Day 22: Monday, July 18, 2005 We rode 74.2 miles and climbed 3,871 feet
Leaving Hamilton there was a bike path but the shoulder on the highway was so good we stayed on that. The temps were cool but the sun was bright and the sky was clear. So far that is pretty much the norm in Montana.
These were the first 2 of about 10 TransAmerica riders Westbound on their way into Missoula. Their group has spent the night in Darby at the same campground as the Cycle Montana group-which is also sponsored by Adventure Cycles. I missed getting a photo of the rest of the group as we met them just as they came over a hill.
Another Westbounder we did not get to talk with
When we arrived in Darby we found Todd, Ann, and Keith Gerarden
So we finally got a photo of Todd on the bike when he and his brother Keith began the days ride to Jackson Lodge and Hot Springs
And someone took our photo there in Darby before we rode on
Leaving Darby
We saw our first wild turkeys
A zoomed in shot of Trapper Peak
We rode along the Bitterroot River much of the day
We were a little early but the kind owner served us lunch anyway and believe me we needed it for the climb that was ahead for the next several hours.
A mock Lewis and Clark campsight
There must have been a fire in this area - lots of new growth
Then we came to Sula – Just as we crossed the 1,000 mile mark of our ride
So we celebrated with a Gatorade and cookie!
and then began a 13 mile climb to Chief Joseph Pass 7241 ft
Just outside of Sula we met Rick and Sharon Frank from Yuba City California
They are finishing up a TransAm ride they started last year – had family emergency – and are finishing it this year. When they reach Florence, Oregon they will turn South and ride home. They have a website too
www.syix.com/becausewecan
looking back as we climb
Then we met Paul from Denmark and chatted a bit
As we climbed we began to see ski slopes
for hours and hours and hours as we climbed
and that last mile took hours more
till we finally reached the rest area – still we were one mile from the Chief Joseph Pass but the rest helped
on one of the longest miles we have ridden
But we made it and crossed the Continental Divide and 7241 ft
After we got below the pine tree lined windy road down this became the view for many miles
The sign was almost larger than the town of Wisdom
It is in a lovely setting though
We were so happy to find this restaurant in Wisdom – it was a gem and a bottle of wine and a couple of good steaks revived us!
It looks mid-day but it was after 8 p.m. Everything else in town was closed.
Today was our longest day in the saddle so far and climbing Chief Joseph was the hardest climb so far. But, we made it! Our motel for tonight provides little but a good clean place to shower and sleep so will look forward to wi-fi tomorrow night in Dillon.