tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77042304150191692262024-02-20T00:57:08.768-08:00Doug in IdahoOutdoor activity blog - photo heavyDoug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-73397173340739907722014-12-30T15:56:00.002-08:002014-12-30T16:55:40.379-08:002014 in Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, semi slacking on blogging this year but been keeping busy and taking a lot of photos. Here are some of my favs for 2014.<br />
<br />
Fatbiking with my Son to Salmon River Canyon Overlook Idaho.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15012595122" title="Waha FatBike Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Waha FatBike Ride" height="249" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/15012595122_603b634834_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Hiking with Scott thru fall hail/snow storm in the Wallowa Mtns Oregon.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15025927005" title="Eagle Cap Wallowa Mountains Hike by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Eagle Cap Wallowa Mountains Hike" height="494" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/15025927005_aafc857303_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Descending into Imnaha River Canyon from Oregon Hells Canyon rim......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15374904177" title="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride" height="577" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15374904177_5a2b20a48e_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Fargo'ing in Fall Foliage........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15491304849" title="Friday Fall Fling by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Friday Fall Fling" height="1024" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15491304849_a3e9d8c531_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Oregon Hells Canyon rim trail ride on the Pugsley.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15374703778" title="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride" height="768" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15374703778_b2a273ebe7_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Cross country ski outing in the Waha's..........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/16108122476" title="First Ski Outing of the Winter by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="First Ski Outing of the Winter" height="1016" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8661/16108122476_822501e45e_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Top of Telescope Peak in Death Valley......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/12778015343" title="A week in Death Valley - Photo Dump by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="A week in Death Valley - Photo Dump" height="988" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/12778015343_282f127aba_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Scott, El Jeffe, and Sadie posing above Hells Canyon returning from hike to Dough Cabin....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/11767470726" title="Waha Dough Creek Cabin Hike by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Waha Dough Creek Cabin Hike" height="679" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/11767470726_48841fa4e6_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Skiing in the Blue Mtns of SE Washington.......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/11917799865" title="Finally some good snow in da blues by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Finally some good snow in da blues" height="1024" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/11917799865_0d7b71d741_b.jpg" width="768" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/12024114633" title="Last ski outing of the year by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Last ski outing of the year" height="1024" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/12024114633_73f668cbf0_b.jpg" width="765" /></a><br />
<br />
Descent into Hells Canyon......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/11767074654" title="Waha Dough Creek Cabin Hike by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Waha Dough Creek Cabin Hike" height="433" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/11767074654_fe07b2d4b3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Climbing to top of Steens Mtns in SE Oregon.........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15134312377" title="On and around Steen Mountains SE Oregon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="On and around Steen Mountains SE Oregon" height="768" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/15134312377_c9a0565d13_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Seven Devils Mtns ride with Jen and Scott.........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15162448672" title="3 Demons Defeat 7 Devils 2014 edition by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="3 Demons Defeat 7 Devils 2014 edition" height="682" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3849/15162448672_fedcc79183_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Riding the amazing Spiral Hwy outside of Lewiston Idaho.......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14072950459" title="Saturday Morning Ride on the Spiral Hwy by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Saturday Morning Ride on the Spiral Hwy" height="639" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/14072950459_cb059ce3fc_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Camp at Crane Creek Hot Springs Oregon............<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15317803201" title="On and around Steen Mountains SE Oregon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="On and around Steen Mountains SE Oregon" height="193" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/15317803201_47b6f21666_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Birthday bash float trip on Salmon/Snake Rivers......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15207984402" title="Floating into Fifty by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Floating into Fifty" height="768" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/15207984402_f140348c3a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Fatbiking Hells Canyon on the pugs.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15558173221" title="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride" height="768" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15558173221_61c5a76ee2_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Scott and I toasting our 50th year on the planet...<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15021678887" title="Floating into Fifty by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Floating into Fifty" height="768" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/15021678887_5d8325f1b8_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Moved my bikes and tools out of the garage and into the basement......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15784214532" title="DSCF5816 by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="DSCF5816" height="681" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7516/15784214532_25c4f01e7f_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Hiking the Wallowa's.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15022831481" title="Eagle Cap Wallowa Mountains Hike by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Eagle Cap Wallowa Mountains Hike" height="527" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/15022831481_4e528a2643_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Cooling off in Cherry Creek falls.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15207953482" title="Floating into Fifty by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Floating into Fifty" height="768" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/15207953482_b10bec6831_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Death Valley tent view..........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/12776699595" title="A week in Death Valley - Photo Dump by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="A week in Death Valley - Photo Dump" height="743" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/12776699595_2429a83a2a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Learning the joys of 29er + ............<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15084470724" title="KramPug build by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="KramPug build" height="1024" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/15084470724_d33938ef8f_b.jpg" width="654" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15797115335" title="Waha Snow Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Waha Snow Ride" height="1024" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15797115335_45bd5f2dec_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Congrats to Bryce on Senior year.........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15450605125" title="Bryce Senior Photos by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Bryce Senior Photos" height="577" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15450605125_a7fee24b02_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Oregon Bikepacking........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14376540442" title="NE Oregon Bikepacking by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="NE Oregon Bikepacking" height="768" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/14376540442_7008834a42_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
