Left Wallace after a good cup of coffee and finding "The Center of the Universe". I guess it received that name after a mayoral proclamation. But there were two signs pointing to the center of the universe, and they weren't pointing to the same place so not sure which one is accurate. Ha!
We then rolled along various trails including a 25 mile climb all the way to Lookout Pass at 4,725 feet of elevation. The trail was at times steep but pretty doable. Or perhaps I'm just getting stronger. Lookout pass also marks the border with Montana and a timezone change. Just like that I was an hour late to lunch.
I then got a little lost on the way down. See I was greatly enjoying bombing down this really neat now largely disused paved road. I was looking at my computer and it seemed to be more or less following the route. It wasn't until I got to the bottom that I then realized that i had made a mistake. I was once again off route. Ugh...... So I needed to figure out what the heck I was going to do. I couldn't just stay there an do nothing. My options were to either A: climb back up again or B: try and find a way across the creek. I ended up going with option B. Ford the river and try not to die of dysentery. I mean it worked in the Oregon Trail game right? So I switched over to my shower shoes, hiked up my bike, and started my way across.
There were several variables that I didn't fully have the information to regarding my current situation.
How deep was this creek? Assumption: I don't know not that deep.
How stiff is the current? Assumption: Not too bad
How far is it across? Assumption: 6ish feet
What is the bottom like? Assumption: Looks like river rock.
What are the chances that I won't mess this up. Assumption: Assumption: wellll...... assumption is a work in progress
I slowly shuffled my way across. Taking great care to make sure I fully checked my balance at all times. If I fell. It was not going to be a good day. I've got several electronics on me and my wallet and such. If those went down. Ufda. I'm going to put that out of my mind. At its deepest. The creek was up to just below my knees so 2 ish feet or so. I concentrated and slowly very slowly made it across. Gosh I was THRILLEd to make it over. I did it! Was there anyone there to cheer me? No. But I did it! I then changed back into my regular shoes and headed for what I thought was the trail. Spoiler. It wasn't. I then had to chase this double track ATV trail of questionable quality back down the way and that eventually and THANKFULLY met back up with the trail. I said a few thanksgiving prayers at that point. Especially when traveling out west here, being lost was one of the things that I have been dreading most.
I then met back up with Art and Jeff who were like "where have you been". Well well have I got a story for you. Good thing I took a pic or I don't think they would have believed me.
We continued along the trial all the way to the town of St. Regis, MT. This included a 20 mile downhill section on some fantastic gravel. The gravel though was interspursed with some rocky trail that really shook me around. Bumpty bump bump is not what I want to be feeling after 50 miles on a bike. St Regis isn't a large town but it does have a pretty nice private campground. A hot shower was a good way to end the day.
'till next time
-Matt
Miles Ridden Today: 63.02
Total Miles Ridden: 704.71
Feet Climbed Today: 2,657
Total Feet Climbed: 29,890
Comments