Day 9 Kooskia ID to Lolo Mt 92 miles 3900 ft
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We started around 7:30. The temperature was 59 degrees with
a heavy rain that continued until 1 pm which was then followed by intermittent
showers – we even had sun for about 5 minutes.
The entire length of the ride was 91 miles- most of it along the
clearwater river. It was spectacular because we were right along side it so we
could see the rapids etc – would have been perfect if the sun was shining and
the temperature was in the low 70’s. The
first 80 miles were continuous 1%-2%
grades but then at mile 80 the steepness increased until the top of the pass at
84 miles. Another 6 miles downhill
(midway down the mountain) to the hotel.
My intention was to bike to mile 80 and then take the van to the top and
ride down to the hotel. I was completely
exhausted today for some reason – guess it was the 22 mile climb yesterday. At
any rate I got to lunch at mile 53 and then road to mile 70 where the van was
waiting with snacks etc. It had started
to rain again but the biggest problem was the road. They had grooved it to get ready to repave for
about a mile before mile 70 and there was no shoulder. They had also put up cones which made it
difficult for cars to pass. in order to pass, they had to weave in and out of
the cones! Because of these conditions I
got in the van – if you have ever tried to ride a bike on grooved payment –
don’t – the whole bike and body shakes.
Knowing that this condition existed to the top gave me the perfect out.
Not only was I tried but the grooves would have done me in. Got to top and was going to ride down and
started to pour and it was windy so I
took the easy way down – THE VAN. I
really respect those riders that made it the whole 91 miles -- Their definitely in better shape then me! Got a massage and am now waiting for dinner.
Note: We are now on Mountain Time folks! The hotel only has Internet in the lounge –
sorry for the update delay – I know you all probably cannot sleep without
knowing all this information.
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| Scene from Lolo pass |
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| Ready for a rainy day |
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| View at lunch |
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| Idaho -- like the rain pants? |
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| Montana sign at the top of the pass |
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| Having lunch |
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| Blake the guide preparing snacks for down the road a bit |
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| Those grooves |
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| Fellow rider Lori -- was with me on the first xcountry trip from Santa Barbara to Charleston South Carolina |
| Departed: | Aug 27, '18, 07:33AM |
| Starts in: | Idaho County, ID, US |
| Distance: | 70.1 mi |
| Elevation: | + 2645 / - 441 ft |
| Max Grade |
13.1 %
|
| Avg. Grade |
0.6 %
|
| Ascent time | 04:27:05 |
| Descent time | 01:00:13 |
| Total Duration: | 11:49:38 |
| Moving Time: | 05:27:18 |
| Stopped Time: | 06:22:20 |
| Calories: | 2022 |
| Avg. Watts: | 103 |
| Avg. Speed: | 12.9 mph |
| Pace: | 00:10:07 |
| Moving Pace: | 00:04:40 |
So true, some of us cant sleep without a fix from reading your daily blog. Keep up the good work. We are so proud of you.
ReplyDeleteBe safe
Enjoying these nightly! Can’t imagine having to ride on grooved pavement. Don’t even like doing it in my car. keep on truckin, Paul!
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