Today was a fast and furious day in more ways than one. We were often on roads where the speed limit was 65 MPH. Although we had heard about how scary Idaho drivers can be for bicyclists, we all noticed how much room the big trucks and cars gave us. On most occasions the big trucks' left wheels were on the other side of the center line when they passed us. The carefulness was greatly appreciated. We suspect this might be related to a very expensive lawsuit that Max told us about a few days ago that an Oregon trucking company lost.
The second fast and furious part of our ride was the Little Salmon River which ran beside the road almost all day. For 10-15 miles we had fabulous views of the roaring river as we bicycled along class 3 and 4 (and occasional class 5) whitewater. The rafting companies must be euphoric as the rivers here are all overflowing their banks.
Shortly after we left Cambridge, we passed the 45th Parallel which is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. So of course we took pictures.
Our ride today was only 35 miles, most of it downhill, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. The mountains reminded Eric and Gloria of Switzerland. Eric even broke out singing a few lines from "The Sound of Music". Denise found a perfect rest stop along the Little Salmon River where we enjoyed our scenic lunch. The river was definitely my favorite scenery part of the trip so far. The 35 mile downhill was Gloria's favorite ride so far.
As we approached our hotel, the Riverview Motel in New Meadows (population 416), we noticed several interesting items. One was a store advertising they buy antlers. When I (Michael) looked in the windows, I saw all sorts of deer and elk antler designs such as lamps, chandeliers, etc. We also saw an advertisement for "Elk Tacos". Somehow we resisted the urge to buy the tacos.
We ate dinner at the Seven Devils Steakhouse where my steak was very good.
All the rooms in the Riverview Motel have beautiful river views. Gloria liked this quote on a motel sign:
Picture of math quote here
Today was a hot day - over 90. We are no longer in the mountains at 1801 feet high so it is a good thing we had an early day! Tomorrow we have a climb well over 2500 feet. That will be a long day!
The second fast and furious part of our ride was the Little Salmon River which ran beside the road almost all day. For 10-15 miles we had fabulous views of the roaring river as we bicycled along class 3 and 4 (and occasional class 5) whitewater. The rafting companies must be euphoric as the rivers here are all overflowing their banks.
Shortly after we left Cambridge, we passed the 45th Parallel which is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. So of course we took pictures.
Our ride today was only 35 miles, most of it downhill, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. The mountains reminded Eric and Gloria of Switzerland. Eric even broke out singing a few lines from "The Sound of Music". Denise found a perfect rest stop along the Little Salmon River where we enjoyed our scenic lunch. The river was definitely my favorite scenery part of the trip so far. The 35 mile downhill was Gloria's favorite ride so far.
As we approached our hotel, the Riverview Motel in New Meadows (population 416), we noticed several interesting items. One was a store advertising they buy antlers. When I (Michael) looked in the windows, I saw all sorts of deer and elk antler designs such as lamps, chandeliers, etc. We also saw an advertisement for "Elk Tacos". Somehow we resisted the urge to buy the tacos.
We ate dinner at the Seven Devils Steakhouse where my steak was very good.
All the rooms in the Riverview Motel have beautiful river views. Gloria liked this quote on a motel sign:
Picture of math quote here
Today was a hot day - over 90. We are no longer in the mountains at 1801 feet high so it is a good thing we had an early day! Tomorrow we have a climb well over 2500 feet. That will be a long day!
Stay safe and keep those blogs coming! Living the adventure in RVA through your words and pics!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chip! You are always welcome to join us for any part of the ride in Virginia (or anywhere). For example, we will be riding down Afton Mountain on August 20 and we will be leaving my house for near Charles City on August 23.
DeleteMichael
We did a 20 miles ride today...all flat, no bears, no rivers. Can't compare to your ride...anxious to hear how the 66 miler went. Bet you are looking forward to a well earned rest day in Missoula! Brent and Deb
ReplyDeleteThe 66 mile day was rough because it was raining almost the whole day. My shoulder was causing me pain, so I opted out for 40 miles of it. Rode in the RV with Denise and helped SAG. Michael & Eric were my heroes that day - they trudged right on through!
DeleteHmm. thought I had posted a comment and then it disappeared. Perhaps it will show up later.
ReplyDeleteHi Tom - this blog is sometimes mysterious. Doesn't help that we don't always have internet connection. Hopefully it re-appeared? I miss you folks!
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