Day 9 Portland to Portland - Kamiah ID to Lolo Hot Springs, MT


 
Destination - Montana.  The fourth state out of the 15 we will visit on the trip.  In order to get there, we had to ride 115 miles.


We got an early start today.  A lot of miles and we were crossing over into the mountain time zone, causing us to lose an hour.  The majority of our day would be along the Clearwater River in the Clearwater National Park.


The morning got of to a great start and then the ride went off the reservation - literally - we left the Nez Perce Reservation.  This entire ride was beautiful.  Huge Pine forests, Clear running water.  Stunning scenery.  No wonder the Nez Perce settled here.



I was able to use a different saddle today and it made for significantly better day.  For the first time, I wasn't one of the riders complaining about there backsides!  We cruised through the first 102 miles.  The easiest century I have ever done.  Great pace line from mile 1 and we just chewed up the miles, despite slowly gaining elevation for the whole time.




Mile 102 - welcome to the Bitterroot Mountains.  6 miles up to Lolo Pass.  This is where Lewis and Clark crossed in 1805 on their exploration of the Pacific Northwest.  We reached the top, crossed over into Montana, and it was suddenly one hour later.  7 miles left to ride to the hotel.  All downhill.  When we got here, the hotel had no hot water.  Fortunately, right next door is the Lolo Hot Spring, 104 degree water coming right out of the granite rock.  After a quick dip, it was time for dinner.  Today's beer was from Portland.



The itinerary for the next few days was conveniently posted on a road sign.



Tomorrow we get to sleep late.  A short 37 downhill miles until Missoula.  Rest day yeah!


A final shout out to Ryan and Kathleen.  A quick few messages to Ryan and he was able to procure a new saddle for me and another rider on the trip.  He is truly saving my A$*!  Thank you to Kathleen for bringing them to me in Rapid City.  Can't wait to see you.




Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 26, 2022 at 3:34 AM

    Awesome details of National Park ride, pics, and news of a new saddle! Enjoy today and your rest!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 26, 2022 at 3:54 AM

    "GOD'S COUNTRY" IN caps!

    ReplyDelete

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