Tonight we are in the town of Kamiah, (pronounced Kam e i). We are staying at the Lewis and Clark Resort. It is a campground with log cabin rentals and a small two story motel where we are located. We had pizza tonight because it was such a long day with the last two people arriving just before dinner at 6:15 PM. My roommate tonight is Nancy who lives not too far from here. She lives with her family on a cattle ranch where her husband, daughter, and son-in-law, all animal vets, have a business testing pharmaceuticals for cattle.
OK, now for the day. We climbed 5330' today! From the start out of the Comfort Inn at 6:30 AM we began a steady 1-2% climb. We first rode on a bike trail that followed the Snake River. We passed through Hells Gate State Park onto some nice country roads.
The first twenty miles were exhausting because they were chip seal roads and we were now climbing 2-3%. Finally we hit some smooth road and had a one mile descent that brought us to our first sag stop. We refilled our water and ate chips, fruit, or cookies, Cliff Bars, etc - and headed out again. We entered the Winchester Grade Road with virtually no traffic, switchbacks, and breathtaking views for a ten mile climb. The climb went between 4-8% grade. I have to say as I was nearing the top, I finally dropped out of my middle chain ring down to granny gear! At the top we were on a very rough road into the town of Winchester. We stopped for food at the local watering hole. People in Idaho apparently smoke in and out of buildings. This place smelled like smoke but the people were very friendly and I did have my grilled cheese and tomato sandwich and onion rings!
The first twenty miles were exhausting because they were chip seal roads and we were now climbing 2-3%. Finally we hit some smooth road and had a one mile descent that brought us to our first sag stop. We refilled our water and ate chips, fruit, or cookies, Cliff Bars, etc - and headed out again. We entered the Winchester Grade Road with virtually no traffic, switchbacks, and breathtaking views for a ten mile climb. The climb went between 4-8% grade. I have to say as I was nearing the top, I finally dropped out of my middle chain ring down to granny gear! At the top we were on a very rough road into the town of Winchester. We stopped for food at the local watering hole. People in Idaho apparently smoke in and out of buildings. This place smelled like smoke but the people were very friendly and I did have my grilled cheese and tomato sandwich and onion rings!
Revived, we had a nice downhill and then onto HWY 95, a busy road with shoulders with rumble strips and gravel. Yep, just when you were enjoying yourself, another major highway! We were on it for twenty long miles. Once we got off of it, we were back on country roads with very little traffic an
d wonderful views.
d wonderful views.
After that climb, you're ready to ride the Highlander! The scenery is beautiful, I'm glad you get to share this with us every day. Have fun! Stay hydrated! Drink those "recovery drink" milkshakes!
ReplyDeletelove, Ken
Hi, Kathie! I finally caught up on all your entries, so I'm ready for a nap. Holy cow. You're doing great. Godspeed. Susan Price
ReplyDeletehi sweetie,
ReplyDeletei finally got on your blog- been having trouble with our main computer.So now I'm on the laptop. Just caught up with where you are. It soounds fantastic!What a once in a lifetime opportunity!Stay strong and well! LOve you! Lizzy
Hi Kathie, I must say, you have the best suntan and the best quads of all three of you ladies on the picture. Real bikers legs too! So, it's only a matter of short time before you will stay in your mid-chain ring all the way thru, 8% grade or not. I will have tough time keeping up with you when I start riding again, I can see that. The last picture is especially nice, captures the essence of the place...
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