Day 13 - Melted Donettes

Final day of this series and then it is rest day 2 in Lincoln MT.  Since we were in Skip and Bettys driveway this morning there was no need to disconnect and the bikes were stored and ready to go.  We needed to drive 15 miles to where I left off, so we simply woke up and started driving.  I figured this was the perfect opportunity to hit a Starbucks and find a good WiFi network.  I can already tell
scavenging for connectivity is going to be a major challenge for this trip until we get to the Midwest.  I can personally attest this Verizon map is a bunch of BS.

It was all good for this morning as we hit an Albertsons Starbucks right off HWY 200. 

I have only had a few cups of coffee since we left on the trip, so this morning was a special treat to get a coffee and have a strong WiFi signal! What a start to the day!

After coffee we traveled the 15 miles to where we left off yesterday to get ready.  As I have mentioned before, our daily routine involves Cheryl making these delicious egg sandwiches while I get the bike ready and finish charging my 12 devices and gather everything else I need for the day.  We have also started the tradition of eating these extremely healthy chocolate doughnuts (Donettes to be precise).  I’m pretty sure they are vitamin fortified and gluten free.  It’s been hot in the RV cupboard lately and they are not faring to well.  “Waste not want not” is what my mom always said. 

After downing a few Donette remnants,  I hopped on the bike and enjoyed one of the best rides so far.  Weather was cool, road was very good and the scenery was again beautiful.  Traffic was pretty heavy on HWY 200 and I had a few unnerving encounters with a couple semi’s but all in all a really terrific day. 

In addition to the usual roadside artsy shots, I also got one of the sag wagon so you could see it in action.  I was also happy to see an old friend I thought I left in Idaho.  The Clearwater River.  More of a creek at this point. 

We found what appears to be a very basic place for RVs to park in Lincoln.  Minimal hookups but we are fine with dry camping for a night and will get full hook ups tomorrow.  We asked the caretaker of the place (Richard) for recommendations for places to eat.  He had plenty to say and was very helpful.  Regarding the local pizza place, he said “they used to hand toss their crust, then they shipped in hand tossed crust from Helena and now they get it from Sysco  Just one more thing going in the wrong direction in the world.”  Now you won’t get that review on Yelp!

We are looking forward to our second rest day tomorrow.  A few errands to run and small “to dos” on the RV.  We are super excited to have Skip and Betty join us.

This concludes the regularly scheduled programming for today so if your reading for the ride you can stop now.  However, I mentioned early on I would provide a little background on the trip and with tomorrow being a rest day I figured tonight would be a good time.  So if you would like a little more background information feel free to continue reading…….

I am asked all the time why I am riding my bike across the country.   Is it a bucket list item?  Are your raising money for something? Are you an idiot?  The latter is probably the most accurate but It’s a little deeper than that.

Personal aspect - There is some truth in many old cliches, one in particular is “no one lies on their death bed wishing they spent more time at the office.”  This does ring true to me and even though I have enjoyed my career and feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with amazing people, there are many things I want to do away from work and thee are finite number of days to be physically able to do them.  8 years ago Greg and I rode our bikes to the Golden Gate Bridge (see the beginning of this blog) and it was such an epic experience that I didn’t want to end so I started thinking about a longer ride.  For me, if I could combine three of my favorite things: a physical challenge (I thrive on physical activity), an RV (my RV is my happy place) and being with family, in this case, Cheryl (the love of my life) then I felt I should try and make that happen sooner than later.  Of course, I needed help.  First of all, my leadership and teammates at work were very supportive for me to take a leave of absence, my kids are absolutely amazing supporters and keeping things going at home and Cheryl, of course, is the MVP being the sag wagon.  What a support system I have.  So thankful!  So I said let’s do this!

Charity - I was originally going to do a much longer ride and make it a fundraiser.  My grandmother

Freda and Cheryl’s mom Cathy both suffered from Dementia and we were going to dedicate this ride to them and seek donations to help stop this terrible disease.  As time went on, it occurred to me that donating is a very personal experience and I don’t want to be presumptuous to suggest where you donate your hard earned resources, so we scrapped the idea.  We are still dedicating the ride to Freda and Cathy but not actively seeking donations.  I would simply say that when you are considering opening your purse or wallet to donate, you consider one of the many charities fighting against dementia.  The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research (Fisher)

Foundation is very good.   

