Biking with Bill

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B TO B CENTURY


We were up, had eaten a full breakfast, loaded luggage, pumped up our tires, and were on the road by 6:15 am this morning. We had the Burley to Blackfoot, ID “century plus 10 mile” ride ahead of us. We all knew that EVERY 110 mile day is tough!

There was more bucolic scenery as we looked over the potato fields toward the mountains–some with a little snow on them–in the distant background. We had some quiet country roads to ride, although the road surface was a little rough most of the morning. We think the tar and gravel roads robbed us of some speed on today’s 110 mile route.. The sun was rising on what turned out to be a beautiful Saturday . At one stretch we were on the loneliest rural road possible. Tim (ME) wondered why they had even BUILT a road there. We could see for miles in all directions ; just sagebrush, grassland and occasionally some cattle grazing We spread out and were able to ride and talk.

There were another 6 or 7 cattle guards to cross in this open-range area. I am getting better at crossing them without losing any teeth, but they do give me a jolt (especially at the bottom of a hill).

At the SAG today there was conversation about the current World Cup matches. The UK guys were excited, the French family was anxious, but the German couple was celebrating yesterday’s victory. Anja wore (removable) tattoos of the German flag on her cheek last night at dinner. Of course, we have also been talking about the Tour de France and the sad situation with the allegations of drugging in the sport. Sad.

We were never far from the Snake River or the interstate highway–we saw both from time to time. We stopped at Register Rock Park at the 45 mile mark. On the large boulder there the early pioneers in the 1860's carved their names or initials on the way to Portland, OR. Early graffiti!

The town of American Falls had a dam and reservoir for recreational boating and fishing. We then passed through the most desolate, quiet to the point of UNOCCUPIED, towns of Aberdeen (where we had ice cream), Springfield and Rockford. It was along stretch into Blackfoot. We were just hammering out the miles. The last 20 miles are the toughest.

As we entered our host city of Blackfoot biking on Rt 26, we were chased by horses running beside us inside a fenced area. Keeping our pace they trotted right up to the fence corner.

We welcomed Dale (AZ) to the ride group tonight at dinner. He is a fellow Cross Country Challenge rider and a member of our Team Rails to Trails. I presented him with his RTC jersey at route rap.

Dinner took place on the lawn outside the hotel where a caterer had set up a barbeque chicken and lasagna dinner...picnic style. Fun!

We are pleased to have a short day tomorrow—we all have tired legs and sore butts from today’s century plus. We were on the road 8 hours today–7 hours on the bike.

Enjoying the group and the cycling,

Bill

TEAM DAY

Today was "Team Rails to Trails Conservancy Day", as not only did we wear the team colors, but also we worked together as a team in the ABB sanctioned SCAVENGER HUNT.

The short ride from Twin Falls to Burley, ID is only 38 miles on flat terrain. It is one of the two shortest mileage days of our tour. Therefore, we departed much later this morning (8:00 am) and had plenty of time for a side trip to Shoshone Falls State Park. Were we ever glad we did!

The Falls are a spectacular sight as they cascade and fall to the massive Snake River Canyon below. We biked to the overlook down in the canyon where we all took a number of pictures of this awesome work of nature. The most difficult part of today's ride was biking back up and out of the canyon. Shoshone Falls is certainly one for the memory book.

The next stop was at Hanson Bridge, a suspension bridge over the Snake River Gorge--as deep and narrow a gorge as I have ever seen. Great sightseeing on a clear, warm day in South Central Idaho.

I could not leave Idaho without sharing with you a photo of a potato field. We have seen more than enough of them, including all day today.

After leaving the SAG, we watched a small yellow crop dusting plane on a maneuver low over the fields. Piloting a crop duster gives the appearance of being an exciting job--for awhile anyway.

The gorges, falls, and canyons along the Snake River are clearly world class in beauty and scenic impact, well beyond what I expected.

After lunch at Morey's steakhouse overlooking the Snake River in Burley, I asked a native what Burley is famous for. He thought a moment and then said "Well, it used to be known for prostitution". The town of 9800 NOW appears to have improved considerably.

The goal of the ABB scavenger Hunt was to find and present "creatively" as many of the 14 items on the list a possible. (Example: a popsicle stick, an unusual item found in the road, a church key, etc.) I think Team RTC has a good chance to win this contest. "News at 6:00"--when we receive the results.
Hoping for victory,

Bill

SNAKE RIVER GORGE

After a bountiful buffet breakfast at AJ's Country Kitchen Restaurant we were on the bikes and on the road at 6:30 am. The sun was coming up and a little rain was falling when a small group of us missed a turn early on in the ride. Fortunately, we didn't go too far out of the way--only a few miles. It was enough to turn this a scheduled 97 mile bike ride into a 100 mile "century" ride.

