Biking with Bill

WELCOME TO IDAHO !

(NOTE: see photos added to Day 6 and 7)

Early this morning, about 2 blocks East of our hotel, we saw the sign "Welcome to Idaho "- as we biked across the Snake River bridge on our way to Boise.

It was only 62 miles to Boise and our first Rest Day....and we were all ready! Ready for some R and R!

As we stopped at a traffic light in Fruitland, ID, I noticed the license plates that read "Idaho Famous Potatos". We observed many of the farms on which they are grown as we biked through mile after mile of irragated farmland. The rolling hills here reminded some of us of our endless days in Missouri, cycling "the land of 1000 hills".

We stopped for a photo at the fence of a buffalo ranch and talked about the healthful benefits of buffalo burgers, which we have seen on many menus in the area.

At the SAG at the 32 mile mark we were joined by Diana, who had completed this ride a few years ago. she had brought a stack of cookies for us. SOOOOO, today, I went off my health kick (temporarily) and had a couple of chocolate chips. I was not alone.

After the SAG the traffic picked up as we reached the town of Middleton. We noticed many roadside fireworks stands gearing up for July 4th. The bike lane was now on a busy road--we were riding single file and cautious of the passing cars and trucks.

It was an enjoyable ride through the pleasant suburb of Eagle. We passed a golf course and rode through the streets of the upscale neighborhoods of Boise.

Many of us stopped (on ABB's recommendation) in Hyde Park, a quaint section of Boise with outdoor cafes and shops, where we had lunch. With all of us wearing our ABB jerseys, we are a target for inquiring minds. "You are riding WHERE?", "How many miles do you ride each day?" , "Why?" etc . They all wish us well and say "Be safe".

With as large a group of cyclists as we have, I am still getting acquainted with some of the riders. It is a congenial group, who all seem to be enjoying the adventure. Perhaps no one more than Kent (VA), who attempted the 2005 AA-N ride, but met misfortune on Day 1 in Astoria, OR. In a fall he broke his collarbone and was unable to continue. He is back this year and said: "With every crank down the road, I am a happy man". My sentiments ....exactly.

The ABB gang is staying at a Courtyard by Marriott near the Boise State campus. We have already discovered the Bighorn Brewing Company's Sports Bar a few blocks away. Tomorrow we clean our bikes, do laundry, pick up needed items at the bike shop ......and REST!

Bill