Day 60 (26 July 2014)
Rest Day: Sandpoint, ID
After the sprinkler incident, I ended up sleeping in until 8, when the tent started getting hot. I managed to be ready in time for breakfast at Di Lunas with the group. This was followed by a tour around town and then back to the gym. Once back I got my 15 minute massage which was wonderful. The day was mostly spent relaxing. I borrowed Young's hammock and before I knew it Richard was waking me up for dinner. I was then woken up again by someone else after I fell back asleep.
I went to for Italian with Kristen but when we saw the prices we were considering leaving when Caroline and then Larry joined us. So we decided to stay. The food was extremely good but the portion sizes were too small for the price. Larry craftily covered the bill without us noticing until it was too late. Dinner was followed by ice cream and then the 4 of us headed back to the gym. It was a nice rest day of actually resting and taking advantage of the facilities in which were were staying.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Sandpoint, ID
Day 59 (25 July 2014)
Libby, MT to Sandpoint, ID
Day: 98.78 miles, Trip: 3765.54 miles
Today was a big day. We cross into the western time zone, we cross into Idaho (our 14th state) and get onto the last map of the trip.
The day started off with breakfast at Henry's. It is going to be a long day in the mountains and I headed out by myself. It is an amazing ride with lots of opportunities to stop and take pictures. I am feeling great again today so I am making good time even with all the stopping. The first rest stop was along the side of the road. I hung out for awhile before riding on. Riding through even more beautiful scenery. The second rest stop was at the Big Sky Pantry located at the intersection of 56/200. It is a great little shop and had amazing sandwiches.
Still feeling good I headed out, I saw a couple self contained tourers in Clark Fork, ID so stopped and chatted with them and Andy. They were doing a multi-year tour of the US. The last stop wasn't much further in the town of Hope. We almost missed it but I saw the trailer on the other side of the railroad tracks so we (Kenny, Richard, Andy and myself) climbed over the tracks to the road. From there I rode with Richard the rest of the way into Sandpoint, ID (pop 7,350). We are staying at the Sandpoint West Athletic Club. This place is great and we have access to the gym, the pool, the hot tub, showers, sauna and even a hydra massage.
I was starving so my priorities were:
1. Shower (it had been about a week and now that we are in civilization it was needed)
2. Eat (tried going to the Brick and Barley for pizza but it was an hour wait so we went to the Jalapanoes for mexican food)
3. Hot Tub and swim
4. Shower again
The group split with some sleeping inside the gym and the rest camping. Those of us camping outside were surprised when the sprinklers popped on at around midnight. I saved a few tents and hammocks from getting soaked by putting cones over the sprinkler heads. It was noisy but at least we were no longer getting soaked. The spot next to my tent wasn't even a sprinkler head, I had spotted those, it was just a hole in the hose pointed directly at my rain fly. After the commotion of that (and those coming back from a night of drinking seeing the sprinklers) I got back in bed and back to sleep.
Libby, MT to Sandpoint, ID
Day: 98.78 miles, Trip: 3765.54 miles
Today was a big day. We cross into the western time zone, we cross into Idaho (our 14th state) and get onto the last map of the trip.
The day started off with breakfast at Henry's. It is going to be a long day in the mountains and I headed out by myself. It is an amazing ride with lots of opportunities to stop and take pictures. I am feeling great again today so I am making good time even with all the stopping. The first rest stop was along the side of the road. I hung out for awhile before riding on. Riding through even more beautiful scenery. The second rest stop was at the Big Sky Pantry located at the intersection of 56/200. It is a great little shop and had amazing sandwiches.
Still feeling good I headed out, I saw a couple self contained tourers in Clark Fork, ID so stopped and chatted with them and Andy. They were doing a multi-year tour of the US. The last stop wasn't much further in the town of Hope. We almost missed it but I saw the trailer on the other side of the railroad tracks so we (Kenny, Richard, Andy and myself) climbed over the tracks to the road. From there I rode with Richard the rest of the way into Sandpoint, ID (pop 7,350). We are staying at the Sandpoint West Athletic Club. This place is great and we have access to the gym, the pool, the hot tub, showers, sauna and even a hydra massage.