We were headed for Twin Falls, ID, where a famous event occurred in 1974.

The overcast skies were welcome, and did in fact keep the temperaures mild all day. It was a relief that the scattered showers in the area missed the ABB cyclists.

The landscape during the early miles was the sagebrush and parched grasses we have seen for days. It turned to irrigated farmland and the green fields brought about by imported water. We have seen so many ingenious and diverse systems of irrigation, from diversion canals to a multitude of sprinklers types.

Past the town of Hammet we turned onto business 84, which parallels the Interstate and runs along the Snake River. We were pelted by little black gnats as we rode. Not a pleasant experience.

The town of Glenns Ferry at the 30 mile mark was the location of the first SAG. We then rode through the towns of King Hill and Bliss (we all liked that name) in a stretch covering 20 miles. I don't think I saw but one pickup truck. These were country roads with solitude.

A big canyon opens up in Bliss with the Snake River running through it. We passed a sign that said "bikers welcome" at the Outlaws and Angels Bar and Grill. I don't think they meant our kind. Do you?

The second SAG at the 60 mile mark was in the City Park in the town of Hagerman. We observed large scale cattle farms for 15-20 miles past Hagerman. These were milking cows caught in the grip of modern milk production farming.

Just outside of Twin Falls at the scenic overlooks we had great photo ops of the Snake River Gorge. We stoppped at the site where Evil Kneivil attempted his famous rocketed motorcycle jump over the awesome 1 mile canyon. Of course he failed, but the town has marketed well not only the beautiful gorge , but also Evil's famous event which occured here in 1974. We crossed over "the tallest bridge in the world", but missed the opportunity to see the "base jumpers". They jump off the bridge with parachutes. Tomorrow we visit the scenic waterfalls at Twin Falls.

I think we all had a good day today. Several groups , including ours, moved right along today. We were "home" rather early and feel good after 100 miles of Southern Idaho road cycling.

Several members of TEAM RTC celebrated another great biking century with a Fosters at Outback.

Bill

DESTINATION MILES

As we weaved out of Boise we could see the small mountains/big hills outside this State Capitol City. We have been told by the locals - at the bike shops and in town- that these hills are covered with more than 50 miles of super mountain biking trails.

It was 7:30 am on a cloudy morning. The Rest Day was over....we were back at "WORK"; biking 50 miles to Mountain Home, Idaho. Like all work days, some are easier, less strenuous than others. This was one of those less taxing days; relatively low mileage and essentially flat terrain. However, they do average out. Tomorrow is a 97 mile day in HEAT--according to forcasts.

For 6 or 7 miles we rode on a pedestrian only bicycle path that is part of the great pathway system in Boise. It took us out of town. We then passed a huge complex for Micron Technology, a maker of PC's and chips on the outskirts of the city.

At mile marker 13 we got on I-84 and rode it to mile 44, the exit for our host city Mountain Home, ID. I was initially impressed with the condition of the bike path on the highway, but true to form for all interstate highways it had its share of debris: shattered truck tires, glass etc. Two or more bikers stopped to help fix a flat tire was a common sight, as flats are a continual problem on the big highways. We counted 12 flat tires at route rap this evening.

The view all day was simply brown, parched rolling hills on both sides of the road. It was not farmland, not built-up, and not particularily pretty...just open sagebrush Idaho land.

The trucks rolled by at 80 mph--too close and too loud for comfort. Joyce (MA) called this a "destination day", that is a day memorable only for getting to the designated destination, not for the scenery or challenge. These are not among the "great miles" we have cycled in Oregon and appreciated so much. These are "destination miles" necessary to get to the finish line.

W e arrived at Mountain Home before noon, ate lunch near the motel, and w-a-i-t-e-d for our rooms to be ready. Many cooled off in thepool and enjoyed snacks provided by the Best Western.

Bill

1. REST DAY

It is apparent that all 56 cyclists are enjoying the rest day in this great City of Boise, Idaho. Small groups have been spotted in many of the downtown bike shops, outdoor cafes, and ice cream parlors. The 100 degree heat is not a concern today; a non-biking day.