View from the Trost compound.........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14136372359" title="Spring Bikepacking Trip by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Spring Bikepacking Trip" height="221" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/14136372359_a3afe79ea3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Inmate River camping...........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/13208689874" title="Imnaha River Overnighter by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha River Overnighter" height="597" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/13208689874_dd7d476f4e_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Two saddles.......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14037033241" title="Two Saddles by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Two Saddles" height="768" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5159/14037033241_6f4b50d304_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Fatbiking Salmon River Canyon.......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14902140460" title="Waha Two Canyons Loop by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Waha Two Canyons Loop" height="598" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/14902140460_970918d4cc_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Primitive backcountry airstrip Doh!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15561730962" title="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Hat Point to Lord Flat Ride" height="768" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15561730962_be845209c3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Bryce feeling the pain..........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/13208139024" title="Imnaha River Overnighter by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha River Overnighter" height="663" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/13208139024_4aa2d441a4_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Hells Canyon Overnighter..........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754539212" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="558" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/15754539212_4334b088ea_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Descent to Frenchy Creek Cabin in Hells Canyon.......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297435577" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="503" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14297435577_ae297d845f_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Here's to even more fun in 2015!</b><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-68928920189080269302014-11-10T06:50:00.001-08:002014-11-11T18:44:07.296-08:00Imnaha and Hells Canyon Overnighter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are lucky to have many amazing canyons in the country around Lewiston Idaho. I think the most scenic of all of them is the Imnaha River Canyon in NE Oregon. The Imnaha river flows out of the Wallowa mountains and runs for over 70 miles before dumping into the Hells Canyon section of the Snake River. I have ridden the lower section below the small town of Imnaha several times as an out and back day trip but have always wanted to do an overnight trip down into Hells Canyon. <br />
<br />
The weather has been pretty amazing the last few weeks and it looked like it might hold for one more weekend. So I decided this was the time and headed out for Imnaha Oregon early Saturday morning. I had some new 29er + wheels with Rohloff hub out back built by Mike at <a href="http://lacemine29.com/resume.html" target="_blank">http://lacemine29.com</a> on the Pugsley that was I was looking forward to trying out. I had converted the Surly Pugsley fat bike 26 x 4 in wheels/tires into a hybrid known as a KramPug 29 x 3 inch wheels/tires.<br />
<br />
The first 5 miles are so are a gradual downhill along the river thru some rustic ranch/farmland.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15567500668" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="923" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/15567500668_ed8c807a9c_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
The pavement ends and the route becomes a rocky dirt road for the remaining 25 miles to Dug Bar on the Snake River. This is also the start of the first major climb of the day.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754472572" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1080" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7563/15754472572_e294882a33_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Looking back up canyon...........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15133525843" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="964" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/15133525843_6963f45d95_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
The vistas just keep getting better the further in you go..........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15729220846" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="453" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15729220846_74e5125bd2_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Right after climbing 1500 feet up above the river the route drops you right back down again.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15729222456" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="792" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15729222456_b7f4e01657_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
The new larger diameter wheels really did a nice job of rolling smoothly over the rough surface.....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754481512" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1200" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15754481512_a6c34d890b_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
There were nice splashes of fall color here and there..........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754491802" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="816" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/15754491802_ce5df21a46_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754497392" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1205" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/15754497392_689c2ca6c2_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15751072861" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15751072861_504da6c8d7_h.jpg" width="1200" /></a><br />
<br />
The route stays close to the Imnaha river for the next several miles. At the 20 mile mark out from the town of Imnaha a bridge crosses over to the south bank and the final two bigs climbs before dropping DOWN to the Snake River.<br />
<br />
I was just starting the first of these climbs when I noticed my rear tire was going flat..........argh.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15729249646" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1032" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15729249646_3aecc0000d_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
I found a goathead in my tire and patched that hole but when I re-inflated I found yet another goat head so had to do the process all over again. Then I thought I should take a look at my front tire as well and sure enough it had FIVE goatheads in it and had gone completely flat while I was working on the rear tire. I was getting a bit discouraged by this when BOOM a car comes down the hill towards with two mountain bikes on the rear rack. They pulled over to see how I was doing and were kind enough to give me some stans sealant for my front tire and and extra patch kit helped me get the bike ridable again...........what amazing timing. <br />
<br />
At this point I was a little unsure if I wanted to continue and risk further goathead encounters and run out of daylight with the shorter winter days. I was tempted to turn back and just camp on the inmaha river but finally decided I had to conquer this route. I was feeling more than a bit tired at this point with still the biggest climb ahead of me. I re-mounted and continued on paying closer attention for thorny plants. <br />
<br />
View back towards Imnaha.............<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15568140260" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="717" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7554/15568140260_53b15c90d1_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Almost to the top!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15567803557" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="871" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15567803557_8106914caa_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Now I was left with a 6 miles descent into Hells Canyon.........this turned out to be the rockiest section of the route.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15729257276" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="676" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15729257276_386cd962fd_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
I took is pretty slow so as not to slice a sidewall or go off a cliff!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754515802" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1187" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/15754515802_3f309e15f1_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally the Snake River comes into view as the daylight is fading......<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15567808617" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1057" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7513/15567808617_65016feb98_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754521972" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1200" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15754521972_41372a35d0_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
