Day 53: LRFS to Salmon, ID
Monday July 16, 2012, 100 miles (161 km) - Total so far: 1,716 miles (2,762 km)
Not the earliest of starts, but I hit the road heading north. It felt great being on the bike again but at the same time I learned real fast that my climbing legs had deserted me. I reached Challis, ID and it was a perfect stop for a restroom/stretch/water break. While coming out of the grocery store I met a guy traveling around the west coast with his dog and was currently hopping around the different hot springs in Idaho. We got to talking and he was kind and bought me some lunch. We chatted for awhile sharing stories and then I realized I better get going since I had no idea where I was going to stop for the night. It was my first day back so I did not want to push it too hard.
The route north on 93 provided some beautiful riding but at the same time some questionable stretches through narrow canyons. I was lucky and hit minimal traffic so it made it to be a pleasant ride. Had I hit traffic it would not have been nearly so. I rolled into the Salmon River RV Park and it was getting to be time to start planning on where I would find a place for the night. I decided that it was early enough that I would push on for Salmon, it was only another 22 miles or so.
As I started getting closer to Salmon the sky took a turn for the ugly. Huge black clouds were blowing in fast behind me and I found myself racing the storm to Salmon. I really didn't think I would make it and was desperately looking for adequate cover. Luck would be on my side today, I spot a gas station to on the side of the road and rush for the canopy. Within 5 seconds of pulling under the canopy the sky just opened up and the hardest rain I had seen in a long time just emptied on the town. I waited around under the canopy for a little over a half an hour hoping it would let up. Eventually it did ease up and I ventured the rest of the way into town. Still in a light rain I start looking for a place to stay. The choices, several motels or a campground. Being the first day back on the road, tired, hungry and wet I just say screw it and get the motel.
I wasn't planning on doing a hard day right out of the gate but once the sky starts turning like it did it is quite the motivator to turn miles in a hurry.