I was starving so my priorities were:
1. Shower (it had been about a week and now that we are in civilization it was needed)
2. Eat (tried going to the Brick and Barley for pizza but it was an hour wait so we went to the Jalapanoes for mexican food)
3. Hot Tub and swim
4. Shower again
The group split with some sleeping inside the gym and the rest camping. Those of us camping outside were surprised when the sprinklers popped on at around midnight. I saved a few tents and hammocks from getting soaked by putting cones over the sprinkler heads. It was noisy but at least we were no longer getting soaked. The spot next to my tent wasn't even a sprinkler head, I had spotted those, it was just a hole in the hose pointed directly at my rain fly. After the commotion of that (and those coming back from a night of drinking seeing the sprinklers) I got back in bed and back to sleep.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Libby, MT
Day 58 (24 July 2014)
Eureka, MT to Libby, MT
Day: 72.19 miles, Trip: 3666.76 miles
Breakfast was at Cafe Jax, another great breakfast stop along the route. After breakfast we headed out and as usual in the morning the group was traveling too fast for me. I fell into a pocket with nobody ahead of me and nobody behind me. This caused me to miss a turn and I stayed on route instead of taking the alternate route which we apparently were suppose to take. I spent the day riding on the west side of the lake instead of the east side of the lake.
I came to this realization around mile 30. I passed the same couple in a truck twice and it was clear that I was the only cyclist they had seen. That and the fact that I haven't seen the rest stop and its been too long. Oh-well, on my own for the day. The ride was great and the weather cooperated. It was cool and cloudy and although it threatened rain it never did (at least until we got to town). When I was approaching town I expected to catch up to everybody else but instead I see the lead van and find out I am way ahead of everybody else. When Duncan was passing me in the van he got to see me eat pavement. My front tire had slid off an abrupt road edge. I managed to unclip but not clear the bike before I rolled with it. I was fine, the bike was fine so no worries.
I arrived in Libby in time for a late lunch and I was hungry not having stopped all day long. After lunch I rode over to camp and waited for everybody else to get there. I did 3 less miles and without stops arrived 1-2 hours ahead of the group. The park/camp is right next to a grocery store so most of the riders set up shop in there deli seating area. It had free refills on drinks, wifi and power outlets. It is a grocery store so there is also plenty of food. Then it was back to camp for bed.
Eureka, MT to Libby, MT
Day: 72.19 miles, Trip: 3666.76 miles
Breakfast was at Cafe Jax, another great breakfast stop along the route. After breakfast we headed out and as usual in the morning the group was traveling too fast for me. I fell into a pocket with nobody ahead of me and nobody behind me. This caused me to miss a turn and I stayed on route instead of taking the alternate route which we apparently were suppose to take. I spent the day riding on the west side of the lake instead of the east side of the lake.
I came to this realization around mile 30. I passed the same couple in a truck twice and it was clear that I was the only cyclist they had seen. That and the fact that I haven't seen the rest stop and its been too long. Oh-well, on my own for the day. The ride was great and the weather cooperated. It was cool and cloudy and although it threatened rain it never did (at least until we got to town). When I was approaching town I expected to catch up to everybody else but instead I see the lead van and find out I am way ahead of everybody else. When Duncan was passing me in the van he got to see me eat pavement. My front tire had slid off an abrupt road edge. I managed to unclip but not clear the bike before I rolled with it. I was fine, the bike was fine so no worries.
I arrived in Libby in time for a late lunch and I was hungry not having stopped all day long. After lunch I rode over to camp and waited for everybody else to get there. I did 3 less miles and without stops arrived 1-2 hours ahead of the group. The park/camp is right next to a grocery store so most of the riders set up shop in there deli seating area. It had free refills on drinks, wifi and power outlets. It is a grocery store so there is also plenty of food. Then it was back to camp for bed.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Eureka, MT
Day 57 (23 July 2014)
Whitefish, MT to Eureka, MT
Day: 61.58 miles, Trip: 3594.57 miles
We headed back to Loula's for breakfast in the morning. Couldn't pass it up and this time we got pie for dessert instead of the french toast. I started the day with Richard, Michelle, and Kristen but we lost Michelle pretty early and we passed the Van and Trailer a couple miles from town with a flat tire (we won't have it until camp tonight). Early on in the ride we took a wrong turn (Kristen was pulling so we are putting it on her even though neither of us were paying attention either) but it only added about 4 miles. We didn't have to backtrack just took an alternative route.