I finally make it down to river level and find a little nook not to far from the river to setup camp. I quickly go about putting my tent up and getting some water filtering before darkness set in.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15133027974" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="694" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15133027974_48e90a0de8_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
I made dinner and read for a while before calling it a night. I could feel the fatigue in my legs and knew that the trip out would put a good hurting on me. Also the forecast had called for afternoon rain and wind.<br />
<br />
I woke the next morning to some ominous cloudy skies so I got my butt in gear and ate and packed up as quickly as I could. Just pushing my bike out of camp and back to the road had me feeling tired. I was starting to feel like this was to be a long day. The climbing started right off the bat on loose rock and steep gradient.........soon I was doing sections of hike a bike.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15133029474" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="995" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7525/15133029474_1fd0dc14ce_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
Looking back into Hells Canyon...........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15133031234" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1200" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7572/15133031234_570afba8f5_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15567827477" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1200" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15567827477_596210814d_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
More climbing to do...............<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754532682" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1200" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7539/15754532682_20d4fc587a_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
After what seemed like forever I made it back to the top of the ridge and had a few miles of descending to give the legs a break...........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15754539212" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="871" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/15754539212_9f9857ab86_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15729285626" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1031" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/15729285626_f2eb9db8dc_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/15567579138" title="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Imnaha to Dug Bar in Hells Canyon" height="1200" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15567579138_614d28443e_h.jpg" width="1600" /></a><br />
<br />
With about 15 miles still to go the weather decided to let loose on me with rain and strong head winds. At this point I put my camera away and went into survival mode. My legs/lungs were pretty much toast but eventually I ground out the final 15 miles to imnaha with thoughts of a burger and beer keeping me going :-)<br />
<br />
Route info: <iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="405" scrolling="no" src="http://www.strava.com/activities/217583913/embed/1be7b84be38a1cb33232db73ac6b9ee7c906bdfe" width="590"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-13198297962975234662014-06-22T17:49:00.001-07:002014-06-22T17:49:36.954-07:00Cabin Fever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, we had one last cabin (Frenchy Creek Cabin) to bag in the Waha mountains outside of Lewiston Idaho. Since this one would be the toughest get due to the surface conditions as well as a huge elevation change going into and coming out of Hells Canyon we figured we better do it now before summer temps set in. <br />
<br />
Scott, Sadie (scott's dog) and myself drove up the takeoff point and were on our bikes at 11 am. We guestimated he distance at 15-20 miles and about 4k elevation change. This area of the waha's is really one of the most scenic places I have ever been. Views into both the Salmon River canyon as well as the Hells Canyon (snake river) are almost constant with occasional glimpses of the snow covered tops of the Seven Devil Mountains of Idaho as well as the Wallowa Mountains of Oregon. <br />
The weather was close to perfect for taking in all the views and having comfortable temps for riding. <br />
<br />
We rode aprox 6 miles on a road opened to motorized vehicles though it was quite steep and rocky in many sections. It is more suited to 4 wheelers and jeeps than passenger cars.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos from this section of our ride...........<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?tags=drg53114pfrenchy" target="_blank">Link to all pictures of the trip</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297795327" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="419" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3911/14297795327_f2568a5d20_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297530608" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="261" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14297530608_767f8cccc6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Sadie rarely misses a chance to cool off........<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14504240023" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5572/14504240023_4c3ce5e661_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14482838782" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="534" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/14482838782_54b776a924_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
At this point there is a gate across the road which marks the end of the line for motorized vehicles. Now things would start to get a bit more interesting as the route would get rockier and overgrown to various degrees with tall grass. To make up for it the views get even more spectacular though it is harder to take your eyes off the trail directly in front of you.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14480699881" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="278" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/14480699881_29122531c8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14483839025" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="388" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2907/14483839025_984115be89_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14503992393" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14503992393_27f4b3e36e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297467009" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="399" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14297467009_25fb6bc36c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Eventually we reach the precipice and look down into hells canyon and the very steep and over grown goat path that was to take us down to the cabin.......<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297493940" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="350" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14297493940_6e2c1f89fc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Scott contemplates his fate.........<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14480481561" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="148" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14480481561_73b1d5d6f3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
We remount our bikes and drop off the edge into Hells Canyon. Within a matter of minutes we are seeing 27% gradient showing on our GPS units. Along with the gradient large loose rocks are spread all over the surface and many are hidden by tall grass. We ride our brakes hard almost the entire way down with frequent stops to let the rotors cool off. Some spots were just to loose to ride safely and we ended up walking those sections.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297435577" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="393" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14297435577_ae297d845f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14484121745" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="436" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14484121745_15533bf089_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14482649354" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14482649354_753a1ec8cd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297304249" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="539" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14297304249_a649563523_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Eventually the "road" enters the now mostly dry Frenchy Creek bed. The canyon walls get steep on either side and the the route becomes even more overgrown now with Tall thistles and assorted other prickly plants. We just hoped we didn't encounter a rattlesnake in this as there was no way to see them.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14504045823" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14504045823_918a56c928_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14482748532" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14482748532_9dcb48e4fd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