So there is a little background as to why we are on the road to Portland ME.  I appreciate all of you out there joining us for this adventure.  And now back to the ride…

Day 12 - Missoula!

Started the day from LoLo Hot Springs.  I had to get a starting picture of the RV "office."  They don't use it anymore and you check in across the street.  They keep the building as that is were the only Wifi for the park is.  You would see campers gathered around the buildings checking their phones and talking.  Consider it the  modern day watering hole.  

The morning ride was just how I like’em, all downhill.  Though it was chilly with a few sprinkles it was a nice morning.  I covered 32 miles to Missoula in about an hour and 45 minutes.  I went faster than normal because of my sleek aerodynamic appearance (I finally shaved last night).  It was only 9:45 am when we pulled into Walmart for a break.  Yes Walmart, our favorite RV park.  We didn’t spend the night but did stay there for a couple hours to catch up with civilization since we had been without cell service for two days.   

Since the first 32 miles were so easy today, we decided to continue past Missoula for 15 miles to get a jump on tomorrow’s trek to Lincoln.  The wind was at my back, so I continued with my best pace of the trip so far.  No official records due to geography and wind aided but still nice riding.  The scenery is different than what we’ve seen thus far but still just as beautiful.  You will notice the aftermath from the recent wildfires.  Such a bummer.  Also rode through the University of Montana Campus.  Didn't plan it, I just followed Siri's directions (see I learn).

The afternoon was uneventful as we did some shopping and had a nice lunch at Iron Horse brew pub (Iron Horse).  We opted out of Walmart because we got a much better offer to spend the night in the driveway of our good friends Skip and Betty (for the record, they offered us the house).  Unfortunately they are out of town and we missed them today, but we are excited they will be joining the tour Friday!  The good news for us is that their son Kyle and girlfriend Chanelle are house/dog sitting so we had the pleasure of having dinner and being with them all evening.  It was delightful. 

Not much more to report on today.  Kind of scary that I haven't got lost in three days and everything seems to be running smoothly.  I am excited for my second rest day Friday in the often imitated but never duplicated city of Lincoln Montana.  We will also be meeting up with Skip and Betty.  We can not wait!

Until then........

Day 11 - Passed the Pass

Pretty tough getting up this morning.  A little too much paradise yesterday.  Not sure what happened but after a couple bottles of wine we got the great idea to pour some Vodka into Ginger Ale throw in a lime and shazam!  We call it a Clearwater Surprise!  Coming soon to a bar near you. Well, I’m feeling it this morning but unfortunately, I can’t lay in bed and whine about my headache, I’m going to need to whine on the bike.  We are going to cross Lolo Pass today.  

I was on the bike at 7:30 am and the riding conditions were perfect.  Slight cool breeze and the road turned AMAZING.  About 15 miles before the Lochsa Ranger Station new paving began and my life went from hell to heaven as quick as my tires could cross the threshold.  Makes such a difference.  So now I’m ready for anything (even with a headache).

The approach to the pass was beautiful again.  You’re probably tired of seeing the scenic pictures but sorry, it’s all part of the experience. 

We’ve been without cell service since we left Kamiah early Monday morning and in addition to not knowing what’s going on in the world or communicating with anyone, I have to listen to the same two playlists that I have downloaded on my Spotify.  I like Don Henley and all, but if I have to hear “Boys of Summer” one more time I’m going to ride off the road.  I definitely need to better prepare for the next time we are out of cell service (which I imagine will be a lot between here and Minneapolis).  Sorry Don, but you and “Dead Head sticker on a Cadillac” are getting the hook.

Without cell service Strava didn’t work either and I didn’t get the joy and feeling of accomplishment seeing my elevation climb approaching Lolo Pass.  I pulled up Google and it’s kind of depressing seeing a little blip.  It was tough pedaling damn it!

When I reached the rest area at the top, Cheryl was there waiting for me.  Always makes me happy to see her.  Lolo Pass is also where we enter Montana and crossed our first time zone.  Now we are on Mountain Time!  I hope we like Montana because I’m going to be riding here for 12 days! 

