So i opted for a sponge bath in the river..

september 3, 2009

I am temporarily out of the communication black hole of Idaho so I will update you on the days I have been absent.

Thursday was a flat ride with tailwinds. Love those tailwinds. The temperature was mid 80's and partly cloudy. The ride followed the snake river. Not much shoulder room but the traffic was light.

The scenery was nice. Sorta like upper state Vermont or New Hampshire. No pictures today. I packed the camera rain was in the forecast.

Three mishaps today that had me calling car rentals to end the trip. No luck. So looks like I'm going to have to grin and bear it.

1. Threw out my map at Subway by mistake.
2. Front flat tire. (I think I qualify for the Tour d'France pit crew.)
3. Front bag screw came out.

I found my warmshower house in Kooskia. Laurie is the host. The house belonged to her grandmother. When I spoke to Laurie she was in Illinois for cancer consultation/treatments. With all she must be dealing with, she didn't skip a beat to get me directions. (Laurie ~ I pulled the trash can to the front of the house in hope someone would take it.) Laurie was on my mind throughout the day.

The house was a classic. Very 50's. Reminds me of my Grandma Wards house only allot cleaner. Even has a rotary phone.

Life of Reiley

Another hot day with temps hitting 100! I'm glad I am staying in an airconditioned room. I took today off to Jet Boat down the Snake River. This particular boat holds about 20 people although only 11 where on it today

We went about 98 miles up the river just shy of Hells Canyon. We banged our way through some class IV rapids. We stopped along the river for breakfast and later for lunch. I took a swim. Water was pretty warm. We saw some mountain sheep, deer, indian rock carvings and lots of beautiful scenery. It was an all day trip from 7 am to 4 pm.

Back on the road again tomorrow.

Short day

September 1, 2009

I had breakfast at the local old guys hang out. All the talk was about the old Walmart closing today in Lewiston, ID and the new Super Walmart opening tomorrow in the next town over, Clarkston, WA. Conversation moved to wolf hunting, and best place for fish for sturgeon.

One of the "old guys" was the overseerer of the fairgrounds. I told him I had stayed there and wanted to know the fee so I could pay for the use of the facilities. There was no fee unless I was a motorhome. How about that.

Later on my ride I waved at him going the otherway. He was returning from Walmart.

Today featured the longest and steepest hill yet. It was about 3 miles long with a 750 foot change in elevation. I knew I was in for a haul. At the base of the hill was a trunoff for trucks to put chains on. Then there was a passing lane on the up side. And I had my first experience with head winds.

I did make the summit of Alpowai. Then it was a 10 mile desent. I was glad I came up the shorter distance.

Near the bottom, route 12 follows the Snake River. I found a convinent place to pull off and walk into the river to cool my feet.

Once in Clarkston, I booked a room for two nights. Tomorrow I am booked for an all day jet boat ride down the Snake River.

I have put on 401 miles on the odometer since landing in Portland.

Evil thorns and biker baffoons

Aug 31, 2009
I delayed my start time today so that I could visit the bike shop. I have had two flat tires and my confidence is wavering. The flats were caused by a thorn, referred to as a goat head. I refer to it as the evil thorn.

The tire was changed out with my spare. The spare is made of Kevlar~same stuff they use to make bullet proof vests. It will probably slow me down a bit because of the knobbies on the tire. I also had a thick rubber liner put in between the tube and the tire. I think I'm thorn proof now. I also have two new spares plus my patched up spares. I am thorn ready!

My late start put me on the road for the hottest part of the day. (It's been well over 90 each day). Not a cloud in the sky and not a tree to be found.

From Walla Walla, WA I went to Waitsburg, WA then to Dayton, WA. At Dayton I had to
either stay or push on to Pomeroy. I decided to push on knowing I might not get there till after 7 pm. The ride was rolling hills of freshly harvested wheat and barley.

Once I arrived in Pomeroy (population 1,517) it was 7:30 pm. I decided to eat dinner at a restaurant, find the campground, pitch the tent and call it a day.

Only restaurant open was a "biker bar". I talked with the chief cook and bottlewasher standing outside the door. She assured me the food was good.. Another patron held the door open allowing me to bring my bike inside. Not much going on~maybe six people total inside. As promised, the food was good.

Once back outside it was not dark. I put on my rear flasher and front light to find the fairgrounds to pitch the tent.

Each town has an annual fair. It's thee annual event to the locals. All the farmers bring their prize bull, cow, horse, sheep, peach, apple, wine, you name it, for display. When the fair isn't going on you can use the grounds to camp. Bathrooms and showers are available.

I pitched my tent on cushy grass near the bathrooms and showers. Pitched the tent in the dark. Locked up the bike and headed to the showers. The showers had MOM over one door and POP over the other. I chose the MOM door.

After my shower I wrapped myself in a towel. I was brushing my teeth over the sink when some biker dud comes in to use the shower. One look at me and he apologized profusely and backed out the door.

A couple of things came to mind:
He can't read
He doesn't equate MOM with women
Bikers aren't the macho men they would have you beleive they are.