Mood:  energetic

Wallace, where I stayed last night, is 14 miles from Lookout Pass.  My plan for today was to try to leave between 8 AM and 8:30 AM.  The bike trail from yesterday did not end in Wallace. I planned to take it 8 miles up the road to a town called Mullan.  Then there was only 6 miles to the summit.  It sure sounded like this was going to be a piece of cake.  Of course, past experience warned me to not get my hopes up.

There is a major storm coming my way from Seattle.  Supposed to be 35 mph winds with lots of rain.  Hopefully, I can get over the pass and duck into the "rain shadow" that the mountains offer, and, if I'm lucky, I'd stay dry.

The first part of the plan worked to perfection.  Finished breakfast at 8:05 AM, and I'm on the bike trail.

The second part, the bike trail, was just like yesterday, other than it paralleled I-90.  No solitude here, but it still was a nice ride.

Crossing over the summit was part three, and I was there by 11 AM.  Now it is mostly downhill for the next 47 miles.

Rememer how I froze yesterday on the Fourth of July Pass?  I was bound and determined not to recommit that mistake.  At the summit, I donned a thincross country ski hat that would fit under my bike helmet.  I was already wearing heavy socks and leggings.  I stuffed today's newspaper up under my jacket, and put on some huge winter bicyclin gloves.  Okay, I dare you to make me cold!  It didn't.

The trip down I-90 was not nearly as nice as I'd hoped.  The side surface was somewhat rough and seemed to not e well maintained.  This could be important. I like to cruise downhill between 30-35 mph, but I slowed down.  It was too dangerous, in my mind, and just asking for an accident.  There was also some roadwork which narrowed eastbound traffic to one lane.  This was okay as long as they left a bake lane, but one stretch, two miles long, there was no room for me and anyone else.  A helpful camper slowed down the traffic behind and I pedalled as hard as I could to get out of the way.  It didn't take long.

Considering that it is June and the weather is rainy and cloudy with high temperatures around 60, I asked a local what happened to summer? The local said they have four seasons aournd here:  pre-winter, winter, winter, and road construction.  That says it all.

I arrived in Superior, Montana, a bit before 4 PM, or so I thought.  When I had crossed Lookout Pass, the time changed from Pacific Standard Time to Mountain Standard Time.  So, in the eyes of the That will take a little getting used to.

Tomorrow is Missoula!  Then a Rest Day!! 

Will McMahan