July 3, 2025
Ovando - Holland Lake
The Stray Bullet made us a hearty omelet at 0700, and sent us on our way to Seeley Lake for lunch. The road surface was good, with a nice gentle climb and some great forest views. I saw a yellow and black snake crossing the road (horizontal stripes) but I didn't stop to chat.
Unfortunately, the turnoff to Seeley Lake was not sign posted, so I rode on past, following the route. By the time I realised I should have been seeing a lake, I was into the long climb to Richmond Pass.
The day got steadily hotter, the climb continued, and the views of the mountains across the valley were stunning. Much of this part of the ride was through burnt trees, and the road appeared to have been re-routed after the fire.
Eventually the road was closed off to vehicles (yay, no more ATVs) and I was riding single track where the old road was being allowed to revert.
A bit of HAB was required and the views were distracting.
After a short break at the top with the flies an bugs, it was off on the downhill.
A long downhill flattened out to level, but my legs would not work! I was lowest gear and barely able to peddle. I thought it was lack of food, but later Ray and Kurt agreed they'd had a similar struggle and figured it was too long standing on the peddles and the muscles cooling too much.
As I arrived the camp host was collecting the $20 fee and offering to give one of us 7 a lift to The Hungry Bear for beer and pizza. Who could turn that down?
While the pizza was cooking, one of our new friends - Jordan - lost his glasses in the lake. They were very strong prescription glasses without which he couldn't see enough to ride his bike. The team mustered resources (a SuP board, a set of goggles) and searched for more than an hour. It seemed a lost cause, until they were found, and Jordan was almost overwhelmed to have his GDMBR ride back on track! Celebratory beers were shared.
A day of epic scenery ended in the most idyllic camp site.
Today's ride: 96 km (60 miles)
Total: 3,889 km (2,415 miles)
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You are in a beautiful area - enjoy - you are almost to the finish!
3 weeks ago