Into The Forest

Missoula,  MT to Lubrecht Experimental Forest, Greenough, MT
(Monday, July 23, 2018)
36 miles
1,237 feet ascent
223 feet descent
1347 calories

Downtown Missoula, MT

Sometimes the plans you make don't always work out  the way you expect.  I originally intended to ride further, to Ovando, MT, but when the only place to stay was booked, I had to adapt.  In the end, it was fine as I found a neat, somewhat primitive cabin in the Lubrecht Experimental Forest.

Home Sweet Home

I believe the forest is part of the University of Montana's forestry program and they rent out the cabins when they're not being used by students.

The ride up from Missoula was another scenic, river following run, this time along the Blackfoot River.

Blackfoot River

Ewe Bah-ha-tter Watch Out

(But I didn't see sheep)

After more than 500 miles without any bike issues, it was bound to happen--the first flat.  No big deal though since it was time for a break anyway, and there was a nice shady spot.

Roadside Assistance Self Serve Style

Before leaving Missoula, I dropped by the Adventure Cycling Association.  They are a non-profit organization that prints the maps I have been using.  In addition, they sponsor supported cycling tours all around the country and advocate for cycling in general.  They told me about their latest efforts trying to coordinate between states regarding cycling paths/roads, which were beginning to bear fruit, as well as the "rails to trails" programs. Check them out.

Hello Montana

Lochsa Lodge (Powell), ID to Missoula, MT
54 miles

View of the Lolo Trail from Lolo Pass

When Lewis & Clark crossed the Bitteroot Mountains there were no paved roads to take them gently through the passes, but there was the Lolo Trail, known by the Nez Perce Indians.  Instead of following the streams, it went along the ridge lines, some of which are shown above. In those days following the rivers and streams would be more difficult than going along the ridge.   What we covered by bicycle in a day took them several days to traverse. 

Today's ride was a continuation of the climb up the Lolo Pass we started yesterday.  We cleared the summit at 5,200 feet just around noon time, and then continued on to Missoula, MT.

Lolo Pass Summit

Montana State Line

Tom Riding up to meet Chris & Katie Descending Lolo Pass

Lolo Peak

The successful rides were toasted by Katie with a four beer sampler.

Finishing the Day at Draught Works in Missoula, MT

Many thanks to Tom and Katie for joining me the past two days, letting me ride with no baggage, and being great company!

Heading Up Lolo Pass

Lowell, ID to Lochsa Lodge (Powell), ID
64 miles (13 by car through construction zone)

Katie & Tom Hardman Join Riding 

It's great to have company along, and today's ride was sweet as Tom & Katie Hardman from Colorado Springs met me in Lowell and rode today further up the Clearwater River almost to Lolo Pass.  The weather was very cooperative and even pushed us uphill with a nice tailwind.  Tomorrow we will resume, clear the pass and the finish up in Missoula, MT.

Clearwater River

Riding along this scenic river for three days still has not gotten old, and I think you can see why.  Taking breaks is easy since there is always a nice spot to pull over and listen to the rippling water and wind through the pines.

Break Time on the Clearwater

It's A Small World

This morning while waiting for Tom & Katie to arrive, I was talking to the motorcycle touring guy next door to me at the Wilderness Inn.   Turns out he lives less than sixty miles from me down in Carlsbad, CA.  And, on top of that, he knew one of my co-workers from Panasonic.  Small world indeed.

Exploring the Selway River

Lowell, ID to Lowell, ID
15 miles

Today was a down day waiting for the Hardman's and tomorrow's start up Lolo Pass, so I asked "Loretta" in the coffee shop where to explore by bike.  She gave an excellent suggestion to try riding up the Selway River to Selway Falls. 

Selway River Bridge Crossing

I didn't make it to the falls, but I rode as long as the pavement lasted, about seven and a half miles and turned around returning to Lowell.  Lots of nice weekend getaway houses dotted the riverside, as well a ranch for a bunch of jackasses!