We came upon a spring water cache basin and Sadie took full advantage of it to cool down a bit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297297869" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/14297297869_3c8959e926_c.jpg" width="711" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally we spied the roof of the cabin about 1000 ft below us and knew were almost there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14461028146" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="474" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/14461028146_d7ae2443e9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally after negotiating through some jungle like tree branches partially blocking the trail we arrived at French Creek Cabin...............hurah!<br />
<br />
We checked out the cabin for a few mins and then started looking to see what we had for water source. We soon found another spring fed basin with small flow of fresh water feeding into it. We got some water filtering and then took some time to wash the dirt and sweat off and change into so clean clothes. We then kicked back in the shade of the deck and enjoyed some of my wife's Pepper home brew beer...........aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh life was good.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297516307" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/14297516307_32c03ee468_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14504066553" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14504066553_51ec541751_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297526997" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/14297526997_25917348a6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14504084063" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5237/14504084063_d893c3c114_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Unfortunately the cabin sits in a bit of a bowl and most of the spectacular views are blocked due to this. Scott and I are both a bit stumped how this route and cabin came to be. There is no sign of farming or mining in the area so we suspect the route was first created by hunters. <br />
<br />
After unpacking a bit and finishing our beers we decided to take a short hike out to a point above the cabin that overlooks Hells Canyon and the Snake River. We were probably less than a half of a mile from the river as the crow flies but still well over 1000 ft above it so no easy route exists down to the river. There were some nice view to be had though.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14483982165" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="151" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/14483982165_a9d16393db_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
You can see a small section of the Snake River in this picture.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297356450" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="660" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/14297356450_6fa70e7596_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Heading back to the cabin.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14460889116" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="373" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/14460889116_4e5d9d7d72_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Once back at the cabin we decided to start the process of making dinner. After bringing nothing but package food on our ride into Deer Creek Cabin we decided to eat a little better this time. Scott packed some frozen steaks in his pack for the 3 of us and I brought some fresh veggies and rice. We used the white gas coleman stove and the skillets / utensils that were in the cabin. I also packed in a box of red wine :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14482934814" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14482934814_6c009221fa_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Maybe it was because we were both tired but damn dinner was GOOD!!!!!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14461064806" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/14461064806_04d717b79e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
We ate our dinner as poor Sadie laid on the deck and stared at us with drool running out of her mouth. Finally Scott cut up Sadies steak into bite size pieces and fed them to her one at a time so she could fully enjoy. She was actually quite a dainty eater with the fork.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14484188175" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/14484188175_8ca269d134_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
After dinner we consumed the remaining wine and nibbled on some cookies while chatting a bit about past and possible future adventures. We both agreed that these 6 waha cabins were a really nice and unexpected find. I was amazed that there is almost zero information about any of these cabins on the internet. It's almost like they have been classified top secret. Perhaps the FBI will be paying me a visit after blogging about two of them ;-)<br />
<br />
Well I hate to say it but Scott and I both turn 50 in august (he is 3 days OLDER...ha!). What we have realized is we can still have our exhausting adventures but we tend to need to go to sleep earlier. Scott went into the cabin at 8 to "rest his eyes" and was soon out like a light with Sadie resting on a soft and QUIET pad on the floor next to him. I hung out on the deck for another 30 mins or so enjoying the sunset and the quiet solitude before turning in myself.<br />
<br />
We are both morning people so we woke before 5 the next morning and quickly went about making our coffee and breakfast. We then packed up our gear and cleaned up the cabin for the next users which are few and far between judging from the dates in the guest sign in book. Our exit plan was to beat the heat and the sun on our monster climb ahead of us. We knew that we would only be able to ride very short sections until we reached the top of hells canyon. The route was just to steep, rocky, and overgrown to be rideable in the uphill direction.<br />
<br />
Loaded up we headed out anticipating a grueling ordeal.<br />
<br />
Can you see our "road"??<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14504345953" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="800" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/14504345953_40dd19ffc7_c.jpg" width="773" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297438508" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/14297438508_9cf7ef2bfa_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14460933546" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="369" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/14460933546_f9dd7fa2fb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
We having fun yet?????<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297778977" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="659" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14297778977_0f2200290a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14297598319" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="595" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14297598319_ac03ccf91a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally we reach the rim of hells canyon after our long climb. Scott then displayed his thoughts on frenchy creek canyon before we turned and rode back to the truck.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14482992874" title="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Frenchy Creek Cabin Ride" height="356" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14482992874_91d52ddfbe_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-27554675178873444902014-06-16T09:45:00.001-07:002014-06-16T10:06:27.915-07:00Weekend Adventure Fix<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My friend Scott has been a bit adventure deprived so far this year. He has been on a mission to visit all the public access cabins in the Waha mountains area outside of Lewiston Idaho this year. So we picked this past weekend to try to make it out to Deer Flat Cabin for an overnighter loop ride.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course with any good adventure weather should play a factor and sure enough we had quite a good storm system move into the area on friday. I was packing up saturday morning and seeing a steady rainfall where I lived and knew that up in the mtns it was probably heavier. Thoughts of Mud bog conditions filled my thoughts........I hate mud! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I e-mailed Scott saturday morning.......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>ME:</b> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">well crap ….this weather is not giving me a warm fuzzy yet…….imagine it’s worse up in waha. Maybe push back our departure time a bit and see how it looks?</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><b>Scott Replies:</b> Yea that be fine. The upside is we should have a dry cabin to stay in if needed. </span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Fine with giving it a bit though. <b>I am still planning on doing it weather be damned</b> Heh. At least it is cool. Maybe cool and muddy. But cool none the less </span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;" />
<br />
