About a week before our arrival in Frisco, Danielle presented us with a set of questions that she hoped we would consider and answer before our parting of ways. Some of the questions are straightforward and some of them inevitably inspired more creative answers. In any case, our repsonses will perhaps satisfy some curiosities.
1) # of flats?
Danielle:
3 flats and 1 tire blowout
Geoff:
3 flats
Gift:
6 flats
Amy:
2 flats on Bob trailer tire; zero on bike tires
2) Top speed?
Danielle:
41.6 mph
Geoff:
52.69 mph
Gift:
51 mph
Amy:
37 mph (for the record i prefer climbing!)
3) Favorite place visited?
Danielle:
near Earthquake Lake where we saw the grizzly bear
Geoff:
1. the ride between Old Faithful and the south entrance to Yellowstone
2. Togwotee Pass
3. Bitteroot Brewery
Gift:
riding out of Yellowstone and seeing the Tetons (because of great scenery); Dayville, OR
(because everyone in town was so nice!)
Amy:
Yellowstone and the Tetons, despite rain, snow and wind
4) What do you think about while cycling?
Danielle:
"Come out, come out wherever you are, animals!!!"
Geoff:
"Food, beer, scenery, when is this effin hill going to end, songs, people on the trip, family,
friends, life in general. It's one long daydream."
Gift:
"Nothing. I don't think. I just ride."
Amy:
"What don't I think about?!"
5) What do you eat when you need energy while riding?
Danielle:
crunchy peanut butter Clif Bar, Pop Tarts, GU for a real pickmeup
Geoff:
Nature Valley crunchy granola bars and performance enhancing drugs
Gift:
whatever I have in my food bag-granola bars, Pop Tarts, string cheese,
Chex Mix (hot & spicy variety)
Amy:
Berry Almond Luna Bars, peanut butter Power Bars, cheese
6) Favorite article of cycling clothing?
Danielle:
my new Patagonia rainjacket...it has made all the difference!
Geoff:
none-I wish I could bike naked, although that could lead to an extra sore ass!
Gift:
my bike shorts, of course!
Amy:
leg warmers...and my rainpants once I finally purchased them!
7) Favorite piece of cycling gear?
Danielle:
my Sea to Summit dry bags-they keep everything organized and dry!
Geoff:
fenders-they keep the road slime off of me.
Gift:
my vented sunglasses that make me look FAST!
Amy:
my Shimano shoes because they're super comfortable and the velcro is a reminder of the
good ol' days.
8) If you could ask Lance Armstrong one question, what would it be?
Danielle:
"Were you not strong enough to be Sheryl Crow's man?"
Geoff:
"How was Ashley Olsen in the sack?"
Gift:
"Pop Tarts or muffins?"
Amy:
"Do you focus your eyes just beyond your front tire or towards the top of the hill?"
9) Finish this sentence: My bike________.
Danielle:
My bike, the Fujisaurous, is simply better.
Geoff:
My bike is fun, pain, escape, misery all in one sexy green ride. It's also great on gas!
Gift:
My bike is old and broken.
Amy:
My bike feels good between my legs.
10) Name one song you couldn't get out of your head all day.
Danielle:
"The Gambler"-Kenny Rogers
Geoff:
"Between the Moon and New York City"-Christopher Cross
Gift:
I don't sing. I just ride.
Amy:
Amy Winehouse songs
11) What's the oddest thing you encountered on the trip?
Danielle:
the West's weird obsession with taxidermy. It's even in the grocery stores!
Geoff:
three farting girls. WTF?
Gift:
two girls who are gassier than me!
Amy:
a granny telling her young granddaughter that the rest stop restroom is the place
they take little kids to spank them.
12) Describe your experience in ten words or less.
Danielle:
where the heck's the mountain lion??
Geoff:
what a long strange trip it is.
Gift:
fun, cold, smelly, hot, wet, hungry, exhausting, amazing, fast
Amy:
you can always accomplish more than you think you can!