Jackass Ranch

It was very stressful watching the river flow while sitting in the shade of a tree ; )

Hanging Out in Lowell Watching The Clearwater River

Climbing The Clearwater River

Kamiah, ID to Lowell, ID
31 miles

Clearwater River

Today's ride was a "walk in the park" since it was just a short 31 mile run up the Clearwater River.  Going further was not an option because the next services are 60+ miles away, and the plan is to meet the Hardman's here Saturday morning and continue eastward.  So, tomorrow, I will take in the sights around Lowell and relax.  When I asked the host at the Wilderness Inn what there is to do, she said "Well, you can watch the water go by", which I fully intend to do for a while.  It was simply mesmerizing this morning watching the currents and rapids as I rode along the river, so I could see what she meant.

Clearwater River 

The river is just begging for canoes and/or kayaks, so I asked if there were expeditions or rides.  I was told they were over for the season as the water was now too low, so I will have to fend for myself tomorrow and find something to do.  Or not : )

Small Rapids on Clearwater River

Each turn in the road today brought more nature and wildlife.  When I stopped by one field, a welcoming duo actually ran out to say "Hi".

Equestrian Welcoming Committee

I think they were looking for a handout from the grass on my side of the fence because you know what they say...  I hated to disappoint them, but we had a nice visit anyway.

Me and My Buddies

Rolling into the town of Syringa, I couldn't help but notice this lineup of old Chevy and Dodge trucks.  It was quite the collection, and many of them had plates, so I think a lot of them may still be driven.

Old Truck Row, Syringa, ID

I must have counted almost half a dozen suspension wire crossings along the river.  These are the ones where you get in a basket and traverse the river via the suspended wires.  It made sense as the road was only on one side of the river, but there were houses and ranches on both sides. Most of them appeared to no longer be in use.  But the one below seemed to be still active, although it might be a dicey ride since someone put a statue of St. Francis by it as a reminder.

Suspension Bridge for Basket Traversing

Lewis & Clark's Overland Passage

Winchester, ID to Kamiah, ID
44 miles

Idaho's Camas Prairie

Lewis and Clark traversed Idaho's high Camas Prairie twice in their journey, once heading westward and once heading eastward.  Many members of their Corps of Discovery became homesteaders after the expedition finished in 1806 and returned to areas they had explored.  I could see what drew them to the region today as I rode from Winchster, ID to Kamiah, ID.

Lawyer's Creek 

Much of the area is farmland due to the rich soil that yields plenty for wheat, garbanzo beans, and other crops.

Do You Know Your Wheat?

Had I been paying attention earlier in the day, where there were several "Know Your Wheats" signs posted in the fields, I would have been able to tell you why one of these wheat fields is green and the other is golden.  Well, I can tell it's because they're different varieties, but I don't know which ones : )

Idaho Dandelions on Steroids

While riding through several farms I noticed these plants that had blooms about the size of a baseball.  Curiosity got the better of me, and when I pulled over for a closer look, I realized they were the biggest Dandelions I've ever seen.

Funny Street Names in Idaho

I did meet another cyclist today who was heading west.  His trip was from Helena, MT to Walla Walla, WA, which he said was about a week long journey.  He said he and his wife went cross country about twenty years ago.  Hmmm, he was about my age, so maybe he knows something I don't...like one week bike touring is the way to go.

Leaving Winchester at 6:30 today meant avoiding the heat for most of the ride, and with a long 3,000 ft descent that I earned yesterday, I was able to reach Kamiah by 11:00 AM.

Idaho's Welcoming Ride

Lewiston, ID to Winchester, ID (July 17, 2018)

36 miles

Idaho Welcoming Committee

(They won the stare down contest)

It turns out Idaho isn't much cooler than western Washington and Oregon.  Leaving Lewiston early and keeping the distance short was supposed to make for a comfortable ride.  It did for a while, but then the 3,500' ascent up to 4,000 feet kicked in and kicked me right between the eyes.  While Lewistown reached 100 degrees, I don't think Winchester was much further behind.  In the end, I made it, but it definitely was not fun.  I think it was the hardest 36 mile ride I've ever been on. 

Old Railroad Trestle

The route along Hwy 95 criss-crossed several old railroad trestles, which are no longer in use, but made for interesting viewing.  As did many of the ranches just outside Lewiston.

Horses Out For A Morning Trot

Break Time

I stayed at the Winchester Lake Lodge for the evening, where there is no cell phone  coverage and no Internet access, so I could not post until today.  It would be a nice place for a getaway though.