Day 50 Missoula, MT to Powell, ID

Yorktown, VA to Powell, ID, Miles Ridden 3,351
Average 68 Miles/Day, Estimated Finish 7/13/15

Biking Detail Missoula, MT to Lolo, MT

Biking Detail Lolo, MT to Powell, MT (plus 14 miles)

Day 50 Tuesday, June 30

Left Lolo at 7:00. HWY 12 doesn't have shoulder but not a lot of traffic. No wind this morning so off to a good start. Started out thinking we would go 111 miles to Lowell because Powell was not quite far enough for the day. We were worried about coverage for tonight's Women's World Cup semi-final game between US and Germany...knowing it would have to be one of these two locations. 

Beautiful ride with Lolo Creek on the left and nice view of snow capped Lolo Peak. Sad to see the forest fire destruction on both sides of the road for few miles but then a return to green trees...fortunately it was contained before destroying the entire Lolo Creek canyon. 

Made it to Lolo Hot Springs at 9:15 and took a short break before facing the 8 miles of 5-6% grade to the top of Lolo Pass, at 5,235 Elev. Made it to the top of the pass at 11:45. Ride down at 6% was nice but with the headwind didn't get over 40 MPH. Margie was happy about that because she worries about me more on the downhills!! 

Got to Loscha Lodge at Powell about 11:00 (new time) and decided to check it out for possible night's lodging versus going another 66 to Lowell. Awesome cabins and lodge on the river and their bar TV will get the World Cup. Decided to stay there but bike a little further to cut down on tomorrow's ride! Advantage to having a SAG vehicle. Biked to Colgate Licks (about 14 additional miles) which is where I will start in the AM. 

Afternoon winds were kicking up, straight on head wind up the canyon, so good time to stop. Would probably not have made the 66 miles in time for the game, at least not without totally being beat, so good decision! Will enjoy late afternoon at the lodge, feet in the river, glass of wine then early dinner and soccer match in the lodge bar.

The road up to Lolo Pass

In case you are looking for Antlers, here's the World Headquarters

My view of Margie and our SUV as she leap frogs me

This is Mt Lolo

Time for a water break

Stopped at Lolo Hot Springs for breakfast

Goodbye Montana, Hello Idaho and Pacific Time Zone

Hitting the 7 mile decline

First view of the Lochsa River

The Lochsa River again, we follow it for 60 miles or so, very scenic

Drank a lot of water today with temps in the 100's

Our laundry mobile at the Lochsa Lodge

Our cabin for the night

The Lochsa Lodge, very nice place

And the Lochsa Store

Inside the Lodge