Across the US on a Trek

Seeing small town America from the bicycle seat ___________________________

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Day 18 – Missoula, Montana to Hamilton, Montana

Leaving the Big City Behind

I got some much needed rest in Missoula but left wishing I had seen some more of the city.  I stayed at the Econo Lodge and it felt like pure luxury.  When I walked in from being out on Saturday there was a young, heavyset guy behind the counter with short red hair standing straight up and a very long, bushy beard.  He looked like he was ready to run away to join the Amish. When he saw me come in he exclaimed “He’s got the look!” I wasn’t sure what kind of greeting that was. [Read more…]

Days 16 and 17 – Powell, Idaho to Missoula, Montana; rest day

Moving into Montana

I woke up just before 4:30 on Friday and by the time I got the tent down and everything in order it was 5:45 when I was on the road. I wanted to leave early partly because once you cross the border you’re in mountain time and lose an hour.  Also, the headquarters of Adventure Cycling is in Missoula and I wanted to visit them before they closed for the weekend. [Read more…]

Day 15 – Lowell, Idaho to Powell, Idaho

66 Miles with Nothing in Between

Thursday began week three of the trip, which seems hard to believe. I was in Lowell, where they have a sign in town listing the population as 24, but with that number crossed out and 23 written next to it. While this was done as a joke, it might have some truth to it as the word is that the woman who operated the only store in town rather suddenly ran off with a man, leaving the store to be closed down. [Read more…]

Day 13 – Riggins, Idaho to White Bird, Idaho

Fiddle Creek Fruit

One of the lessons learned again today is not to assume that a short ride means an easy ride.  Another is not to assume that stores in small towns stay open late, as in past 5 p.m.

After leaving the town of Riggins, I started out on the 30 mile journey towards White Bird. I properly got some laundry done (in a machine) and hung out at the local library writing the last post. It was nearly 1:00 when I left.   [Read more…]

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