This afternoon and evening groups are attending a local Basque festival, A Shakespeare play in the open air, a minor league baseball game, or have reservations at several nearby restaurants.

Enjoying the day with friends,
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

FEELING THE HEAT

Our Sunday ride to Ontario was 83 miles southeast on a clear, hot day in Eastern Oregon. We did not have any serious climbs, or terrific scenery today. We did experience HEAT and the toll it takes on a long distance cyclist.

Today we left the Wallowa Mountains in the rear view mirror, we changed our watches to Mountain time, and we biked to within sight of the Idaho border. We saw plenty of cattle ranches, farmland, dry sagebrush, and some rough road. We biked on Old Oregon 30, a quiet country road that gave us some real good downhills, and the opportunity to spread out and talk.

At the 30 mile mark next to a hugh cement plant, we entered I-84, our debut appearance on an interstate highway. We had a wide bike lane that was surprisingly NOT cluttered with debris, and a ride that was mostly downhill. There were barren hills on both sides of the road. This was not the Oregon that we had come to love over the past week. One thing I was happy about in leaving the open range area, however, is the dissappearance of CATTLE GUARDS--those rolling bars in the road to keep cattle restricted. They can jar you silly!

It was 87 degrees at 10:30 am. It would get worse.

We had some "fly zones" where we could really let it rip on the route today. At the 50 mile mark we were descending fast toward a lake down below. It was a long downhill, so I thought I'd go for it. I got to 40 mph which is as fast as I have ever gone on a bike. I was in a tuck position at this point, when I zipped past a sign that said "Farewell Bend". I thought that might be an omen and I didn't want to say "fare-well" on this trip, so I slowed down and stopped to have a photo taken at and old stagecoach at the lake.

There are a lot of strong riders in this group, particularly the Europeans, in fact all the Europeans. It is a good collection of experienced cyclists.

The SAG stop at mile 56 was located on the bank of the Snake River. We watched fishermen out in their boats presumeably trying to catch the famous steelhead.

The "run into the barn"--the last 25 miles--was much more difficult than I expected. Most everone agreed with me later on. It was very HOT! We were at the end of several hard days of cycling, so it was a tough pull into Ontario. We had one rider briefly hospitalizied at the end of the day with heat exhaustion/dehydration, but he is back with us now. It was 101 degrees as we arrived at the hotel; we were hot, tired, and thirsty.

Tomorrow we finish in Boise, ID--and have a REST DAY there.

Bill

1. 

Four former Cross Country Challenge mates and I left this morning at 6:15 am heacded 81 miles up the road to Baker City, OR. We rode into the rising sun on a quiet Saturday morning. In our path today were 3 major peaks to climb and an elevation gain of 5800 feet.

I felt surprisingly good this morning after yesterday’s “monster” ride. I guess a good night’s sleep does miracles.

Ilkka (MA) , who was born in Finland, joined us after awhile. I noticed a button on his bike bag with the initials: SISU. I asked what it meant, and he said, “It is Finnish for TOUGHNESS AND DETERMINATION”. He explained that it was the slogan of the Finns when in 1939 the Russians invaded Finland, and the small Finnish army held off the mighty Russia for a period of time. It fits Ilkka’s attitude and riding style perfectly.

It was just us and the birds and the grazing cattle on this peaceful weekend morning. The temperature was in the low 40's under clear blue skies...not a cloud. We rode on route 26 East again; accurately named Oregon’s Scenic Byway.

At Prairie City (after a photo of the gang on a covered wagon), we began to climb to the summit of Dixie Mountain at 5277 feet. After a fast, but chilly, descent we then climbed to the summit of Tifton Mountain, and finally to Snall summit.

We rode up and down for a period, and then a steep downhill into the town of Sumpter, often facing a new ridge of TALL snow capped mountains in the distance. This Oregon is unbelievable! We followed the Powder River for 20 miles while pace -lining our way into Baker City.

You “gotta” love a ride with these intoxicating descents and continuous awesome scenery....even if you have to climb for hours to enjoy them!

As an unexpected bonus, we were able to watch part of an exciting World Cup match at the sport’s bar in town where we had lunch (with water). AND THEN... a sanctioned cycling race -a crit- was being held in Baker City. We saw some of the racers warming up for the race through the closed-off city streets, and I talked to several of the young riders about the race in the hotel this evening. A billboard sign at the hotel welcomed the racers and ABB cyclists.

Feelin’ good and happy with my bike that is rolling along smoothly,

Bill