Ok then I could see he was serious about going so I finished up my packing and headed over to his place. We loaded our bikes and gear in his toyota pickup and headed for Waha. Driving up the gravel roads to our departure point the roads looked wet but not to bad. Though these were gravel roads and not the mostly dirt roads we would be riding. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We geared up and headed out...............Adventure ahead........woohoooo!</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14451703993" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1512" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14451703993_5813add572_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Scott had mapped out a loop ride via some of the myriad of dirt roads/trails that criss cross all over Waha. Some of these "roads" he had been on and others he had not. We headed out a rocky goat trail of a road with mists and a bit of light rain. Eventually the road came out on an overlook section of the Snake River Canyon and the blue mtns in the distance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14430418224" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1303" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14430418224_498455d8d6_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14430229172" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1131" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14430229172_db00bb5af5_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now our route got even more off the beaten path as literally there was not a path. Scott's GPS showed a road we should be on but nothing really looked like a road in the area. We decided to stick with the route and promptly started a prolonged hike a bike up steep overgrown inclines and forested areas with a lot of deadfall. This was to be the full body workout portion of the route.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14430422174" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14430422174_915987b91c_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14451734203" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1546" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/14451734203_b749ae2a0d_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Eventually we made it back onto more ridable terrain and made our best time of the route through some area we had visited earlier in the year that became our go-to spot for Morel Mushroom hunting. We stopped by an old cabin for a break and a snack before proceeding into new territory closer to the cabin.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14430274902" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14430274902_fecf8da7e6_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now the trees started to thin as we followed a path put in by the power companies when they installed the power lines many years ago. The power lines eventually cross over the salmon river in blue canyon and continue on south from there. We started to see some amazing vista's of the Salmon River Canyon in the distance. I have lived in this area of 17 years but I never get tired of these views.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14244952639" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="895" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/14244952639_9fa111452a_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14244963549" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1177" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14244963549_abea2f0c11_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now it was time for some equipment issues as I realized my front tire was flat. After not having to deal with a flat tire for two years I have had back to back sidewall punctures. I could see pretty quickly that my tubeless sealant was not going to do the job here so I slapped a tube in and we continued on. Now descending more and more into the salmon river canyon with the views getting better all the time.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14430491464" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="2048" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14430491464_bb2ccc41d1_k.jpg" width="1536" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Scott and his dog Sadie........oh my she loves these outings. We rode in aprox 18 miles and I am sure she at least doubled our mileage with all her non stop running all over the place. She does have an annoying habit of trying to bite our front tires every time we start riding after a break.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14408501226" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14408501226_dd7ef4dc77_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245181007" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1104" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14245181007_e00b57a078_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our trail started to become very overgrown with tall grass and this tall grass was very good at hiding large rocks...........bad combo. Our pace slowed quite a bit as hitting a rock and flying over the handle bars is not fun......been there done that. We were also a bit concerned about encountering rattlesnakes in the grass. I think the cool weather probably helped us a bit in that respect. We did not see a snake during the trip. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We eventually were able to look down and see the cabin, barn, and pond (below pic). Woohooo almost there.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14430517374" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14430517374_1edd22defb_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14428292561" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14428292561_60ad14455e_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14428298141" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="973" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/14428298141_c0da79041b_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14451842213" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1117" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14451842213_579d27b57e_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On final approach to the cabin.....pls clear the runway.......</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14431657285" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1341" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/14431657285_07360df170_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245211707" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1111" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14245211707_9b50bbe692_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We arrived at the cabin and were very surprised how nice it was and how it was stocked with just about everything one could want. Had we known this we would have left quite a lot of our gear at home. Next time we will be bring steaks and other real food instead of the packaged stuff we had with us this time.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14431685225" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14431685225_3daaa68cb0_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14431688065" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/14431688065_58c9569211_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went about unpacking our gear and getting cleaned up and checking out the area. There was a nice spring we used for restocking our water and a fancy outhouse with a view. Then it was time to kick back a bit on the deck with some wine and salty snacks.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245064868" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/14245064868_b1ff0f6631_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14408581096" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1335" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/14408581096_782a2635bc_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Scott discovered this old huffy bike in the barn. We would both love to hear the story of how it came to be there. We imagined someone riding it down and deciding to hike out as this bike wouldn't have coped well with the conditions. I challenged Scott to try to ride it out but for some reason he did not appear to enthused by that idea.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14451891223" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14451891223_5d24b513f2_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Found this old farming implement in the field below the cabin. Hard to imagine someone trying to farm out here. We could not make heads or tails of what its intended purpose was.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245265567" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1387" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14245265567_689503af39_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245077279" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1135" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/14245077279_23d822f1ce_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14428374351" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1213" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14428374351_25d46b98ec_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245090879" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/14245090879_76dbbde560_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14408617036" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1079" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5113/14408617036_a326064baa_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
