Fresh legs – Steve starts to pull

Kevin called Tuesday night – he was on the Northern Tier trip with Suzi, Riley and Lauren (and Peach!) I had wanted to ride, but a new granddaughter arrived along with a trip to Denver to see her, and hopes of joining at the beginning disappeared. Kevin wondered if there was any chance I could come sooner than later, as we both recognized that the further east they went, the more difficult the logistics. In 24 hours, we pulled together a chance for me to ride – if I drove on Thursday AM, I could ride Friday, Saturday and Sunday, then catch the Amtrak Empire Builder from East Glacier back to Libby, MT, where my car would be parked. Driving home from there, starting at 11 PM Sunday, I would arrive just in time to join Karen then pick up Rachel in Seattle Monday morning to start an Olympic Peninsula vacation. No problem; you only live once, although Karen felt I was a few links short of a bicycle chain.

Actually, it has all worked out great, even allowing me to ride out from Bad Medicine campground near Libby, MT, right after I joined the sherpas. I met Riley and Kevin one hour out and they let me lead them in to camp (the only ride I’ve finished with more energy than Kevin). Kevin and I had an exhausting ride on Friday, over 87 miles from Bad Medicine toward Eureka, MT. It was beautiful weather and rolling hills along Lake Koocanusa; Riley picked us up with his truck – he was taking a rest day – and delivered us to camp for the night. We’ve enjoyed wonderful camping sites, meals, and, most importantly, showers. Suzi, Lauren and Peach keep the road show going as the support team (sherpas). Saturday was an easier ride notable for a wind at our back, not too many hills, and a revitalized Riley, who really kept us going. A large burrito and a Coke in Whitefish, MT, helped power us to a record finish, arriving in camp at 1:30 pm. Tomorrow we face the Continental Divide in a trip from Columbia Falls to East Glacier. Lots of climbing – should be fun – and then I will be delivered to the train station and off to my next adventure. Many thanks to Suzi, Lauren, Kevin, Riley and Peach for sharing their friendship, food, and Peach’s sleeping spot in the trailer. Most importantly, thanks for making me part of the family!