We stopped at Lolo Hot Springs and it was a little underwhelming.  Just a swimming pool and a hot tub that is fed from the natural hot springs.  I would not recommend riding your bike to get here. There is a lodge and restaurant and RV park here also.  We went to the restaurant for lunch as we will try and visit the local establishments along the way.  Seeing this sign above the door, the moose crossing road signs and Everclear (190 proof) at a convenience store was a reminder that we are entering a different part of the country.  I love it!

We got some more good news about filling our open slots.  A friend of my son Kyle, Tom, lives in New York and will be joining this coast to coast extravaganza August 12 and 13.  He’s an avid cyclist and knows the New York roads so finally I won’t have to worry about getting lost (at least for two days anyway).  I have not provided the blog address to him yet as I’m afraid if he sees what he’s getting into he will back out.

We’re back into civilization tomorrow in Missoula Montana!!

Until then….

Day 10 - Too Much Paradise at 9 Mile Road

We were up in the mountains with no cell service so I couldn’t post the blog so I am a little late with yesterday’s update. 

After a terrific Father’s Day in Kamiah (thank you family for the fun FaceTime), we were “up and at em” early to beat the heat.  Not entirely sure what the destination is.  The schedule says Lochsa Ranger

Station but that was mostly a place holder.  I’m going to ride about 60 miles then see what we can find.  Bold move I know, but hey, nothing ventured nothing gained.  BTW, those following me on Strava may have noticed some strange routes because I have not had reliable cell service for the last few days, but you're going to have to take my word for it.  Cheryl can also vouch that I'm putting in the miles!

I continue on HWY 12 along the Clearwater River for the second straight day.  I sound like a broken record in that the road is not very good (chip seal) with little to no shoulder but the scenery is beautiful.  I try different things to make the ride smoother.  Out in the road where traffic is, the vehicles smooth out the surface so I can ride out there.  But that is shaking hands with danger as I must constantly watch for traffic and when vehicles approach, I get over.  Not too smart if I want to avoid getting hit.

Another technique is to ride on the white line as much as possible.  The paint surface is smooth but I’m not Simone Biles on the balance beam so it’s tough keeping the wheels on the line.  Typically, my feet get numb after a long time in the saddle but today its my hands from all the vibration from the road.  This does give me a good excuse to periodically stop and appreciate the scenery.  It never gets old.  We went past a bunch of old trucks.  Thought about getting one to take to Dayton in 2035.  Considering my mechanical abilities, that should give me enough time to be ready.

We reached the Ranger Station at about noon and it was closed until June 23 so we were on our own.  We decided to ride up the road another 10 miles to make tomorrow a little shorter and look for a spot to spend the rest of today and sleep tonight. 

We stumbled on a terrific spot on 9 Mile Road that was protected from HWY12 and had great river access.  We didn’t see any signs prohibiting camping so we parked and set up camp.  Zuri spends a lot of time in the RV so she was especially happy to get out and roam around then dug a hole and got comfortable.  We had a fabulous day/evening watching the river go by.  We opened a chilled bottle of  Rose’ (hydrating of course) and just relaxed.  The big news for the day was that we got to open the 500 mile milestone package from the kids.

It included a delicious bottle of Cab and the highly coveted milestone shirt.  Thanks kids, we love looking forward to and opening these packages.  Next one is not until 1000 miles!  I’ve got some riding to do to earn that one!  Of course we had to open that bottle of wine to celebrate and next thing you know it’s a party on the Clearwater! 

The party may make for an even tougher day as I hit Lolo pass.  Going to be a lot of climbing.  At least there are hot springs up there so we can relax. 

Until then….

Day 9 - Catching up in Kamiah

Had a big ride ahead of me today.  71 miles to Kamiah ID up HWY 12 along the Clearwater River.  I checked the route and it looked a little squirrelly getting out of Lewiston, especially because there is a nice riverside bike path that I want to intercept that was a little confusing (well, for me any way).

So off I go, on the road before 8 like I had planned (7:50 to be exact).  Everything started fine but as expected I got a little turned around where the Snake and the Clearwater come together and when I hit the bike path I could go left or right.  I
should have gone right and of course I went left.  I was cruising along with the nice Snake River breeze in my face, but the problem was it should have been the Clearwater breeze.  Of course I didn’t have my navigation turned on (I know, I know) and when I did Siri immediately said “in 100 feet take a U turn.”  Ugh, this is getting ridiculous.