13) Who, or what, is the real Pearl Izumi?
Danielle:
An old lady in a sweatshop.
Geoff:
The chamois making zen master. Me ass feel so good in me Pearl Izumi shorts!
Gift:
There's only one Asian on this trip! Need I say more??
Amy:
Pearl Izumi is a state of mind....when you conquer that long and exhausting climb...when
you find yourself in a peaceful trance on a neverending stretch of highway....when you
become one with the rain...it is at moments like these when you know Pearl Izumi.
Thanks to Danielle for a great idea and fun questions! I'm sure I'm not the only one interested in hearing if any of the answers change for you and Geoff during the second phase of the trip!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Michael!
Hey Michael....saw your comment! Thanks for leaving us a message-it's good to hear you safely completed your trip! We kept hoping we'd run into you at some point but you were just too fast! Feels strange to not still be riding, don't you think? Any ideas what your next adventure will bring??
Wishing you well,
Amy (& Gift, Geoff, Danielle)
Wishing you well,
Amy (& Gift, Geoff, Danielle)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Forward Momentum
Yesterday Gift and I took Geoff and Danielle back up to the mountains so that they could recommence the cycle tour. Gift said it best when, as the Millers were riding away from us, she said "it feels like we're parents sending our kids off to college." Yes! To be truly excited and happy for someone and yet feel a twinge of sadness is a strange emotional mix to process. I know a part of both of us wished to be riding with them.
G &D......we wish you a safe and amazing next chapter! Thank you for including us in this adventure's beginning! Never to be forgotten!
Sending love and tailwinds,
amy & gift
G &D......we wish you a safe and amazing next chapter! Thank you for including us in this adventure's beginning! Never to be forgotten!
Sending love and tailwinds,
amy & gift
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
explanation
As is obvious, I've posted pictures not necessarily in any kind of order.......I'm not organized enough to have done that! I have discs with only some of the pix that Geoff, Danielle and Gift shot.....they'll have to post the more recent ones once they have a chance to download. Just wanted to get a handful posted while I have time and free internet. Thanks Raytheon!
Before the Rain
Pictures from Geoff & Danielle's camera.....all taken in the first four days of the trip before they reached Central Oregon.
Misc Photos
Danielle and one of her favorite spectacles of taxidermy.
Eastern OR or western ID??
Gift's fabulous tan line!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
In Denver
Just a quick note to let you know the status of our location.... We are in the Denver area! Geoff and I will be staying for a few days and then heading back out on our bicycles to tackle the rest of our trip. We will try to keep this blog as updated as possible. Amy was great at keeping everyone updated and I will try to follow in her footsteps. She is a tough act to follow though.
Danielle
Danielle
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Terminus
June 19, 2008
Kremmling-Frisco
45 miles
We woke up to sun at the RV park, a good way to begin Gift's and my final day on this cycling tour! We packed up our bikes and returned to town to have coffee and pop tarts for breakfast before setting out. We weren't in a huge hurry knowing we only had a little over 40 miles to cover for the day. The first couple of hours greeted us with gradual uphill but then we had an easy last hour and a half riding toward the finish line.
The feeling for me, and I think also for Gift, was bittersweet as we saw the green sign telling us we were at the end of the journey. After cycling all but three days over the last month, it was strange to imagine not getting on the bike the next morning and hammering out the miles. Just the same, there was a true sense of accomplishment and that's a good note on which to end. And who is to say that this is actually a journey ending? Perhaps it's more appropriate to describe it as putting a bookmark between pages!
Kremmling-Frisco
45 miles
We woke up to sun at the RV park, a good way to begin Gift's and my final day on this cycling tour! We packed up our bikes and returned to town to have coffee and pop tarts for breakfast before setting out. We weren't in a huge hurry knowing we only had a little over 40 miles to cover for the day. The first couple of hours greeted us with gradual uphill but then we had an easy last hour and a half riding toward the finish line.
