We have been hearing about Lookout Pass since entering Montana, and today the mountain’s intimidation loomed over me like the fog at Devils Tower (photo for reference).
Although we are not camping pros by any means, having only slept in our tents eight times, we both felt well rested this morning. We hit up Durango’s again for our pre-ride meal given it was the first thing we saw after crawling out of our tents. Our host and waitress-friend’s mom, Cammie, kindly paid for our meal and posted us on her Facebook page! After packing up through the drizzle of Cammie’s sprinklers, we confidently departed from Superior having checked every river and creek crossing to assure that we would always have a shoulder (Thanks Charlie).
Not pictured on Charlie’s Google Maps check, a ten mile road closure around St. Regis. Although I was hesitant to continue, Charlie did not see a problem with us ignoring the road closure signs and biking with the highway to ourselves. We took on the open road for two miles before reaching the road repair. The construction workers were flummoxed to see two random cyclists casually riding by, but we were not stopped until we reached Jason, the project superintendent. Rather than let us bike through the dangerous site, he offered to drive us through in his pickup. How could we refuse? Jason bequeathed some road, concrete, construction, and Idaho lessons unto us during our brief drive. He let us loose with the most endearing line we have heard, “You guys are crazy.”
Along the interstate, pine trees blanket the mountains in the richest green I have ever seen. At times, I felt the urge to hop off my bike and get lost in the beauty and infinite depth of the forest. If only the trucks and cars could disappear. With nature’s distraction attempting to damper my nerves, I steadily rode towards Lookout Pass.
My mind was very blank today, so I came to an important realization thirty miles in. Due to the high speed limit and countless 18-wheelers of the interstate, there was little chance that the climb could be as curvy or steep as that of Flesher Pass a few days ago. That assumption was correct! The climb may have been long, the temperature dropped ten degrees, and cars still whizzed by, however, our legs easily churned the entire way.
Once we made it to the top, we overlooked an awesome view of the Pacific time zone sign, the Welcome to Idaho sign, and massive trees. We took some photos and met Project West, six college guys road tripping through the West. They were full of energy and positivity, exactly what we needed after the long climb.
It was all downhill from Lookout Pass. Without touching my brakes I flew down a six percent grade for 4 miles while Charlie trailed behind. Although still tapping his brakes slightly, Charlie has overcome the downhill cobbywobbles he had at the beginning of the trip. I am proud of him - though he’s still not as much of a daredevil as I am🤗
Then we reached the smoothest ride of our entire journey. The Coeur d’Alene Trail, running from Mullan, ID to Plummer, ID, is a pine tree lined, river paralleled, paved trail. Lucky for us, the trail headed downhill for the entirety of our ride this afternoon. For the first time in forever, we were able to ride next to one another and chat, reminding me of our time on the GAP Trail (feels like yesterday). We also practiced our no hands biking! Against my parents’ wishes, I’ve been practicing whenever we are on a car-less path; I’ve really improved!!! We love this 75 mile path so much that we have no interest in ever riding I-90 again.
We reached Kellogg and found a motel room for the night. After grabbing food from a burger joint and Mexican restaurant, we watched some basketball and ate in the comfort of our room.
Our plan for the next week is very much up in the air. We are unsure of the best way to get through Washington by bike. If anyone has any recommendations, we would love to hear em!
Last but certainly not least, we have raised $18,418 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness thus far! Thank you to those who have donated and all of you who read our daily blogs. Please help us reach our goal of $25,000!!!
-Maddie
Total miles: 2962.9
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