The bike path was initially amazing, but after about 2 miles, every 30 feet the asphalt was separated by about 4 inches with grass growing in the crack, but the problem was the “thump, thump” of my bike each time.  This was extremely annoying, so I decided to hop the guardrail and ride HWY 12.  Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire.  HWY 12 outside Lewiston SUCKS big time.  The road surface is chip seal and it feels like I’m sitting on a jack hammer as I ride.  I’m on HWY 12 for 71 miles (actually closer to 74 thanks to my initial left turn).  There is an 6-12 inch sliver of nice road where the chip seal did not reach so I could ride the jackhammer or play cat and mouse with the guardrail while I ride to smooth portion, choose your poison.  Fortunately, this lasted “only” about 15 miles to where HWY 12 separated from HWY 3.

The riding conditions were still not terrific in that there is very little shoulder and a lot of trailers and fifth-wheels.  As with yesterday, the scenery was very beautiful. 

 

I did have another encounter with road construction and one-way traffic but this time there was no Kathleen to keep me from my continuous route.  It was controlled by a traffic light.  As I approached the light, I instinctively moved up to the front on the right side of the line of cars.  The problem was that when the light turned green and I entered the single lane there was no shoulder on the right and jersey barriers on the left so cars could not safely pass me.  Yesterday in the pilot car with Kathleen I had the power.  Today with 12 cars behind me on my bike I felt powerless.  I cranked up the gear and sprinted for what seemed like 3 miles but was probably 0.5 miles, but I got through it and no middle fingers from the line of traffic behind me.  

The rest of the ride was fine and we arrived in Kamiah ahead of schedule so we decided to take a quick dip in the Clearwater River.  About 1 second and some major shrinkage later, I was back on shore ready for a towel and some lunch. 

Kamiah is the home of a legendary Idaho basketball coach, Fred Mercer.  I met Fred when I worked his camps while playing for WSU.  I would work a couple days of camp then we would float the Clearwater.  We had some terrific times.  Cheryl and I paid Fred and his wife Judy a visit and we talked and laughed into the late evening.  It was a lot of fun seeing them and catching up.  Thanks Fred and Judy for the hospitality (and the parking spot in front of your house)!

55 miles tomorrow further down HWY 12 but not exactly sure where we are staying.  Oh well, we’ll figure it out when we get there.  Another hot one but I’ll be up and out early.

Until then……

(this is before the jump in the river and I was still smiling)

Day 8 - Now that's a burger!

I slept good last night but awoke at 6:00 am to the rumbling of big block engines on the next street over from where we set up camp.  What I thought was a lot of cars in Dayton last night paled in comparison to the invasion that was occurring this morning.  Knowing that it was going to be 90 degrees when I reached Lewiston, I wanted to get an early start but those tricked out El Caminos (always liked the mid 80s El Camino), 56 Bel Air or 69 Camaro convertible were calling my name.  So we got a coffee and a pastry and walked Main Street looking at just a few of the 400 cars expected to participate in the All Wheels Weekend.  But we had to get moving because the sun and its high temperature was also calling my name.

Last night was our first time dry camping during this trip.  We picked out a cozy little piece of gravel in the parking lot next to Main Street and Boom - Home Sweet Home.  We figured there would be many nights dry camping either because there was no RV Park near our destination or my legs simply quit and we needed to stop.  I installed an inverter to allow charging of devices and watching TV without running the generator (good call Ken, lost about 0.7 V with the wire)  I realized this morning how important it is with all the devices I have.  Before each ride I charge my phone, my headphones, my watch, a mofi (back up power on the road) and the rear blinking light.  Sheesh, it's a process!

The ride got started later than expected and I blame the El Caminos!  Fortunately I rode an extra 15 yesterday and will get a head start.  As it was, it was still a pretty tough ride as the heat really started to have an effect towards the end.  Though it was difficult, the sweat in my eyes did not keep me from appreciating the beautiful landscapes along the way.  

We made a quick hydration and rest stop in the Garfield County Seat, Pomeroy WA.  It is a town of about 1400 people and from what I could tell, home to one of the last Radio Shacks around.  I was tempted to see if I could get a Blackberry or Nokia in there but we had a schedule to keep so we kept moving.  My iPhone will have to do for now.  It is a nice little town though, and literally the only one I saw on the route all day. 