The feeling for me, and I think also for Gift, was bittersweet as we saw the green sign telling us we were at the end of the journey. After cycling all but three days over the last month, it was strange to imagine not getting on the bike the next morning and hammering out the miles. Just the same, there was a true sense of accomplishment and that's a good note on which to end. And who is to say that this is actually a journey ending? Perhaps it's more appropriate to describe it as putting a bookmark between pages!
Into the Great Wide Open
Many miles covered since the last posting!
We spent three nights in Lander, taking an unprecedented TWO days off riding. I think our bodies and souls needed the rest! We spent it well, exploring Sinks Canyon with Trent, eating some good meals and spending Saturday at the Lander Brew Festival. Thankfully, our arrival in Lander also brought us a weather change. SUNSHINE finally!
June 15
Lander-Muddy Gap Junction
82.5 miles
Long stretch of lonely, but starkly beautiful Wyoming scenery; gradual uphill or flats most of the day; perfect riding weather; camped in someone's yard and were nearly eaten alive by mosquitos!
June 16
Muddy Gap-Saratoga
95 miles (including riding around towns for errands etc; 86 map miles)
Not a hugely exciting day; much of the same scenery as previous day; two hours spent in the dusty town of Rawlins for lunch/bike repair. The best part of the day was the destination. Saratoga was a nice town with friendly people. We had Mexican food for dinner and met a woman who found us some free quiet camping on some perfectly manicured grass! Before turning in we went to the free hot springs in town and enjoyed some muscle relaxation.
June 17
Saratoga, WY-Walden, MT
70 miles
Three long days in a row certainly began to take their toll on us. We were pretty exhausted and feeling sore knees, tingly hands, blistery arses.....We did get a treat, however, in that Geoff and Danielle have a friend who has parents who have a condo in Walden. They told us to make good use of it when we passed through. We got to town at a reasonable hour since we left Saratoga early. We grabbed groceries and proceeded to the condo where we gratefully spread ourselves out and had a "normal" night of cooking, listening to music and just hanging out. Thanks so much for the invitation!!!
June 18
Walden-Kremmling
80 miles
Another long day! The ride had quite a bit of gradual uphill but the scenery began to get more mountainous and this was a nice change from the sagebrush and emptiness of Wyoming. Danielle spotted a moose early in the day-the first spotting on this trip! As we figured out dinner and camping, Gift met a woman who said we could camp for free outside her hostel. We were excited about this and also about the prospect of going to bed early after covering so many miles in four days. We set up tents, showered, and were all in bed by 9:30. Too good to be true? Uh huh. Some drunk guy showed up around 10:30 or 11:00 and, to put it mildly, was a real jerk. He was apparently staying at the hostel because he went inside and then came out onto the balcony shortly thereafter-the balcony that was just above our tents. We weren't sure if he threw the contents of a beverage down on us, or if he relieved himself on us....but there was some liquid that came down from the balcony onto Gift's tent. At that point, around midnight, we'd had enough! We packed our things in record time, turned on our bike lights and backtracked about a mile out of town to camp at an RV park. Quiet, clean, no idiots.....though we slept less than we'd hoped, we at least slept peacefully.
We spent three nights in Lander, taking an unprecedented TWO days off riding. I think our bodies and souls needed the rest! We spent it well, exploring Sinks Canyon with Trent, eating some good meals and spending Saturday at the Lander Brew Festival. Thankfully, our arrival in Lander also brought us a weather change. SUNSHINE finally!
June 15
Lander-Muddy Gap Junction
82.5 miles
Long stretch of lonely, but starkly beautiful Wyoming scenery; gradual uphill or flats most of the day; perfect riding weather; camped in someone's yard and were nearly eaten alive by mosquitos!
June 16
Muddy Gap-Saratoga
95 miles (including riding around towns for errands etc; 86 map miles)
Not a hugely exciting day; much of the same scenery as previous day; two hours spent in the dusty town of Rawlins for lunch/bike repair. The best part of the day was the destination. Saratoga was a nice town with friendly people. We had Mexican food for dinner and met a woman who found us some free quiet camping on some perfectly manicured grass! Before turning in we went to the free hot springs in town and enjoyed some muscle relaxation.
