BIG RIDE June 21 - June 24 Summary

BIG RIDE JUNE 21 - JUNE 24 SUMMARY

News about the ride:

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2014/06/19/Moon-couple-biking-across-America/stories/201406190013



Day        Destination                         Arrival                   Depart                                  Mile

                                                             

6              Sandpoint ID                      21-June                22-June                                76

Say good bye to Washington and crossed into Idaho.  Each bend in the road is a whole new gasp!  Stayed in a small town camped at the local health club..  Some minor bike problems, cathy rear tire flat.  Went to the Hydra steak house for dinner.  Walked back to the HS for early sleep.  Biking is just fab.  Reporter me us at town entrance for a picture and interview.    The roads have been super and not problem with drivers.

Gonzaga University

Morning roll out

 

Gene to the rescue

Starting the climb into the Rockies

 

7              Thompson Falls MT         22-June                23-June                                88

 90 miles on route 200, very scenic.  Longer miles but no physical issues.  Just a blast so far.  Crossed into Montana and the higher mountians.  Beautiful lake front homes and  smooth rolling hills.  Bike is smooth, snack zone is great and Cathy loves it.  Snow covered peaks in the distant.

 

Cathy , Paul , Anita and Karolina

8              Missoula MT                      23-June                25-June                                101

What a start to the day.  Sprinklers came on at 1 30 and everyone scrambled for the gym, I slept right through it.  First Century ride to of the trip with  breakfast at Minnies where the pancakes are a foot across and the sausage patties fill a side dish.  ,   I had oatmeal and lots of coffee till it was time to start riding.  First fifty was very smooth with lunch looking out to the snow covered Rocky Mountains a preview of what’s to come.  As we entered the rockies, did a 4.5 mile climb.  Tough introduction,  temps kicked to 85 degrees.  The scenery is just fabulous.  Group is riding well together.

Camp spot with a shower in the distance...dusk colors of purple and blue

9*           Missoula MT

Rest Day…Yea  ..Dorm life at University of Montana at Missoula .  Home of the Grizzlies

Cafeteria across the courtyard with a good selection for Dinner and breakfast…Biked to Sinclair Gas Station in the morning for coffee and found a chair next door at a landscaping company for a comfortable place to watch the morning enfold.  Campus  walk , then bike clean , found the university pool for a ½ mile swim, cold adult beverage and blog updates.  Very little responsibility on the road like this, very basic needs, but high physical requirements.  Body is doing well.