We made it to Clarkston and Premier RV Resort (Premier RV Resorts) at about 1:15 pm, just as it was getting really warm.  The park is right on the Snake River and really nice.  After some hydration, we enjoyed a nice walk along the river trail.  

Back in my college days at WSU we would periodically come to Lewiston (across the river from Clarkston) for the weekend because at the time the drinking age was 19 in Idaho.  Of course I just came along to
be the designated driver.  We would always grab a burger at Effie's (Effie's Tavern).  Their burgers were famous for how big they were.  We thought it would be fun to see if Effie's was still in business.  Well they are, and the burgers are still HUGE.  We bought just one to share and barely finished it.  The side order of fries may have contributed.  

After two "easy" riding days, we have a pretty long day to Kamiah ID tomorrow.  Another 90 degree day.  Better get to bed so I can start early.

Until then.....

Day 7 - All Wheels Weekend

Day 7!  Today makes one week on the road and all in all I can not complain (not that it would do any good).  In some ways I'm shocked I'm still rolling!  Moody Road and I84 seem like a distant memory and we are looking forward!  After a tremendous day off in Walla Walla we are preparing for an easy riding day to Dayton in hot, but excellent weather.  The riding gear continues to get tweaked.  I have a new rear flasher complements of Greg and Krissie as a parting gift to help keep me safe.  So many flasher choices it takes 5 minutes to decide!  There is the new water bottle and new cleats on my shoes.  I went with only one new water bottle partly because I had already spent $266, but mostly because I have become fond of the used Core water container and plan to keep it the entire trip.  It is also Juneteenth (observed) and I begin the ride this morning recognizing this important day in our American history. 

Overall, the ride went very well.  The only hiccup was at about mile 20 I came across some road construction that required one lane traffic with a pilot car.  I asked the pilot driver, Kathleen, how they handle bicycles and she said, “your in luck, we give you a ride and place your bike in the bed of the truck.”  I was hesitant to get a ride because my goal is to pedal the entire route.  “Sorry, it’s safety protocol.”   So in I went and rode in the pilot car for 2.5 miles.  It was pretty cool.  A feeling of power leading 20 cars.  Kind of like a pace car in the Indy 500.  During some small talk during the 2.5 miles, Kathleen told me that there was a big car show in Dayton (The All Wheels Weekend).  Hmmmm

I made it to Dayton by 10:15 am and figured that was way too early to stop but we HAD to stay the night and enjoy the old classic cars.  So I road another 15 miles toward Lewiston and we drove pack to Dayton so we could partake in the festivities.  This will give me a head start tomorrow and make the day that much easier.  While I was riding the final 15 I could not help but think about the ride in the pilot car and how I did not pedal those 2.5 miles.  I can just hear Shannon and Skip again “Winks should not have ridden with Kathleen, the ride is not legit.”  So I told Cheryl I have to go back and pedal those 2.5 miles once the construction is done.  She thinks I'm an idiot but Cheryl is the best teammate so we did and I am happy to say the continuous route is still intact!

Dayton is a very nice little town of about 2300 people that comes alive during the All Wheels Weekend.  I have a soft spot for 50s and 60s cars and boy is this the place to be for that.  All the owners drive there cars up and down main street revving the engines reliving the glory days.  The owners periodically park to stand by their works of art and talk to passersby.  I enjoy learning the history and the shear pride and enjoyment they show as they tell their unique stories.  One especially interesting man was Gary.  He was showing an original 32 Ford with the first production V8 engine that he has owned since he was a teenager.  He lives in Texas but grew up in Dayton and comes back every year to the All Wheels Weekend.  It’s evenings like this which remind me why I’m riding my bike across the country with a sore butt.  Taking the time to smell the roses throughout this great country. 

A great evening strolling up and down eating at the local pizza place (Chief Springs) watching the cars

go up and down main street.  We even took in some music from a local band in front of the Columbia County Courthouse.  

It's on to Lewiston tomorrow.  Forecast is for clear skies and hot (90 degrees).  I want to get there early enough to watch Game 7 of the Nets/Bucks!

Until then......