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Idaho |
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Idaho |
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Oregon/Idaho Border Crossing, June 3
1 state down, a bunch to go. Got into the town of Cambridge, Idaho late
tonight. Waiting on my double cheeseburger with fries, and then of to bed for a
82 miler tomorrow. Hells Canyon wasn't too bad, for I relaxed at Brownlee Dam's
McCormick Park for 4 hours with Art the park caretaker until things cooled down
enough for me to hit the 2500 foot pass that snaked its way out of the canyon.
Today's wildlife included some rattlesnakes, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. In
my brief half day in Idaho, the talk of the state seems to be fishin', rodeo,
the ongoing debate of jigs vs. worms for catchin' good eatin' trout, and fishin'....someone
email the time of the laker game tomorrow if u can. thanks!
-darren
Good morning! After a hefty 81 miler yesterday to Riggins, Idaho, a
town of 450 nestled in the Salmon River Gorge, we are off this morning to
Grangeville, Idaho for some much need bike repairs. Grangeville is the first
city with bike shop in over 200 miles, so we definitely must take advantage. We
spent last night a couple feet from the river. It's always a soothing rest to
sleep by a rushing river. I cheered the Lakers on to victory at the local bar,
then Matt and I teamed up to school some local kids in pool. We met up with two
other Cross countries who are really blazing trail, so I think we part our
separate ways today. Hopefully, the weather will be a bit cooler so we can ride
comfortably. More to follow once we hit Grangeville.
-Darren
Hey folks. I'm stopped here at Hoot's Cafe on Idaho route 95 near White
Bird, site of the first battle of the Nez Perce War in 1877. Coming up in a mile
is the Mt. Pass to Grangeville. 2100 foot climb over 6 miles of road; a
tad steep! So I'm filling up the tank with a burger and fries before the haul.
Fortunately, there's a little cloud cover above, so the heat, although about 85,
isn't all that bad. Have a great day y'all!
-Darren
Good morning! Last time I left you I was at Hoots Cafe at the base of the 6
mile climb through the Nez Perce War area. Well, 5 hours of walking later I
reached the summit. I started out riding of course, but the winding was gusting
SO HARD that it literally blew me off my bike twice, forcing me to walk it
nearly all the way. Once I hit the summit at about 6 I cruised the 10 miles into
Grangeville (pop 3,230) We camped at the city park, showered at the public pool,
ate some absolutely hideous and foul Chinese food that curiously poured gravy on
their almond chicken, and retired for the evening at 10. Up at 6:30 this
morning, and had a great breakfast at Oscar's of the usually staples; 2 eggs
over medium, short stack, coffee, ham, toast, and plenty of water. Today is a 50
miler to the town of Lowell at the base of the mammoth Lolo Pass leading into
Montana...
-Darren
Good evening! I had absolutely terrific ride today after some shoe clip
trouble at the get go in Grangeville; after 3 separate hardware stores, problem
solved. So I took off down a 20 mile downhill to make up for the terrible
uphill yesterday, cruising through the Idaho hills at a steady 25mph. Stopped at
the Harpster RV park for an ice-cream sandwich and some chit-chat with the
owner who moved from Florence, Oregon, where I started. Then I headed to the
town of Kooskia, where I stopped and had myself a tasty lunch of Grilled
Turkey & provolone and discussed tomorrow's 4000 climb to Lolo Pass with the
owner. The last 25 miles or so followed the beautiful Clearwater river. I
marveled at the houses built on the opposite side of the river; having no roads
on the east side of the river, they park their cars on the rode i traveled and
take a Disneyland style cable car over the river each day. By 5 I was in the
town of Lowell; setting up camp on the Lochsa River. Showers, Pool, 3
JACUZZIS!!!!, Sauna....all for a measly bucks! We talked with Mike Jacobs, a
Purdue engineering professor riding his bike the perimeter of the US. And u
thought I was nuts! With a recumbent bike and a $150 a day budget, Mike bought
the four of us cold beers, and offered to treat us to breakfast in the morning,
provided we're there at 6. We'll see about that, but hey, can u turn down a
free breakfast? I think not! Anyhow, tomorrow is a 66 miler from Lowell to
Powell, up the Lolo Pass, a continuous uphill for 80 miles!!!! No services
(food, running water, gas, food) till Powell, so we gotta stock up in the
morning. The weather has been a lot cooler today, so hopefully that'll continue
up the pass tomorrow. Have a great evening everyone!
-Darren
ps. I've biked nearly 770 miles, and from Florence to Lowell, I've been passed
by thousands upon thousands of autos, I'd say 75% of all of em were trucks. With
the exception of 22 foreign trucks, every single truck has been American
(you gottta do something to keep your mind occupied while on the road) 22 over
two states. No wonder GM is the largest company in the world....and I have no
idea why i just shared this little story.
(pronounced Lock-Shaw) Hello all! Just arrived at the beautiful USFS Powell
campground in Powell, Idaho. My last night in Idaho, and my last night with my
riding buddy Matt who will be heading his own way tomorrow. He was planning on
riding into Missoula with me, but decided against it in order to avoid meeting
up again with Jeff and Ray, two curious characters (to say the least!) who were
riding and camping with us for the past 4 days. Today's ride was a scenic uphill
of 66 miles to Powell, following the Lochsa River the entire way. I awoke at 5
to get a head start and, more importantly, get my free meal! Tomorrow will be a
60 miler into Missoula, my last day of riding for a while, as I will be
spending a week in Missoula before flying to LA and then heading to SD for
graduation. All are welcome to attend graduation, just email me and I'll give ya
the details. And an open invitation for Vegas on the 19th and 20th to boot! Come
help me fund my trip by winning some loot in the Sinful City. Mr. May, Sanchez,
Sonne, and the fellow card players...a little Hold 'em at Binions perhaps?!?!
Casino War Brian?...Anyhow, I'm off to get some grub at the Lochsa Lodge; there
was nothing in the way of food or services today, so I be starvin! Peace out
y'all!
much love, Darren