June 17
Saratoga, WY-Walden, MT
70 miles
Three long days in a row certainly began to take their toll on us. We were pretty exhausted and feeling sore knees, tingly hands, blistery arses.....We did get a treat, however, in that Geoff and Danielle have a friend who has parents who have a condo in Walden. They told us to make good use of it when we passed through. We got to town at a reasonable hour since we left Saratoga early. We grabbed groceries and proceeded to the condo where we gratefully spread ourselves out and had a "normal" night of cooking, listening to music and just hanging out. Thanks so much for the invitation!!!
June 18
Walden-Kremmling
80 miles
Another long day! The ride had quite a bit of gradual uphill but the scenery began to get more mountainous and this was a nice change from the sagebrush and emptiness of Wyoming. Danielle spotted a moose early in the day-the first spotting on this trip! As we figured out dinner and camping, Gift met a woman who said we could camp for free outside her hostel. We were excited about this and also about the prospect of going to bed early after covering so many miles in four days. We set up tents, showered, and were all in bed by 9:30. Too good to be true? Uh huh. Some drunk guy showed up around 10:30 or 11:00 and, to put it mildly, was a real jerk. He was apparently staying at the hostel because he went inside and then came out onto the balcony shortly thereafter-the balcony that was just above our tents. We weren't sure if he threw the contents of a beverage down on us, or if he relieved himself on us....but there was some liquid that came down from the balcony onto Gift's tent. At that point, around midnight, we'd had enough! We packed our things in record time, turned on our bike lights and backtracked about a mile out of town to camp at an RV park. Quiet, clean, no idiots.....though we slept less than we'd hoped, we at least slept peacefully.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Century!
To continue from yesterday....
Not only did we leave the lodge and go over Towgotee Pass (9658 feet), we rode our first century! And not only did we ride a century, we rode 14 miles more than a century! It was a first for all but Gift-she'd previously ridden one on a tandem, but not fully loaded.
The pass ended up being just fine-the snowplows had the roads cleared and the grade wasn't too steep. We made the top in an hour. It didn't snow on us but there were moments of blowing snow and a few wind gusts. We snapped a couple photos at the top-this is the second highest pass on this cross-country route-and headed down. We spotted a couple of elk and a good view here and there of the mountains when the clouds allowed. It was chilly on the descent and we were glad to warm up with hot cocoa at a lodge about 8 miles down the other side of the pass.
We got a late start leaving the lodge (11am) because we wanted to make sure road conditions would be ok for us. Because of our late start, we had some tentative plans for where we'd camp along our way. Plans changed as we rode because we had enough downhill that the miles were flying by. At around mile 80 we decided we'd attempt to ride all the way to LANDER, WY. That was another 34 miles. We kept our pace and rode into town at about 8:30pm!
Trent Kunze, a friend we know from Antarctica, lives here and he graciously welcomed us at his home! Thank you, Trent!!!
Today, Friday the 13th, we are happy to report that the skies are blue and beautiful! Trent is taking us on a drive to see a particular canyon around here and then we will likely hit the road. I think we are anxious to ride in short-sleeve jerseys and without rain gear for once!
On a side note, I forgot to include that we had a fun surprise when we went to breakfast at our campground in Yellowstone. Tony Buchanan!!! He's on a roadtrip with his gal and had just arrived at the park. What are the chances??? Awesome to see you Tony!!! Enjoy your travels!!
Signing off...
amy
Not only did we leave the lodge and go over Towgotee Pass (9658 feet), we rode our first century! And not only did we ride a century, we rode 14 miles more than a century! It was a first for all but Gift-she'd previously ridden one on a tandem, but not fully loaded.
