Week Three

After a great rest day in Missoula on Sunday 7/14 we road 80 miles to Lincoln, MT where we stayed in The Historic Lincoln Hotel, a large log structure filled with character and lovely "innkeepers." With woods and stream in back we had a relaxing evening. I had never observed fly fishing until this day and was mesmerized by the rivers and the numbers of people we passed gracefully casting their lines. I certainly understood why this area was selected for "A River Runs Through It." By Tuesday we knew this would be another week of climbing, including a climb up Flesher's Pass (best views in Montana we were told by the locals) and crossing the Continental Divide, spending the night in Helena. Wednesday we had the pleasure of another long climbing day, including a 12 mile intense climb before heading down to White Sulphur Springs. The highlight of the evening was a magnificent rainbow Sharon captured on camera which quickly sent many of us outside. Thursday's ride brought us to Harlowton; riding included more heat, more climbing, similar expansive vistas, and many ranches. Friday was full of rollers; what a relief to have a little assistance on the hills. Cows, horses, dogs and cowboys broke up our day. Following this hot 70 miles we were in Round Up, only to discover our reservations were at the Big Sky Motel in Superior MT, a 7 hour car drive. Donna, friendly owner helped find lodging between her Big Sky and another motel down the street. Saturday was a longer ride - 103 miles, mostly through the Montana Desert with the scenery slowly losing it's appeal. Jimmy's Tonto character and friendly, although exhausting sprint competitions with me the last 10 miles brought us to the unanticipated climb into Forsyth. All but one day this week gifted us in temps in the 90's, several close to 100. Today is  a shorter 45 mile "recovery" ride with Miles City our destination and a day off tomorrow. I rode the first 22 and am now the driver for the second half. This week we rode over 500 miles (plus or minus a few for some SAG responsibilities). Montana is definitely a long state with varied terrain, desert, hot sun, beautiful National Forests, much history (Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe) and most noticeably.....a vast big blue sky! We are already one third of the way on this great adventure. Photos for week 3 below:

Downtown Missoula attracts many to enjoy the Clark Fork River - 7/15

Missoula Day off includes cleaning bike, laundry and rest - 7/15

Riding to Lincoln, MT - 7/15

East of Missoula - 7/15

My room at The Historic Lincoln Hotel - built 1920 - 7/15

Not atypical of the dilapidated log structures seen throughout Montana-7/16

Climbing - 7/16

6 mile climb - road in distance - 7/16

Continental Divide 7/16

Riding to Helena -7/16

 Rest stop at small cafe with only out houses - 7/16

The sky seems to be getting bigger every day! 7/16

 Frequently seen passing us (or is it us passing them?) 7/16

7/16

7/17/2013 Hwy 12 outskirts of Helena

July 2

July 2 we  rode back over the bridge to Oregon where we headed to the Hilton Inn, east of Portland by the Airport. After a challenging first day, we had a more relaxing ride, arriving early enough for some folks to head back into the city via public transportation. Oregon has developed beautiful trails along the Columbia River.

In the early AM on July 1 we headed for Seaside Beach, OR, taking our bikes out to the Pacific Ocean to begin this adventure. Our destination would be Longview, Washington. Saying goodbye to the beach we headed east. The day was long with several steep climbs beautiful wooded roads (a bit of construction) and logging trucks en route to Longview, carrying freshly stripped logs. Crossing the Columbia River to enter Washington was a bit of a challenge with scattered bits of logging debris scattered along the road.

Catching Up

Yes, it's time to update this blog. These 2 weeks (today we are in Missoula, Montana) have passed quickly with cycling, sleeping and logistics. Looking back....several of us flew to Portland, OR on 6/28 to settle in to organize and enjoy the weekend in Portland before heading out to Seaside Beach on Monday morning where our  journey would begin. On Saturday a few of us went to Portland's famous Saturday Market. On the way back we learned about 2 young girls biking form Vancouver, BC to San Francisco who Jimmy and Chris encountered moments after one, Hollie, had an accident. The rest of the day was consumed with helping the girls. I believe that this experience will have a lasting impact on these 2 young women and I encourage you to read Hollie's blog: www.dreamonhollie.wordpress.com. On Sunday we enjoyed a warm up bike ride, more organizing, and a meal/meeting with all riders which was graciously donated through a local vegan restaurant through Sharon's efforts.

Packing truck 6/24/2013

Preparing sag, packing bikes and duffels for 6/25 departure. Jerseys arrived in the nick of time.

Stay tuned! The fun begins summer 2013.

That's right.  I'm biking across the US next summer - well, the continental 48 at least.  Training has begun, route preparation is underway, and Fortune 500 companies are lining up to sponsor me...

Please stay tuned.  I look forward to sharing my adventures with you!