View from inside the outhouse :-)</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14430618324" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="2048" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5033/14430618324_1cb675f0d7_k.jpg" width="1536" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We woke the next morning around 5am and went about brewing some coffee and eating our oatmeal. We then re-packed our gear and cleaned and closed up the cabin so it was ready for the next occupants.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We then mounted up and headed out on the 2nd part of or "loop". We had like 1 min of semi flat riding before the path went up in a big way. The path was not quite as rocky or overgrown as the way we came in but was still pretty soft from the rain and choppy due to all the horse traffic. We went into pretty much full granny gear mode and churned our way up the hill trying to enjoy the view as much as possible.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245296557" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="2048" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/14245296557_2292447b58_k.jpg" width="1536" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245452959" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1237" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/14245452959_96b31b182d_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/142%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%3E45656557" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1536" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/14245656557_c8598da627_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We eventually made it back to the "top" of our major climb out and had a few creek crossings to deal with. We then started to get a bit lost as our gps route was not quite matching up with what we saw in terms of roads/paths. Waha area has a way of destroying my direction finding abilities. I often find my mental view is a complete 180 from it actually should be. I find this a to be disconcerting. Even Scott who is usually better at mentally maintaining orientation was having troubles figuring out where we were. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also were getting more and more into muddy conditions with buildup on our tires often approaching unridable condition. Luckily it never came to that though. We meandered around for an hour or so getting semi frustrated with our lack of progress finding our route. Eventually we resorted to a short section of trespassing to make it back to a road that was known to us. Finally we made it out of the mud and onto a gravel road and we were able to route back to the truck. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14245470109" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1340" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/14245470109_2fbd2cfe09_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sadie cooling off in a handy mud puddle......</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14428783311" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1275" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14428783311_092d452a1b_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Scott spotted this bear track in the mud a mile or so out from the truck.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14409018156" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="2048" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5567/14409018156_25c48ec3e0_k.jpg" width="1536" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
We got back to the truck and headed out. It was time for a much deserved burger and beer at the Waha Bar and Grill. Scott informed me that his adventure craving had been met so mission accomplished!</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/14452331043" title="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride by Doug, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Creek Cabin Overnighter Ride" height="1661" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14452331043_8d1f55d9d4_k.jpg" width="2048" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-31872260397867624532013-04-24T14:10:00.001-07:002013-04-24T14:16:21.272-07:00Grande Ronde Bikepacking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
Took a day off work to get a quick overnight bikepacking trip in. Scott convinced me it would be a "good idea" to head down to the Grande Ronde via Shumaker Grade Road. This road is a popular spot for folks to take off the river when drift boat fishing for steelhead. Taking off here allows them to skip having to run The Narrows Rapids which is a good idea if your in a drift boat.<br />
<br />
The Shumaker Grade is very steep with several switchbacks. This is all fine when going down but makes for quite a struggle (on a bike) when coming back up. The good news is the views are fantastic so one can enjoy those during the slow ascent out of the river canyon.<br />
<br />
I headed out from home at 9am Sunday morning with my route to be up the Snake River then up top via Couse Creek Road. From there I would ride towards Anatone and get on Shumaker Grade road.<br />
<br />
Taking a break for a snack at the bottom of Couse creek before starting the long climb.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672607221/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8672607221_4b49d2a4ba_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Early section on Couse Creek Road...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673710674/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/8673710674_ee7584cefc_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Making the big bend to the final climb to the prairie.....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673712042/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8673712042_790bb00e99_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Once up top things flatten out a bit but the winds were howling pretty good. I always suffer a bit on this section of road. Amazing views though.....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672612845/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8672612845_e3e0245b5c_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673716202/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8673716202_596a5c606e_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I finally make it to the turnoff to Shumaker Grade and ride the brakes most of the way down to the river....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672617673/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8672617673_d983e30512_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672621809/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8672621809_6b6c444a72_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Once at the bottom you can go left or right along the river for a few miles in either direction before the road ends. I chose to go to the left as I had already explored the other direction via truck several years ago.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672626167/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8672626167_f359f7fb34_b.jpg" width="768" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I rode for a mile or two and saw a little spur road down to the river and a nice camp area......I decided to stop there and setup camp.......
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672631299/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8672631299_4dbe90cc61_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The forecast called for PM rain and yet more wind and sure enough as I kicked back in my camp chair I could see the clouds gather. I decided I best cook dinner and drink the homebrew pepper beer my Wife Noel made before things got nasty.....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673734898/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8673734898_20212bf58a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
For dinner I just pulled some left over freeze dried stuff out of the pantry. Terryaki noodles, mixed with mashed potatoes, and finally some tuna mixed in for protien.....mmmmmmm. Oh well everything tastes good when your camping!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672640207/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8672640207_50c2d4df40_b.jpg" width="768" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I read for a bit and did a little walking about snapping a few pics along the way.........
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673750202/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8673750202_6f4d4c4cfc_b.jpg" width="768" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672649621/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8672649621_5fc003c81f_b.jpg" width="768" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673757378/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8673757378_2f605d9f53_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The Rain started up around 7 so I retreated to my tent and bit more reading. In the morning I stuck my head out to a nice view of my bike in the sunrise.....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672652465/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8672652465_cae93c68e9_b.jpg" width="768" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I made breakfast and coffee and started to break down camp and pack everything back on the bike......
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8672654235/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8672654235_afcdb2e814_b.jpg" width="768" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I started the long slow climb out of of the river canyon around 9. The road was very soft with the rain and pea gravel and the road was very steep so there was quite a bit of hike a bike. Once I made it out some 2 hours later I cruised back into Lewiston via the paved hwy..........
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673762352/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8673762352_202298e8b9_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/8673758620/" title="Grande Ronde Overnighter by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Grande Ronde Overnighter" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8673758620_8a41309d78_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It was a nice little getaway in a very pretty area.