The pass ended up being just fine-the snowplows had the roads cleared and the grade wasn't too steep. We made the top in an hour. It didn't snow on us but there were moments of blowing snow and a few wind gusts. We snapped a couple photos at the top-this is the second highest pass on this cross-country route-and headed down. We spotted a couple of elk and a good view here and there of the mountains when the clouds allowed. It was chilly on the descent and we were glad to warm up with hot cocoa at a lodge about 8 miles down the other side of the pass.
We got a late start leaving the lodge (11am) because we wanted to make sure road conditions would be ok for us. Because of our late start, we had some tentative plans for where we'd camp along our way. Plans changed as we rode because we had enough downhill that the miles were flying by. At around mile 80 we decided we'd attempt to ride all the way to LANDER, WY. That was another 34 miles. We kept our pace and rode into town at about 8:30pm!
Trent Kunze, a friend we know from Antarctica, lives here and he graciously welcomed us at his home! Thank you, Trent!!!
Today, Friday the 13th, we are happy to report that the skies are blue and beautiful! Trent is taking us on a drive to see a particular canyon around here and then we will likely hit the road. I think we are anxious to ride in short-sleeve jerseys and without rain gear for once!
On a side note, I forgot to include that we had a fun surprise when we went to breakfast at our campground in Yellowstone. Tony Buchanan!!! He's on a roadtrip with his gal and had just arrived at the park. What are the chances??? Awesome to see you Tony!!! Enjoy your travels!!
Signing off...
amy
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Yellowstone & The Tetons
Did you know that a cyclist has to pay $12 to get into Yellowstone (and probably the other national parks, too) while a car can pay $20 and squeeze as many people in it as possible for that price?? Frustrating. To think that a cyclist coming into a treasured area like Yellowstone with little impact (environmental, noise....) doesn't get a better deal is quite absurd in my opinion.
That aside, our experience riding through the park was pretty amazing! We didn't see any more bears so we count ourselves lucky for the close sighting we had before entering the park. What we did see were bison.....lots of 'em! And let me just say that riding a bicycle next to a bison is a very different experience than crusing by in the safety of a vehicle. We first saw many bison out in meadows just doing their thing....but then we began to see bison in the road. We weren't sure what to do at first (except for Geoff who seemed to enjoy riding directly past them, close enough to touch), so we'd wait for big trucks or RV's and then put them in between us and the animals so we could get around them without getting charged. At some points we didn't have the benefit of RV'ers coming by at the necessary moments so we just had to go for it. My heart was leaping out of my chest until we were well beyond the big creatures!
We arrived that evening at Old Faithful where we stayed in a "budget" cabin because there is no camping at Old Faithful, not even for cyclists who don't have the benefit of just driving the miles to the next open campground. Because we're in this area so early in the season, the campground where we were planning on staying was closed. We had no choice but to stay at Old Faithful because the next campground available to us was another 50 miles or so. We rounded out our evening eating dessert and watching the famous geyser do its thing. The others took video and pictures so those will hopefully be forthcoming!
Next day we rode about 62 miles to our campground. We had all sorts of weather but then the skies cleared as we rode closer to the Tetons. Absolutely amazing scenery! I think the views we had on this ride were, for me, the most awe-inspiring of our entire ride so far! It was chilly and really windy (enough so that we were getting blown into the traffic!) but the skies were blue! Though there have been many issues with weather here this time of year, seeing the mountains under a blanket of snow is quite a sight! I know without a doubt that I will venture back to this area perhaps in summertime and explore more thoroughly.
We reached our campground around 7pm, cooked our food, shivered, cleaned our dishers, shivered, stored our stuff in the bear box, shivered and went to bed with hot water bottles in our sleeping bags. We woke to snow! Not sure the exact temperature during the night but we heard it was supposed to go down to the mid 20's.
That was yesterday......we were headed for Togwotee Pass. As we made the gradual climb out of the valley the weather deteriorated. The roads were bare but there were snow flurries as we continued. We stopped at mile 27 at the last possible accomodation before the summit. After listening to weather reports and considering that it was already 3:30 with nine miles to go to reach the summit, we opted to stay in the lodge. We sat in the sauna, had dinner in the lodge saloon and relaxed in our room.
