June 15, 2009: Clark Fork, ID to Libby, MT
We awoke at the Riverview RV Park, outside of Clark Fork, Idaho, to a torrential downpour. The road that bisected the RV park turned into a small river. There was some discussion about laying over, but we decided to don our rain gear and head for Libby, Montana.
We rode in steady rain for about 45 of the 71 miles to Libby. Marshall met us every 15 miles with the trailer and pickup. At these stops, Marshall had the awning on the trailer out, thus offering a temporary respite from the weather. He also provided water and snacks…needless to say, big thanks are owed to Marshall.
The ride through western Montana was very scenic and pristine. The water in the Bull River was a deep green; in particular, Kootenai Falls was spectacular.
Upon arriving in Libby, we decided to pamper ourselves a bit and stay in a motel, so that we could dry out our stuff and perform some emergency bicycle maintenance (Howard twisted a chain in his cassette and both had to be changed….Chuck performed the surgery and did a fine job).
Tomorrow we will head for the town of Eureka, MT, a distance of about 71 miles. Our soggy numbers from today: 71.07 miles ridden, 2,826 feet climbed.
Total mileage so far is 573.81 miles, an average of 81.98 miles per day. Total altitude climbed: 30,517 feet.
Some Thoughts from Chicken Headley:
We have been playing “Survivor” for two days, with the mosquitoes aplenty and pouring rain. If it were not for the Venture Motel in Libby, MT., we would be choosing buffs and deciding our tribe’s name. The name probably would not be “the Magnificent Seven-Eleven,” a name that we chose days ago. The name might be MBDR-RE (Mosquito Bitten Drowned Rats Ride East).
Tonight in Libby is exciting: Showers don’t cost $0.50, the bathroom light is not on a timer, there are fresh towels (ours smell moldy), hand soap (none in our last bathroom) and TP to last until we leave :). (We ran out this morning)
In Clark’s Fork the after-hours potty seekers had to scurry upstream to cross the road (which became a stream) to attend the bathroom. You don’t know FUN at 3 a.m. until you’ve tried it.
There was only one mechanical today. HH’s old chain became twisted. Chuck straightened it and we kept on rollin’.
The scenery, even in drenching rain, continues to be spectacular. America is increasingly amazing and we 7-11 feel honored to be on the adventure together. We salute you Friends and Family for following our efforts, as feeble as they sometimes seem. I personally thank Marshall, our Main Man, for loaning me his camo pants.
Hello~ Sue
I have been reading your posts everyday. I truly enjoy all of the photos. You and your crew are amazing. Best of luck for dryer weather. Take care.
Angela Baum
this beats ups all to heck. hope you are enjoying working since the boys are all laid up. be sure not to hurt yourself. that job is really hard on the body. mine is now recoveringl.
thanks for traveling with us.
Sue, I have the pictures you requested but not sure how to get them to you. Can you e-mail me at the club
and let me know where to e-mail them to?
Thanks Patrick
pogrady@charterinternet.com
Here’s to hopin’ your weather situation improves! Today’s forecast for the Libby area is 81 degrees and a 20% chance of precip… Just ride through the other 80% of the weather, and you’ll be fine!
Chicken, you just need to get that wide-mouthed jar for your tent at night! Y’all are all hardy souls. I’d have been whining and SAGGING in for sure. I’m headed for Florida on Thurs.–with my Bike Friday. (John, it’s a REAL bike!)
At the rate you all are travelling you will be in Minnesota by the time we can meet up with you. Let us know if there is anything we can bring you from Canada… like Fruit Source bars… or bug spray!
Stay safe and love ya lots!
Kat
Ohhhhhhhhhhh I feel for you poor wet souls! Keep yourselves warm and dry… even if that means another night in a motel. Be well and you’re doing awesome!