We passed by the first rest stop in Olney, MT just filling our waters. The ride itself is pretty uneventful but the scenery is very beautiful at the same time. Dickey Lake would be a great place to swim in, but there is no way I would get back on and swim in wet chammies. We even passed the quick group as they were playing on some rocks. The second rest stop was near Fortine, MT. It was at a shop called On the Fly. It had a catchy sign saying "Our milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard". In fact their fruit smoothies were fantastic and I am sure the milkshakes were pretty good too. We got there too early so missed the circus that came in after we had left. Richard ended up staying behind to use the wifi and Kristen and I headed for camp.
We arrived in Eureka, MT (pop 1000) where we are camping in their town park. It had a bathroom/shower but it was pretty gross so most people used the bathroom at the gas station or cafe. Mike told us about a good deal at the Awaken Coffee Shop so Kristen, Eric, Michelle and myself went for baked goods and coffee. After the coffee shop closed we moved to the patio of Cafe Jax to use their wifi. For dinner we headed over to a Chinese restaurant since it looked like it was about to rain and didn't want to cook in the rain. It didn't so much rain as get hit by a hurricane. The town lost power, trees were down and a few people had tents blow around and get flooded. The Chinese restaurant lost power but luckily it had direct gas for their stove and the cook made our meals by headlight and the waitress brought us out some candles for our table. After dinner the rain broke and we got to stay dry for our ride back to camp.
Most people made it through it ok, a few people needed to dry out or adjust their tents. I helped a few with staking out tents and gave all my spare stakes away to make sure if it hit again people were more likely to stay dry. Eureka was also the last mail drop, I received an unexpected care package from my good friend cat. Thanks kiddo!
Whitefish, MT to Eureka, MT
Day: 61.58 miles, Trip: 3594.57 miles
We headed back to Loula's for breakfast in the morning. Couldn't pass it up and this time we got pie for dessert instead of the french toast. I started the day with Richard, Michelle, and Kristen but we lost Michelle pretty early and we passed the Van and Trailer a couple miles from town with a flat tire (we won't have it until camp tonight). Early on in the ride we took a wrong turn (Kristen was pulling so we are putting it on her even though neither of us were paying attention either) but it only added about 4 miles. We didn't have to backtrack just took an alternative route.
We passed by the first rest stop in Olney, MT just filling our waters. The ride itself is pretty uneventful but the scenery is very beautiful at the same time. Dickey Lake would be a great place to swim in, but there is no way I would get back on and swim in wet chammies. We even passed the quick group as they were playing on some rocks. The second rest stop was near Fortine, MT. It was at a shop called On the Fly. It had a catchy sign saying "Our milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard". In fact their fruit smoothies were fantastic and I am sure the milkshakes were pretty good too. We got there too early so missed the circus that came in after we had left. Richard ended up staying behind to use the wifi and Kristen and I headed for camp.
We arrived in Eureka, MT (pop 1000) where we are camping in their town park. It had a bathroom/shower but it was pretty gross so most people used the bathroom at the gas station or cafe. Mike told us about a good deal at the Awaken Coffee Shop so Kristen, Eric, Michelle and myself went for baked goods and coffee. After the coffee shop closed we moved to the patio of Cafe Jax to use their wifi. For dinner we headed over to a Chinese restaurant since it looked like it was about to rain and didn't want to cook in the rain. It didn't so much rain as get hit by a hurricane. The town lost power, trees were down and a few people had tents blow around and get flooded. The Chinese restaurant lost power but luckily it had direct gas for their stove and the cook made our meals by headlight and the waitress brought us out some candles for our table. After dinner the rain broke and we got to stay dry for our ride back to camp.
Most people made it through it ok, a few people needed to dry out or adjust their tents. I helped a few with staking out tents and gave all my spare stakes away to make sure if it hit again people were more likely to stay dry. Eureka was also the last mail drop, I received an unexpected care package from my good friend cat. Thanks kiddo!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Rest Day: Whitefish, MT
Day 56 (22 July 2014)
Rest Day: Whitefish, MT
I slept in until 8:00 and then headed into town for breakfast, laundry, and even bowl a couple games. Breakfast was at Loula’s with Kristen, Andy and Justin and it was fabulous, best breakfast in town. The breakfast enchiladas were great and Andy's lemon stuffed french toast was so good we ordered another order to split for dessert.