It snowed most of the night and today it looks like it should be January, not June. The heavy equipment is in the lodge parking lot, tires chained, bucket at the ready. The road to the summit has been plowed but it doesn't look good. It's 10am and we have some decisions to make. We need to go forward. We can't afford to stay at this lodge another night. However, we have at least 15 miles of really nasty conditions and that's a bit unnerving. Stay tuned......
That aside, our experience riding through the park was pretty amazing! We didn't see any more bears so we count ourselves lucky for the close sighting we had before entering the park. What we did see were bison.....lots of 'em! And let me just say that riding a bicycle next to a bison is a very different experience than crusing by in the safety of a vehicle. We first saw many bison out in meadows just doing their thing....but then we began to see bison in the road. We weren't sure what to do at first (except for Geoff who seemed to enjoy riding directly past them, close enough to touch), so we'd wait for big trucks or RV's and then put them in between us and the animals so we could get around them without getting charged. At some points we didn't have the benefit of RV'ers coming by at the necessary moments so we just had to go for it. My heart was leaping out of my chest until we were well beyond the big creatures!
We arrived that evening at Old Faithful where we stayed in a "budget" cabin because there is no camping at Old Faithful, not even for cyclists who don't have the benefit of just driving the miles to the next open campground. Because we're in this area so early in the season, the campground where we were planning on staying was closed. We had no choice but to stay at Old Faithful because the next campground available to us was another 50 miles or so. We rounded out our evening eating dessert and watching the famous geyser do its thing. The others took video and pictures so those will hopefully be forthcoming!
Next day we rode about 62 miles to our campground. We had all sorts of weather but then the skies cleared as we rode closer to the Tetons. Absolutely amazing scenery! I think the views we had on this ride were, for me, the most awe-inspiring of our entire ride so far! It was chilly and really windy (enough so that we were getting blown into the traffic!) but the skies were blue! Though there have been many issues with weather here this time of year, seeing the mountains under a blanket of snow is quite a sight! I know without a doubt that I will venture back to this area perhaps in summertime and explore more thoroughly.
We reached our campground around 7pm, cooked our food, shivered, cleaned our dishers, shivered, stored our stuff in the bear box, shivered and went to bed with hot water bottles in our sleeping bags. We woke to snow! Not sure the exact temperature during the night but we heard it was supposed to go down to the mid 20's.
That was yesterday......we were headed for Togwotee Pass. As we made the gradual climb out of the valley the weather deteriorated. The roads were bare but there were snow flurries as we continued. We stopped at mile 27 at the last possible accomodation before the summit. After listening to weather reports and considering that it was already 3:30 with nine miles to go to reach the summit, we opted to stay in the lodge. We sat in the sauna, had dinner in the lodge saloon and relaxed in our room.
It snowed most of the night and today it looks like it should be January, not June. The heavy equipment is in the lodge parking lot, tires chained, bucket at the ready. The road to the summit has been plowed but it doesn't look good. It's 10am and we have some decisions to make. We need to go forward. We can't afford to stay at this lodge another night. However, we have at least 15 miles of really nasty conditions and that's a bit unnerving. Stay tuned......
Monday, June 9, 2008
Yellowstone
After two 72 mile days, we arrived wet and tired at West Yellowstone yesterday. The first day from Dillon to Ennis was not too bad, minus a cold, snowy, windy pass. But the view as we rode into Ennis was stunning! Yesterday was a mental and physical challenge! We rode uphill, into the rain and wind, for most of the day. And the scenery for the first 4o miles or so was less than inspiring. We were all saying how this could possibly be our cumulative worst day of the trip.
However, as we inched our way closer to W. Yellowstone, the scenery began to meet our expectations! We were lucky enough to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep and a young griz (see pix in separate post) before we even arrived at W. Yellowstone! A wildlife field day!
Today we ride into the park! Hopefully we'll have more animal and geyser pix to share with you soon! And if we don't spot any animals, perhaps we'll just smear honey on ourselves and wait and see what happens......
