Waking up to a very cold morning in Kooskia City Park. Had an easy out after chowing a banana and got going by 6:30. Jeremy and I got to 30 miles by around 9:00 and had a good breakfast – peanut butter and Nutella on a tortilla. First 30 miles were easy riding by the river, then the slow climb began. Today didn’t have the most ascent per day, but there were limited downhills, so it was just a straight climb up towards Lolo pass. (Kooskia: 1290 ft. to Lolo Pass: 5233 ft.)
The plan was to get as close to the final (vert steep) 12-mile push at the top of the pass. Slow and steady, we grinded our way up the pass. There was roadwork all along, and each worker we passed promised a shuttle to transport us through the construction, and that would be a nice boost! We met another biker traveling with his dog in a trailer on his way to Astoria. He told us “The Lodge” was a good target, which was situated right at the base of where the steep part would begin. We finally gave up on the shuttle and got a by on a lunch of bananas, Peanut butter, Nutella and tortillas. Then just up the road we were stopped at the final construction zone for about 20 minutes, and a shuttle was ON THE WAY! Turns out it would just be a personal escort car to lead us through the last section of roadwork. Ugh! Still the wait gave us energy, and we were determined to make it to the Lodge. However, as the miles ticked by and the elevation kept increasing, “The Lodge” was nowhere in sight.
Finally, we saw it! We got to “The Lodge” with promises of WIFI and camping, but for that, there was a hefty price. We decided to move on as it was still early in the afternoon. Just up the road, we went down a side road and found a perfect campsite. Lots of mosquitos so we set up quickly and jumped in our tents as fast as we could. We boiled some water for a complete ready made meal, and got organized for bed. For dessert, I made myself a re-fried bean burrito in my tent before bed. Mmmm. (I could hear thunder in the distance!)
We also hit our 3500 ft today! Sorry Mom, no service all day and we even tried to sneak WIFI at “The Lodge,” but it just wasn’t working. I wish I could have called in. View Photos –>
Distance: 90.6 (669.47 total miles)
Time: 7:27:24
Ascent: 2907
Descent: 571
Max! It seems your journey is as amazing as hoped. Positivity, perseverance, and grit will take you far! Enjoy this experience of a lifetime!!
Bryce just left for 3.5 weeks of camp. He is embracing your sense of adventure! – Andy!
Love reading about your adventures. We all talked about riding a bike across the country, but you’re actually doing it. Congrats. Enjoying your adventures. Remember, when things go wrong, the sooner you accept it’s going to cost a tremendous amount of money, the problem isn’t as bad. Good luck on the road ahead, and if you’re travels take you to Ecuador someday, look me up. We’ve never met, hard to believe, but ask your Dad about the adventures of Arg and Marty, the paper route, Crusty the dog, and the Blunder Man movie 🙂
Haha! Thanks Chase, I’ll have to ask about the stories!
So glad you’ve got a riding buddy. Hope for your folks sake you’re back in cell zone soon! Also hoping the first big climb was smooth. Let the adventure continue 🙂
Back with service! It’s been so great having someone to ride with!
Looking forward to the downhills. Keep up the good work!
I’ll enjoy the downhills after Colorado! Right now every downhill just means more elevation to climb tomorrow. Thanks Curt!
Hope the climb is going well!! I just looked at all the pictures! So cool to see some of the sites you are experiencing. ♥️
Thank you Kristen! ❤️
A day without talking to you tested my nerves, but I’m putting my faith in all the good people you’ve met so far. Kindness is everywhere! Power on Max!❤️
❤️
Little ring to big ring… you got this, Max!