From Moscow to Orofino

With Doug and my host Mike

Doug was a Warrant Officer in the Army, served as a helicopter pilot. Mike, on the right, was a Corpsman in Vietnam with 2d Battalion, 1st Marines.

The view from Mike's Neighborhood

Honestly, I think I would have preferred a sea-level view--had to climb back up the ridge at mile 70.

Along the Clearwater River

RV Parks - Weigh Stations of Excess

All that is depicted... (2) huge trucks, (2) campers, (4) ATVs...with chrome wheels, and much that is not depicted... (3) motor scooters, (5) bicycles, (9) of the most luxurious lawn chairs I've ever seen, and a half chord of wood was for...drum roll...two adults and three small children.

I was really curious (and disturbed) by this display so in conversation with them I casually asked, "So...how long you guys staying for?" And they responded, "Oh, just the weekend. We live about an hour away." Now THAT is camping!

Another stop along the river

The B-17 Stealth Bicycle

A name coined by my fellow rider Mike, in part, for the "B.17" Brooks Saddle I have, and also for the generally dark color scheme I chose. It was not meant to be a compliment.

The Last Leg

3 Miles to the top of the pass

Almost There!

One mile to go!

Lolo Pass

The Second Beast Beneath Me.

Paul

Paul, an older gentleman from England, did not view the pass as so beastly. He has cycled all around the world. He zipped right along.

Another Paul and Mike

This Paul came all the way from Virginia. He told us about the crazy dogs in Kentucky which are famous for their hostility toward cyclists. He said one of them actually got hold of his pannier! 

Top of Lolo

Jim & Paula

The retired couple was taking their very sleek tandem across the country.

with Mike & Jocelyn

Mike and Jocelyn are school teachers in Portland, OR. He teaches physical education at the grammar school; she teaches English at the High School. We rode together for a few days and stayed in Missoula at the same house.

Rocky Mountain Time

Whoa...that's kind of a big looking state.

Montana

Monatana introduced some really interesting rock formations.

On the road to Missoula

This was all part of the Lewis & Clark Trail

Cattle Country

This ain't no dairy.