However, as we inched our way closer to W. Yellowstone, the scenery began to meet our expectations! We were lucky enough to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep and a young griz (see pix in separate post) before we even arrived at W. Yellowstone! A wildlife field day!
Today we ride into the park! Hopefully we'll have more animal and geyser pix to share with you soon! And if we don't spot any animals, perhaps we'll just smear honey on ourselves and wait and see what happens......
good karma
At the homes of the generous souls who hosted us in Hamilton and Dillon, MT. Again, thanks to Will & Martha and to Kenda and Tommy!!!
Montana Scenery
A view of Ennis, MT. We rode through snow and wind over this pass and were rewarded with a stunning view of the mountains and valley!
Wildlife Safari!
Lions and tigers and BEARS, oh my!!!!
About 30 miles from West Yellowstone, Danielle spotted this young griz on the hillside to the left. We stopped in our tracks and watched as he casually regarded us. He then crossed the road and squeezed under the guard rail and went along his merry way.
Additional THANKS
More thank you's.....we had limited time last time and were too rushed to think straight!
*Jeremy Ellison-thank you so much for the gift of my bicycle (I'm finally putting some miles on it!!) and for the use of your bob trailer!!!! (Amy)
*Celine & Pat-merci beaucoup for helping me install accessories and learning to use my new pedals!!!! (Amy)
*Fargher & Family-thanks so much for your hospitality!!!! (Gift)
*Jeremy Ellison-thank you so much for the gift of my bicycle (I'm finally putting some miles on it!!) and for the use of your bob trailer!!!! (Amy)
*Celine & Pat-merci beaucoup for helping me install accessories and learning to use my new pedals!!!! (Amy)
*Fargher & Family-thanks so much for your hospitality!!!! (Gift)
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Big Sky Country
Idaho is a distant memory......
Since the last posting we have put many miles behind us. Approximately 300 in fact! Odometer readings for Geoff, Danielle and Gift are over 1000 now (a little less for me because I joined the group four days into the trip). We've continued to see amazing landscapes along our way. We've followed several big rivers, including the Lochsaw in Idaho. It's been fun to watch the boaters and paddles maneuver through the rapids!
We summited LOLO PASS on June 1 and found snow! Thanks to the folks at the visitor center for the hot drinks and a place to warm up! The top of the pass is the border between Idaho and Montana. State #3!
Our first night in MT was spent at Lolo Hot Springs. Had it not been for the fact that the "Love Your Mother Earth" Festival took place there the two previous days, it would have been a lovely place to stay. As it was, they were still deep in the process of cleaning up and there was a fair amount of trash around. Still, we got a hot dinner and a hot soak!
Next day we cruised into MISSOULA in the rain. We found our way to REI where we purchased more rain gear-pants for me, fenders for Geoff and Danielle. The rain seems to want to follow us wherever we go so these purchases were not up for debate! Also in town we were able to do some errands, eat meals that didn't include fried food and visit the Adventure Cycling headquarters.
From the big city we cycled to Hamilton and promptly found ourselves at the Bitterroot Brewery. After some good pub food and tasty brews, we met a cool guy who ended up hosting us at his home. We shared stories and beers and were very grateful for the roof over our heads that night. THANK YOU WILL AND MARTHA!!!!!
Over the next two days we rode over Lost Trail Pass and into JACKSON, MT. We camped at Jackson Hot Springs and had a wonderful experience! Friendly folks, a cozy lodge with a huge stone fireplace and a very inviting hot springs pool in which to soak our weary muscles! A place we'd highly recommend if you're in the area!
The next morning, Geoff's 33rd birthday, we awoke to snow. SNOW! This was June 6th, people! We were used to waking to rain but this was absurd! Over a hot breakfast in the lodge we debated on what to do next. Finally we decided to just go for it, thinking that the weather could end up being the same the next morning if we decided to stay. We bundled up and set out into the storm! The first hour hit us with snow and driving wind....but after going over our first pass we found milder weather. The wind, however, stuck with us all day.
