Avon, MT

This is Avon, MT. The cafe is the only thing in town. Apparently
they're known for their pies. They're catering our dinner tonight,
hopefully pies are included.

Big sky country

They don't call Montana "big sky country" for nothing. We rode 100 miles through the high plains today. In the far distance of this picture you can see the snow covered mountains. I think they're the same ones we saw heading into Missoula. Our elevation started at about 3200 ft in Missoula and we ended at 4938 ft in Avon. We almost hit the mile high mark on the way, just 100 ft shy. The roads were much better today so riding was easier. This morning we woke up to rain and lightning but it cleared up and was a comfortable day.

We are staying at a campground that has cabins and rain is in the forecast, so tonight I'm in the cabin, still using my sleep pad and down sleeping bag.

Tomorrow we have a short day over the continental divide. Then it's downhill from there.

Pretty view on day 10

In real life this is a beautiful red rock hill leading down to the
Blackfoot River.

U of M. Montana that is.

Today is our rest day at the University of Montana in Missoula. This picture says it all, the Grizzly mascot in the forground with one of the original buildings in the background and the big "M" up on the hill.

I think we all welcomed today because yesterday was pretty grueling with the headwind, hills and rough road conditions. I slept in till 7am, usually I'm awake between 4:30 and 5am. Tomorrow we're up early and hope to be on the road by 6am. Fortunately the weather is schedule for the 70s but with a chance of showers.

A few of us went on a bike tour around town with the Missoula Bicycle Ambassadors. They took us to an organic garden and quite truthfully it looks like a lot of work. Some of the produce they sell and others go to the community shelters. The rest of the day I took it easy and plan to head out for dinner with some of the riders.

Thompson Falls to Missoula

Day 8 started off as a perfect day with breakfast at Minnie's then onto our first century. We continued along the Clark Fork River for 63 miles. The scenery was magnificent with some snowcapped peaks in the distance. The area also has big horn sheep but I didn't see any. Two days ago I decided that I would ride alone or with a slower group in order to stop and look around and enjoy the Big Ride. Today I rode with Tim and Sam, two 23 years old guys. It feels somewhat similar as being with my two sons. Tim had a broken spoke so we waited for Alan the mechanic to come and fix it. The next stretch was a toughy. We now had a headwind and the road which is that chipseal stuff was very rough. Not to mention that we had a 5 miles hill to climb as the
temperature increased into the upper 80s. Anyways I finally made it to the top and was whipped. The downhill into Missoula was also challenging because the road was still bad and the traffic into town was getting heavy. Finally we made it to the University of Montana. Tomorrow is a Rest day then the 4 day stretch begins with some long days in there.

Marsh land in Montana

This is where the blue herons were. We kept our eyes open in hopes to see a moose, but no luck today.

Welcome to Montana

Today we rode 87 miles from Sandpoint, ID to Thompson Falls, MT. It was a beautiful ride along the Clark Fork River. Along the way was a marshy area where I saw several great blue herons and ospreys. The big excitement was seeing a brown bear cross the road in front of us.

Fortunately it ran into the bushes instead of at us. The day started out chilly then heated up into the 80s. Also, we moved into mountain time zone and lost an hour. Tomorrow we have our first century ride, 100 miles, and the weather is to be very hot so I'm packing it in now in order to be up early and on the road before 7am.

Welcome to Idaho

Rodeo parade in Newport, Wa

We rode into Newport, WA just in time for the rodeo parade. The rodeo is probably the biggest thing that happens in this town. The parade started with the rodeo queen and princesses followed by the local businesses' floats, shriners, Ronald McDonald, Smokey the Bear, local politicians and the local gymnastics club. I think every emergency vehicle in the county was in the parade sounding their sirens and honking the horns. This was probably the best highlight of the ride thus far.

Day 5 layday in Spokane

Today was our first day off and a welcome one. I met with Janis J. Who is a friend of my sister. Janis has been living here for about 2 years now and she showed me around, treated me to lunch and made homemade peanut butter cookies. We had a wonderful day together. Thank you so much.

In town this weekend is the Hoop Fest, a big 3 on 3 basketball tournament. The streets will be filled with basketball games. It's a big deal here.

Downtown has a beautiful riverfront park that we enjoyed. After dinner tonight a group of us went for a carisoul ride. I was ready to ride that horse all the way to Washington DC.

Tomorrow we leave Washingtonk and head to Sandpoint, Idaho.

Spokane falls in Spokane

Spokane river before arriving in Spokane

Odessa to Spokane

Day 4 was from Odessa to Spokane on a continous uphill trek. This time the wind wasn't as strong and the temperature was a bit cooler so the ride was more enjoyable. I ended up in a group of 7 that rides pretty fast. We were on a 9 mile uphill leg riding 20 mph. I had a tough time keeping up so the young 17yr old Izzy helped push me up the hill.

Here's a picture of a standard checkpoint. It usually consists of water and Gatorade. The facilities are around the back behind a bush or rock. Actually this day we had left over lasagna for lunch. What a treat. The guy on the right is suffering from his jersey rubbing his nipples so he's apply some chamois butter to them. We get very creative out here.

Sunrise

Here is the sunrise over the hills that we rode today. Today's leg was 83 miles of open land. So far it was my toughest day. It started out with a group breakfast at the local resturant which took forever.We started riding about 8:45am, well over an hour and a half later than usual. The first 6 miles were on I-90 over a bridge that didn't have a shoulder to ride on. Then we rode east into a headwind for the whole ride with temperatures in the high 80s. I couldn't keep up with Su and George so I dropped back to ride with Tim and Sam. With the strong winds we had to pedal downhill to keep our speed. Also out here in Washington they chipseal the roads, even good ones. So our ride today was vibrating the whole time. Not only did my hands and feet go numb but everything in between. Tomorrow is about another 80 miles of the same. On the plus side I did see a moose being chased by some cattle and a fox. We took every opportunity to stop and take a break and admire the wildlife.

Columbia River. Vantage WA

Today was an absolutely wonderful day. We rode 72 miles today over another pass that was a gentle climb up. At the summit looking back was Mt Rainier covered with snow and the Cascades. I couldn't ask for more. On the way down we stopped at a petrified forest, took a quick walk on the path and then continued to the campsite. Vantage WA is on the Columbia River. Several friends went for a very refreshing swim in the cold water. I could just barely get my foot in. Tonight is to be clear and only in the 50's with a lot of wind. We were advised to be sure the tents are well secured. It's going on bedtime so goodnight for now.

Big ride starts

Easton lake campground

Home for the next 48 days. Luxury living in the tent,large thermarest sleep pad, down sleeping bag. What more could I ask for. I took my token shower today, 3 minutes per token. You learn to very efficient living this lifestyle. I love it!

Snoqualmie falls

Hurricane Hill

Walking up hurricane hill at Olympic National Park. There is still
plenty of snow on the mountains.

This past weekend was the Michigan MS 150 in Holland, MI. Here's our team, Dan, Carly, Bruce, Mark, Bill, Jan, Shawn and Becca. The weather was very accommodating. Saturday was warm and muggy. We usually stop along Lake Michigan for a picture but it was so foggy you couldn't see the lake. As the day went on the weather cleared up and the evening was beautiful and cooler. Sunday was a bit cooler and still muggy. I rode 100 miles on Saturday and 75 on Sunday, keep in mind it was on a mountain bike. I think it was the slowest century I ever did, but I made it. It was great training for the Big Ride which starts in a week.