The temperature today is predicted to be in the nineties again so I wanted to leave early even though it’s a short ride day. The route includes an eight mile steep hill that many have moaned about. I wanted to leave at seven, expected to leave by 7:30 but actually left at eight. 

The climb began about three and a half miles from camp. I made it to the summit in an hour and Forty-two minutes. A funny thing happens on long climbs; it seems I get into a rhythm and the climb gets easier. It always surprises me as I don’t have a lot of climbing experience and don’t consider myself climber. But I’d take climbing over wind any day. 

I ate a snack and drank at the top; I met a British  cycle tourer going east and as I started to descend , a man from Iowa who started in San Francisco. Both were following their own route. Then it was an easy descent all the way to Alder but I stopped in Virginia City where Peter and Henry caught up with me. We had some ice cream, then I continued the joyous downhill to the Ruby River RV Park. 

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Nancy HornikStunning picture!
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9 months ago

Julie O’NeillThis photograph is riveting.
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8 months ago

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 Peter was just about to grill a steak for dinner when a storm suddenly blew through. We rushed to take down the awning and fold the outside chairs. This was not in the weather prediction. The winds were incredibly forceful. We decided to go to the restaurant in town and had a nice meal at Chick’s Restaurant and Bar.  Now we’re relaxing, trying to figure out the best route home from Missoula.