DILLON was our destination and we arrived mid-afternoon. We visited the Patagonia outlet there and ended up finding another kind soul who invited us to stay with her and her husband. Again, beers and stories and great company! THANK YOU Kenda and Tommy!!! Have a great summer!
That brings us to today. We've ridden close to 40 miles and are breaking in the small town of Sheridan. I am at the library.....I'd written almost this entire blog when the computer shut down on me. I just rewrote but left out quite a bit. I need to go grab some food with the others because we have yet to ride close to 40 more miles. Plus summit a big pass!
On that note, we hope everyone is well and there is sunshine where you are! If so, please send it our way! We should be in West Yellowstone late tomorrow if we put in the miles! I keep saying we'll post pix......but I've been voted the writer. The others said they would get the pictures put on here.... so give 'em hell about it! :)
cheers,
amy
Since the last posting we have put many miles behind us. Approximately 300 in fact! Odometer readings for Geoff, Danielle and Gift are over 1000 now (a little less for me because I joined the group four days into the trip). We've continued to see amazing landscapes along our way. We've followed several big rivers, including the Lochsaw in Idaho. It's been fun to watch the boaters and paddles maneuver through the rapids!
We summited LOLO PASS on June 1 and found snow! Thanks to the folks at the visitor center for the hot drinks and a place to warm up! The top of the pass is the border between Idaho and Montana. State #3!
Our first night in MT was spent at Lolo Hot Springs. Had it not been for the fact that the "Love Your Mother Earth" Festival took place there the two previous days, it would have been a lovely place to stay. As it was, they were still deep in the process of cleaning up and there was a fair amount of trash around. Still, we got a hot dinner and a hot soak!
Next day we cruised into MISSOULA in the rain. We found our way to REI where we purchased more rain gear-pants for me, fenders for Geoff and Danielle. The rain seems to want to follow us wherever we go so these purchases were not up for debate! Also in town we were able to do some errands, eat meals that didn't include fried food and visit the Adventure Cycling headquarters.
From the big city we cycled to Hamilton and promptly found ourselves at the Bitterroot Brewery. After some good pub food and tasty brews, we met a cool guy who ended up hosting us at his home. We shared stories and beers and were very grateful for the roof over our heads that night. THANK YOU WILL AND MARTHA!!!!!
Over the next two days we rode over Lost Trail Pass and into JACKSON, MT. We camped at Jackson Hot Springs and had a wonderful experience! Friendly folks, a cozy lodge with a huge stone fireplace and a very inviting hot springs pool in which to soak our weary muscles! A place we'd highly recommend if you're in the area!
The next morning, Geoff's 33rd birthday, we awoke to snow. SNOW! This was June 6th, people! We were used to waking to rain but this was absurd! Over a hot breakfast in the lodge we debated on what to do next. Finally we decided to just go for it, thinking that the weather could end up being the same the next morning if we decided to stay. We bundled up and set out into the storm! The first hour hit us with snow and driving wind....but after going over our first pass we found milder weather. The wind, however, stuck with us all day.
DILLON was our destination and we arrived mid-afternoon. We visited the Patagonia outlet there and ended up finding another kind soul who invited us to stay with her and her husband. Again, beers and stories and great company! THANK YOU Kenda and Tommy!!! Have a great summer!
That brings us to today. We've ridden close to 40 miles and are breaking in the small town of Sheridan. I am at the library.....I'd written almost this entire blog when the computer shut down on me. I just rewrote but left out quite a bit. I need to go grab some food with the others because we have yet to ride close to 40 more miles. Plus summit a big pass!
On that note, we hope everyone is well and there is sunshine where you are! If so, please send it our way! We should be in West Yellowstone late tomorrow if we put in the miles! I keep saying we'll post pix......but I've been voted the writer. The others said they would get the pictures put on here.... so give 'em hell about it! :)
cheers,
amy
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