</div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-83821335255611335842012-08-26T07:52:00.003-07:002012-08-26T07:56:16.180-07:00Three Demons Challenge Seven Devils<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Jen, Scott, & myself (demons) ventured down to Riggins, Idaho yesterday to take on the Seven Devils Mountain armed only with our bicycles and lots of water. Riggins sits at about 1900 ft elevation and our goal for the day was the Heavens Gate fire lookout tower at 8400ft. So we had about 6500ft to gain in only 20 miles.<br />
<br />
We parked our car and geared up in the small city park right on the Salmon River. Temps for the day were supposed to be in the mid 90's and sunny so we slathered on a lot of sunscreen and set off on our ride. We got only a mile of flat road to warm up on before turning right on to the 7 devils road. The first 6 miles on this road are the toughest section with avg gradient around 13%. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53112phellraise/show/">SLIDESHOW</a>
<br /><br />
Jen and Scott starting the looooooong climb on 7 devils road.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861371328/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7861371328_f62bba4a61_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
The route has amazing vistas right from the start........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861379066/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7861379066_6865676a6c_b.jpg" width="768" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861384156/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/7861384156_31371125d5_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
After a couple of miles we all we all had sweat streaming down our faces but we continued to grind it out albeit slowly. At least there was plenty to look at to take our minds off our suffering. Finally the pavement ended and the gradient diminished as we entered the forested section of the route.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861387322/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7861387322_e034563c1d_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861393756/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7861393756_413b2181b9_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
It being a saturday and this being a popular destination for hikers and sightseers we did encounter a fair amount of traffic. Some of was of the two wheel variety.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861396988/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7861396988_fbe49418cc_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
As we gained altitude we would catch occasional views of the Salmon River Canyon and the mountains to the east.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861399742/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7861399742_5c2803aa8b_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861402680/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7861402680_cb28fe3204_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861405600/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7861405600_6e172d01ea_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
We had a nice break at a cold clear spring. We refilled out water bottles and rinsed some of the sweat and salt off our heads and arms............aaaaaaah.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861413670/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="764" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7861413670_53b2efe5c6_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861417090/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7861417090_93b60a6248_b.jpg" width="768" /></a><br />
<br />
As we passed 6000 ft I could feel the the lower oxygen content affecting me and my legs started to feel a bit jello-like. Finally the awesome Seven Devils mountains came into view!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861436234/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7861436234_57d5d3c96e_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861442258/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7861442258_912fdf824a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Now it was time for the final ascent to the lookout tower.....cmon legs don't fail me now!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861444552/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7861444552_0f933affa4_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861448922/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7861448922_09f88739b3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861457218/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="617" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7861457218_f25f3910ec_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
As we approached the Top of the climb the views got better and better as the Snake River canyon came into view to our west.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861472226/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7861472226_7dcd7d6ff4_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861481404/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7861481404_be5b4fdabb_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861488902/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7861488902_7e20dc2558_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861495980/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7861495980_f520db7e60_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861501064/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="566" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7861501064_c3ba51317b_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Finally we made it to the small parking area a couple of hundred feet below the lookout tower. Now we did a little x-training by hiking up to the lookout tower. The couple manning the tower were nice enough to invite us up on the tower itself. The views were incredible. I think this has to be one of the most dramatic vistas I have ever seen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861507320/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7861507320_74c2d0e724_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
The three demons!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861509880/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7861509880_99336ef613_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Postcard posing.........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861518958/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="576" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7861518958_f131ef309f_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861524044/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="468" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7861524044_4323f26df1_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861532890/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7861532890_443549b189_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861534994/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7861534994_2e9c61d020_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861537320/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7861537320_78fcaba9ce_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861539196/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="479" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7861539196_e3bfbc35a2_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861542148/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7861542148_833d3f9d84_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861546820/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7861546820_d91bcaaeff_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
We were all getting quite hungry by this time so we started our "free ride" back down to Riggins. When we got back to the car we had a quick dip in the salmon river to wash away the days sweat and dust then it was on to the River Rock Cafe for some well deserved beer and pizza! Final score Demons 1 and Devils 0! We will be back for a rematch next year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861557662/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7861557662_4ab217b55a_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7861551342/" title="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Raising Hell Ride in the 7 Devils Mtns" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7861551342_d0b4f7d677_b.jpg" width="768" /></a></div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-39452764679866671782012-07-29T20:17:00.000-07:002012-07-29T20:17:28.639-07:00Sea Kayaking Overnighter on Upper Dworshak Reservoir<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My son Bryce and I had a short but nice sea kayaking trip in the upper reaches of Dworshak Reservoir this weekend. I wanted to reach all the way to the end of slack water but camping turned out to be pretty limited and we ended up camping a few miles short of that goal. After my solo 3 day trip last weekend in the very busy lower sections of the reservoir it was much quieter up in this area. <br />
<br />
The weather was great and the water was nice and warm for a couple of swims we did. Just a few mosquitos in camp to deal with. I think we will make another attempt at this in early sept.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg531kaycamp28/show/" target="_blank">SLIDESHOW</a><br />
<br />
Our put in and camp site.......<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673810904/" title="dworshak.org_maps_RecreationMap_ANSI_Bl_Page2.pdf by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="dworshak.org_maps_RecreationMap_ANSI_Bl_Page2.pdf" height="936" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7673810904_6bdab27613_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673679998/" title="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak" height="674" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7673679998_4925e83aaa_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673696214/" title="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7673696214_e69a19e619_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673702670/" title="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7673702670_8002d88652_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
There was no wind at all on day 2 and the water was like a mirror.......<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673709642/" title="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7673709642_1eb5fd12f1_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673728946/" title="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak" height="768" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7673728946_10a713b94b_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673733228/" title="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak" height="557" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7673733228_a16fbe6b30_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7673739584/" title="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Kayak Camping upper Dworshak" height="768" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7673739584_692cb2358d_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a></div>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-35388851847596902002012-03-25T20:20:00.000-07:002012-03-25T20:21:20.033-07:00Just Some Spring Gravel Grinding and Hill Climbing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Finally a really lovely day in our little corner of Idaho. Had some great views today with all the hills in distance covered with a early spring snow fall. Sean organized a nice loop leaving from his house in Lewiston and heading down and then back up and round Lapwai. Unusual for us we had some additional riders today. Was nice to ride with a larger group for a change.<br />
