There is something about getting older. I can still ride well but I'm not willing to suffer too much. Today, Saturday, I rode 71 miles and crossed a pass but the last 40 miles were ridden directly into a 15-25 mph headwind. I was peddling as hard as I could and only going about 7'mph. Plus, it was in the 90's. As soon as I got to Omak, I found a roadway inn with air conditioning and a washer and dryer so I could clean my stinky riding togs. Now I'm relaxing and planning tomorrows ride. It's all good I have covered over 400 beautiful miles and am still on schedule. Looking forward to a good night's sleep.

Still Friday July 20, the skies cleared and I decided to ride anyway to Republic. I climbed Sherman Pass, the highest in washington. The climb took three hours to cover 22 miles. On my descent, I was topping 40 mph and the wind Picked up, buffeting me all over the road. Then I spotted a huge storm coming so I decided tO try to outrun it. Trees were falling left and right and I barely beat it to the bottom. The entire town of Republic and most of the county is still without power. This was the scariest ride of my life.

Rain delay

This should have been day six of riding, but rain and, more importantly, lightning, have delayed my departure from Colville. I have to wait it out and ride longer and harder tomorrow. I'll try to make up the delay in two days riding.

Day five of my trip. Woke up to a foggy morning. Started riding about 6 a.m. I faced a monster climb at about 35 miles. The climb took about two hours (maybe more, I was delirious from the heat.) Naturally, at the top I was ready for a great downhill. Unfortunately, the headwind of about 15 mph made me actually pedal hard just to get down the hill. When I arrived in Colville, Washington at about 2, the temperature was already 98 running to a hundred. The thought of camping in an area without a lot of trees and water, I decided to utilize the mantra of our generation- travel light and carry plastic. I got a clean, cool, motel room with a jacuzzi for 60 bucks. I have a great climb tomorrow and will be camping at about 4k feet. Should be much cooler there. I'm just sorry that I'm missing my anniversary with my beautiful wife. Really just 39 years and 11 months. I remember them all. Hopefully, I'll figure out why my iPad won't load pics. Then I'll put up a bunch.

Day four: it's hot today but I covered 70 miles. Ill be camping in Cusick, Washington tonite. I was adopted last night by two teachers, Jim and Lisa and their kids. They shared their campsite, beer, and terrific moose burgers. They were the highlight of Idaho, surely not the drivers.

Big time rain on the first day riding out of Whitefish! Oh well, such is the adventure. Tip: always prepare for rain even (or especially) when not forecast.

Chicago

Im finally on my way! I have a five hour layover in Chicago so I'm hanging out at millennium park. Beautiful park beautiful day!

This is day two of the bike ride.  If anything changes, I'll be sure to blog it.  It looks like a great ride along a beautiful lake and river.  Look for pics as I take them.