Day 9 Kamiah to Lolo Springs MT

Entering the Great State of Montana

“OK hang a left at the hotel parking lot, climb 106 miles, then coast about 9 and look for the hotel on the left. Oh and the last 6 miles of the climb are the steepest. But really its a gorgeous ride”. With instructions like these is it any wonder that we were more than happy to let guide Megan lead us up the Lochsa River Valley through the Bitterroot range to our entry into the great state of Montana. Although Megan rode yesterday lead guide Blake “let her” take an extra turn up the all day climb. Shrewd Head Guide. Despite our collective apprehension though our sweeper group quickly settled into a good state of mind and a good manageable pace as well. The grade was only one to three percent and fell into the “false flat” category. That is where your senses tell you that the road is flat but one is actually climbing. Before the first rest stop at about mile 20 we had already caught a rider so we had to wave good bye to Megan and carried on. Pat, Paul and I were taking long pulls, enjoying the river, the pine forest and cool morning air. This is why we love riding. All sensory input is pleasant, well except for the occasional logging truck.

However in general traffic was light, the weather was excellent and the whiffs of cool air off the mountain river were welcome.The miles flew by but nevertheless had their effect as did the slowly increasing heat. One of the riders made a very good simile. We were like slowly boiling frogs who never notice when they are slowly stewed. The heat increases slowly and one doesn’t notice but soon enough, like the frog, one is cooked! Also at lunch the guides announced that an extra water stop was being added. Oh Oh. By now we know that the length to the next rest stop van is a a rough measure of the difficulties to come. 20 miles is about average. 15 miles means effort ahead.Single digits means much pain ahead. There was hope as the next two stops were each 13 miles apart and then “the hill crux” at mile 102 to 108. “Only” averaging 6 percent it came after already riding uphill all day.

When our intrepid threesome arrived at mile 102, for whatever reason it became racing season. The group was apparently looking ahead to the short ride tomorrow with a rest day to follow and was willing to let it all hang out! First Paul just rode me off his wheel. After complaining about his hamstring all day, I figured he would take it easy but goodbye to me. Shortly after that we swatted down the pesky duo of Mark and Dan, our sultans of humor. Then with about 3 miles to go Jennings flew by me, apparently having gained a second wind or maybe just biding her time? She showed her Olympic courage (She is an actual Olympic medalist after all) and strength. I managed to just barely hang on to her wheel (well I could at least still see her wheel) until we saw the welcome sight of the summit and Guide Brent. After a nice break and a photo session it was a downhill coast to the hotel. Or was it. Mark took a very fast lead until Jennings flew by the both of us followed by Paul who gapped everybody. With only a mile to go my thoughts were turning to chocolate milk and perhaps a cold beer when Jennings partner Silk grinded by us. What the heck! We jumped on his wheel and caught Paul after the first entrance but before the second entrance leaving the identity of the winner appropriately nebulous. With the road strength of this group, God help me come week 4!