the big ride

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tue June 29

The day started beautiful with a rainbow above the school.

The first miles were incredible with scenery, a ride along a river, cool temps, and good roads.

We had a steep 7-10 mile climb to the top of the continental divide - we went up separate as Chris is stronger than me. then there was a great 10 mile downhill. Wow!

We had a hasty lunch as we realized we linger too long (45-60 min) and get stiff. Then it is hard to ride after lunch. This time we had PB&J, filled our pockets and were out in 20. We had warnings for severe weather late afternoon so we wanted to get to Townsend, MT early.

The wind picked up - incredibly - gusts of 20-30 mph in our faces. The last 30 miles seemed to take forever with the strong wind. Our Montana friend Bonnie had warned us - she was correct! While we were frustrated with the tough wind, we persevered and cheered at the "Welcome to Townsend" signs. Finally we made it. Tonight we sleep in the school as the weather still looks rough outside. Actually, I am in the town library as I write this 2 hours after arriving and Chris is already asleep!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Misc thoughts

Food
Breakfasts are typically eggs, bacon, oatmeal and cold cereals. Sometimes cooked by the school, sometimes cooked by a service group like Elks or Lions.
Lunches are picnic style. Cycle America sets up an awning behind a trailer and there are tables of deli meats, PB, & sliced vegetables. Often they have a good soup on cold days or some themed treat like Chinese Pot Stickers, Mediterranean Salads, etc. There is also cut fruit, nuts, candies, etc. It is so easy to stay and eat – that is how we stay too long.
Dinners are usually at the school, but occasionally out. Pasta and chicken have been common, with good veggies and salads.

accommodations
Typically we camp on the school grounds – maybe an athletic field or the grass around the school. We slept in a gym once – that is a bit noisier at first but then it quiets pretty quick.

Weather

we had rain the first two days, but great weather since then. Usually it is cool in the mornings but then it heats up in the afternoons. Today got up to 95.

coffee
We have really enjoyed stopping at the drive thru coffee shacks. Typically we get espressos. At one of them, the guy on the other side had just seen us climb 7 miles to Waterville. He bought our drinks for us. At another, Chris asked for a “dirty espresso” - the lady had never heard of it so he explained how to layer the sugar and grounds to brew it. She was happy to learn a new thing. At another,we had been facing a head wind for many miles. The scenery also was monotonous. we were getting low in spirts – we saw “Lynnes – best coffee in town” and had a double shot each. Lynne was so chatty – it was great. She was interested in hearing about the trip, where we were headed, etc. it really raised our spirits for the last 20 miles.

bikes
They are working pretty well. We had to buy a new wheel for Chris after his fall. One of my pedals is getting stiff so I bought a new set at REI in Missoula. I hope to avoid using them by greasing the old ones – we will see. We shift to better mountain gears before we left – that has served us well.

Well being and health
We have a few maladies. My bottom really hurts – two sore spots where I hit the seat. I use bandages and antibiotic cream and it is much better.
We have dramatic tan lines at our arms and legs. I think I burned my lips as they are very sensitive.
Sometimes the long days can get to us. For example, Saturday was a long day and the road noise, heat, head wind got to us. We persevered, but those days are tough.

Mon June 28

79 miles – hot!

Waking and packing in a dorm is so nice. It is easier to find things, no tent or sleeping bag to put away, We enjoy camping but our things get scattered and we get a slow start. Breakfast at the U of Montana cafeteria was great. We never know how much to eat -it can be hard to stop.

We rode a bit thru the Missoula urban area, then got out to the scenery. We followed a river most of the day. The bad news is it was flowing the other way, so it was mostly an uphill day. The day started cool but ended near 95 degrees. I wore a sleeveless jersey with arm warmers, but should have had on my windbreaker. That would have been more comfortable.

By lunch it warmed up and we had a good afternoon ride. We always seem to spend too much time at lunch and then it is hard ot start up again. From now on we plan on eating quick and heading out – maybe taking a PB&J with us.

I got my first flat in the afternoon. Not too bad to change.

The area is a lot less populated – no coffee shops. We got to 78.5 and there was a drive thru place. We stopped for a cool coffee drink and then rode the last half mile. This school did not have much hot water, so we had cold showers. That can be tough. We enjoyed a root beer float before a lasagne dinner.

As a bit of trivia, we are in the town where the Uni-bomber was hiding

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Chilly, Beautiful, then Brutal

Sat June 26 - 103 miles from Thompson Falls to Missoula

The day started chilly - we rode to a local Elks place where they served a great breakfast. The usual eggs, bacon, toast and oatmal but then several home made coffee cakes.

The beginning of the ride was along a river - we were in a valley with sun light mountains on the right and shadow on the left. It was cool - mid 50's and very scenic. We looked for big horn sheep in the mountains but never saw any.

By lunch it was warm and sunny - around 80. Both of us were feeling sluggish. We had ridden a good pace with Mark (TX) before lunch, but I was not up for keeping the same pace.

The road after lunch was rough and noisy. Cars were going by fast while we rode in the emergency lane. The noise from them got to us. It was also a strong head wind and a headwind. At one point we had a two mile downhill, but with the wind we never got going fast.

We stopped at a sandwich shop and had a fresh cooked doughnut and an espresso. The couple next to us was fascinated with our trip and kept asking questions. Talking to people has been one of the highlights. I am reading a book called "Travels with Willie" - he is a bicycle adventurer. He talks about how his bicycle is his "passport". When he rides into town people open up quickly and share food, lodging or stories. We are experiencing the "stories" part. It is so nice to meet people and talk to them.

The snack helped me tremendously (we still had 30 miles to go) . . . but Chris was still in low spirits. Noise, headwind, heat, rough road all got him frustrated. I pushed hard and we made it by around 3-4 pm. It was a long, brutal day.

The nice part is we are in Missoula and are staying in a dorm. As I pulled in Jo (UK) had a few extra beers (she is so fast she was able to stop and pick up two six packs) and I enjoyed one.

Chris and I went out for Thai food and ate huge amounts - we have been so hungry. We enjoyed electricity and reading in bed without headlamps.

Sunday I woke early - 5:30 am. That is our typical camp ground wake-up time. I went down to do laundry and found 3 others already doing the same. After a week of getting up early, it is hard to sleep in.

Chris went white water rafting and had a great time. He and Nathan (20 yr old from CA) were the only cyclists who went. I did errands, dried the tent (wet from dew), shopped and napped. It was a nice day.

This week was over 600 miles. The upcoming week is shorter at about 450 miles. However, it has a huge climb up the about 9000 feet before we head into Jackson (Grand Tetons).