After breakfast we headed over for laundry and bowling. I forgot to bring extra socks so had to wait for my laundry to finish before we could bowl. Andy ended up beating me both games. From here we headed over to the library to take advantage of their computers. An hour taking care of things on-line and browsing their books and then it was back out to explore some more. Whitefish was having a farmers market and part of that was a book sale by the library. I picked up 2 books and for both it was only $1.50. Now I just need to find a spot in my cubby to put them.
By this point we were hungry since we skipped lunch. We stopped and got some pizza (which was good) and some BBQ (which wasn't as good). I saw a storm rolling in and Kristen and I tried to beat it back to camp. We made it to the construction zone (just under a mile to camp) and it poured. We were soaked and shortly after we made it back to camp it stopped. We should have just waited it out in town and we could have stayed dry. Oh-well, it wasn't so bad. We spent the rest of the day hanging out around camp and watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail before bed.
Rest Day: Whitefish, MT
I slept in until 8:00 and then headed into town for breakfast, laundry, and even bowl a couple games. Breakfast was at Loula’s with Kristen, Andy and Justin and it was fabulous, best breakfast in town. The breakfast enchiladas were great and Andy's lemon stuffed french toast was so good we ordered another order to split for dessert.
After breakfast we headed over for laundry and bowling. I forgot to bring extra socks so had to wait for my laundry to finish before we could bowl. Andy ended up beating me both games. From here we headed over to the library to take advantage of their computers. An hour taking care of things on-line and browsing their books and then it was back out to explore some more. Whitefish was having a farmers market and part of that was a book sale by the library. I picked up 2 books and for both it was only $1.50. Now I just need to find a spot in my cubby to put them.
By this point we were hungry since we skipped lunch. We stopped and got some pizza (which was good) and some BBQ (which wasn't as good). I saw a storm rolling in and Kristen and I tried to beat it back to camp. We made it to the construction zone (just under a mile to camp) and it poured. We were soaked and shortly after we made it back to camp it stopped. We should have just waited it out in town and we could have stayed dry. Oh-well, it wasn't so bad. We spent the rest of the day hanging out around camp and watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail before bed.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Whitefish, MT
Day 55 (21 July 2014)
Apgar Campground, MT to Whitefish, MT
Day: 33.91 miles, Trip: 3532.99 miles
Some of the crew decided to go back and ride the descent again and others went back for a hike. I would have loved to do that descent in less traffic and dry conditions but I needed to ride on to Whitefish to get new brakes.
I rode to town with Kristen. We skipped breakfast in West Glacier and headed straight to town. The first stop was to the bike shop (Glacier Cycles) to pick up brakes. This was followed by breakfast across the street at the Swift Creek Cafe. It was good but smaller portion sized so we headed over to the Red Caboose for frozen yogurt.
On the way to camp (Whitefish State Park) we had to ride through a construction zone. Not going to like riding back and forth through this today and tomorrow. Right before camp there was a railroad track and Kristen popped a tire crossing it. Instead of fixing it she just walked it the little distance to the campsite. The campsite is right on Whitefish Lake and several of us went for a bath and a swim.
We rode back into town for dinner and a few drinks at Casey's bar. After dinner the group split, some people headed out to the bars to drink others headed back to camp. I joined the camp group.
Apgar Campground, MT to Whitefish, MT
Day: 33.91 miles, Trip: 3532.99 miles
Some of the crew decided to go back and ride the descent again and others went back for a hike. I would have loved to do that descent in less traffic and dry conditions but I needed to ride on to Whitefish to get new brakes.
I rode to town with Kristen. We skipped breakfast in West Glacier and headed straight to town. The first stop was to the bike shop (Glacier Cycles) to pick up brakes. This was followed by breakfast across the street at the Swift Creek Cafe. It was good but smaller portion sized so we headed over to the Red Caboose for frozen yogurt.
On the way to camp (Whitefish State Park) we had to ride through a construction zone. Not going to like riding back and forth through this today and tomorrow. Right before camp there was a railroad track and Kristen popped a tire crossing it. Instead of fixing it she just walked it the little distance to the campsite. The campsite is right on Whitefish Lake and several of us went for a bath and a swim.
