Just Kill Me Now 😳

July 18, 2022

Some people call the section of the trip we rode today “The Dead Zone”. Well if that’s what being dead looks and feels like then kill me now (metaphorically) because I absolutely loved the route. The scenery was spectacular…some called it boring because it didn’t seem to change. But seriously, we rode next to a beautiful, flowing river surrounded by green mountains the whole time. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the temperature stayed mostly in the mid to high 60’s. And the route was an average grade of maybe 2-3%. (As a point of reference, it’s called a dead zone because there are no services available for the whole stretch).

Got some great pictures of the river, the mountains, and the sky. Sorry no barn because the terrain was not accommodating to fields and/or barns. I’ll keep looking.

We saw a bunch of fly fishermen and met a river rafting guide (Pelle). He offered us some PB&J and watermelon. Just another example of the friendly and generous people we’ve met along the way.

Sign of the day was the welcome to the Luscha Lodge sign. The sign meant we could get a cold drink (of course soda water for me) and a meal!

We reconnected with Keith Adams (riding west to east) at the campsite and he introduced us to Mary Ann from Minneapolis (riding from Seaside,OR back to Minneapolis) and then we met Kevin (riding from St. Augustine, FL to somewhere around Seaside, OR). Lots of riders out there…small groups and solos. Saw one large group, but they were a fully supported group. Everyone else we’ve met is riding self-supported.

No showers tonight as they wanted $10 per shower 😳. I asked Mary Ann if she wanted to share a shower to help cut down the cost, but she had already showered (only kidding Michele).

A really cool thing we saw a number of times was “pack bridges”. Took some photos. They are pedestrian bridges over the river to provide safe access across the river for all those who wander.

Idaho tortured us on the way in but will send us out with a 30-40 mile downhill. BUT not until after another 13 mile climb of about 2,300 feet.

That’s it for tonight!

PS. Sorry for this being a day late but had no internet connectivity last night.

Lochsa River on the way to the lodge. Early in the day and check out that sky.

Lochsa River in Idaho on the way to the lodge.

This is Pelle the rafting guide who offered us PB&J and watermelon.

Here’s one of those pack-in bridges put in place for “those who wander”.

The sign of the day signaling cold drinks and lunch after 65 miles of riding.

The view from the back porch of the Lochsa Lodge.

Does anybody know what this is? Does anyone remember using one?

Today's ride: 65 miles (105 km)
Total: 3,615 miles (5,818 km)

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Betta SwansonGorgeous!!
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1 year ago