We rode back into town for dinner and a few drinks at Casey's bar. After dinner the group split, some people headed out to the bars to drink others headed back to camp. I joined the camp group.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Apgar Campground, MT
Day 54 (20 July 2014)
Saint Mary, MT to Apgar Campground, MT
Day: 51.98 miles, Trip: 3499.08 miles
Decided to go back to the lodge for breakfast. The bison Savory Crepes were amazing and filling. On the way back into the park we posted for some photos with the park sign. The views are better and the sky is a lot clearer than it was yesterday. The east side of the Going to the Sun Road is under construction. It was mostly hard packed gravel but some spots were mixed gravel and mud. The riding wasn't bad and the views were outstanding. We all split up to go our own paces and to stop frequently at all the viewpoints. I felt great and climbed faster than before on the this trip. I still took my time for photos and views and just take in the sights but climbed quick. Towards the top the pavement came back but there was more traffic.
The air was damp and I could feel drops of rain. I hoped it would wait until I got down the other side or at least till I got to the top. I managed to get to the top and a photo of the Logan Pass sign before the sky opened up. We all piled in the visitor center at the top to get out of the rain. It was packed inside as we waited for the rain to go away. It seemed like it wasn't going away so when it slowed down Kristen, myself and Richard took off down from the pass. It was windy, raining hard again, little visibility and heavy traffic. It made for a frightening descent. Kristen flew down ahead of me and I took it more conservative just riding down with traffic behind a truck. Part way down I inspected my brakes because I wasn't getting much stopping power. It turns out I didn't really have any brakes left on my rear wheel and only a little left on my front wheel and that was squeaking with some metal chips in it. This made some dicey descending to Lake McDonald.
At Lake McDonald I was cold, wet and the restaurant had the AC on to make it worse. I split a pizza with Kristen and had a hot chocolate to warm up. Joining us at the table was Richard, Kenny, Skylar and Cassie (will be joining us until Sand Point, ID). We hung around the restaurant until 4 pm and the road reopened to cyclists. I took it nice and slow so I wouldn't have to use my brakes the erst of the way to camp. At camp we all got to bed early excited to ride into Whitefish, MT tomorrow and another rest day.
Saint Mary, MT to Apgar Campground, MT
Day: 51.98 miles, Trip: 3499.08 miles
Decided to go back to the lodge for breakfast. The bison Savory Crepes were amazing and filling. On the way back into the park we posted for some photos with the park sign. The views are better and the sky is a lot clearer than it was yesterday. The east side of the Going to the Sun Road is under construction. It was mostly hard packed gravel but some spots were mixed gravel and mud. The riding wasn't bad and the views were outstanding. We all split up to go our own paces and to stop frequently at all the viewpoints. I felt great and climbed faster than before on the this trip. I still took my time for photos and views and just take in the sights but climbed quick. Towards the top the pavement came back but there was more traffic.
The air was damp and I could feel drops of rain. I hoped it would wait until I got down the other side or at least till I got to the top. I managed to get to the top and a photo of the Logan Pass sign before the sky opened up. We all piled in the visitor center at the top to get out of the rain. It was packed inside as we waited for the rain to go away. It seemed like it wasn't going away so when it slowed down Kristen, myself and Richard took off down from the pass. It was windy, raining hard again, little visibility and heavy traffic. It made for a frightening descent. Kristen flew down ahead of me and I took it more conservative just riding down with traffic behind a truck. Part way down I inspected my brakes because I wasn't getting much stopping power. It turns out I didn't really have any brakes left on my rear wheel and only a little left on my front wheel and that was squeaking with some metal chips in it. This made some dicey descending to Lake McDonald.
At Lake McDonald I was cold, wet and the restaurant had the AC on to make it worse. I split a pizza with Kristen and had a hot chocolate to warm up. Joining us at the table was Richard, Kenny, Skylar and Cassie (will be joining us until Sand Point, ID). We hung around the restaurant until 4 pm and the road reopened to cyclists. I took it nice and slow so I wouldn't have to use my brakes the erst of the way to camp. At camp we all got to bed early excited to ride into Whitefish, MT tomorrow and another rest day.
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