<br />
I ended up with 43 miles and almost 4k in elevation gain. I think we were all fairly tired at the end but in a good way. <br />
<br />
Just a sweet day and a fun ride.<br />
<br />
Some pics:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53112p3252012/show/" target="_blank">SLIDESHOW</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870224364/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="308" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6036/6870224364_6ff2ce24a1_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7016335131/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="575" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7016335131_6b7a287ab9_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870228372/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="404" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/6870228372_26b6401506_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7016339855/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/7016339855_2a7755a5c7_b.jpg" width="877" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870234166/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="575" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/6870234166_a3f4213eae_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7016343765/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="337" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7016343765_768f4bf7ab_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870236552/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="575" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/6870236552_4ac047279f_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7016349757/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/7016349757_3446d19709_b.jpg" width="655" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870242660/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="575" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6232/6870242660_bfa3503596_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870244676/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="272" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/6870244676_aa2ed6ea36_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7016355903/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="575" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7016355903_900d792ecf_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870248302/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="439" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6870248302_e9273976d2_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870251872/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="575" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6047/6870251872_e049b82288_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6870254080/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="720" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6114/6870254080_99d11835b9_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7016364579/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="455" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6100/7016364579_17bb0759cf_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/7016365471/" title="March Gravel Grinding by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="March Gravel Grinding" height="575" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6108/7016365471_81ef11f783_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-19827549501985265842011-12-24T06:36:00.000-08:002011-12-24T06:38:43.855-08:00Lime Point Hike<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few from our annual hike to check our Geo-Cache. SE Corner of Washington State. Looks like we have had about 22 visitors since last year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562573257/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6562573257_05f3a6a8ac_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562575833/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6562575833_8d836ca1ec_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562576389/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6562576389_6386a9ed68_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562577179/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6562577179_17a7d37f6a_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562581367/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6562581367_390e313c3a_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562582665/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6562582665_b94155d772_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562586385/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6562586385_cbbe08bcd4_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562587167/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6562587167_9b909d894f_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6562590105/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6562590105_aeea2bf2c6_b.jpg" /></a></div>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-24267751929246521782011-09-23T13:34:00.000-07:002011-09-24T13:06:41.469-07:00Vertical Limit Tour - Day 4 - Final Pass and back to McCall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We woke up to a lovely morning on our last day. It was a tad cold so we restarted our fire from the prior night and we all had an extra large helping of instant oatmeal. We had about 35 miles and one big pass to climb before making it back to McCall.<br />
<br />
We headed out a little after nine with a moderate incline right from the start as the road was still paralleling the Secesh river. Within a mile we all stopped to remove a layer of clothing. The road was still washboardy in places so we were back to the zigzag riding style. Soon the gradient picked up and we left the river. All the while the views were becoming better and better. This was shaping up to be a very scenic pass and the weather was just perfect for viewing it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111psalmonday4/show/"><b>SlideShow Day 4</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6172271070/" title="Route details by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Route details" height="374" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6172271070_faf95c0acf.jpg" width="481" /></a><br />
<br />
Jen Putting finishing touches on the days bike packing work.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165703677/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6165703677_fa6197991c_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Heading out of Campground.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165705915/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6165705915_87e126a280_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165707957/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1024" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6165707957_72db6b4b85_b.jpg" width="681" /></a><br />
<br />
The climbing and the views begin......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165711375/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1024" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6165711375_0c7b20d9b6_b.jpg" width="681" /></a><br />
<br />
Not sure why but my legs felt strong and I really enjoyed the climb.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166247038/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1000" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6166247038_d4a1b36fbc_b.jpg" width="750" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166252648/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6166252648_f8a4a7e930_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166256338/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6166256338_b4db94a0cf_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165724051/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6165724051_c0353bc4d6_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165726283/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6165726283_5094f68021_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166260670/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="750" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6166260670_461c1a4d55_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a><br />
<br />
I think the pass topped out about 6800 ft....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166264288/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6166264288_c7639299ac_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Yeah, we made it!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165731341/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6165731341_b9c44edefa_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165731829/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6165731829_496cec4585_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165733861/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6165733861_513ac8a17c_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Unfortunately what should have been a very fast and fun downhill wasn't due to extreme washboard road surface. In most places the entire roadbed was total washboard. Eventually we hit pavement about 5 miles out from McCall and then had a pretty easy cruise back to our cars.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165734517/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1000" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6165734517_c481f6e71a_b.jpg" width="750" /></a><br />
<br />
We cleaned up a little and changed into some street clothes then headed into town for some grub and a beer before driving back home. It was a challenging but fun trip and was good to get out and get some camping in. Not sure I ever want to do the day 2 climb again but who knows. A lot of pretty country back there to explore but be prepared to work for it!<br />
<br />
Trip Stats: 160 miles and 15,000+ ft of climbing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-844055721789609802011-09-22T17:27:00.000-07:002011-09-23T20:41:08.229-07:00Vertical Limit Tour - Day 3 - Morning climb and Water World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I woke up a couple of times during night. Once to the sound of Jen trying to cope quietly with the pain from a big muscle leg cramp and once to the sound of a few rain drops hitting my tent. So, I was apprehensive what the next day would have in store for us weather wise. No need to worry as by the time we had finished breakfast and packed up our gear the skies were clearing. Our plan for the day was to ride into Yellow Pine around lunch time in order to score a burger for lunch. Then to continue on another 15 miles to a camp on the shores of the Secesh River.<br />
<br />
Right out the gate though we had another pass to climb (Profile gap).........yeha! This climb was "only" 2000 ft so childs play compared to yesterdays ordeal. The gradient was pretty consistent and while not easy it was doable for sure.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6172271018/" title="Route details by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Route details" height="234" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6172271018_29e386b71b.jpg" width="421" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://http//www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111psalmonday3/show/"><b>SlideShow Day 3</b></a>
<br />
<br />
Leaving camp........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165682473/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1024" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6165682473_000fef9005_b.jpg" width="681" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Fargo near the top of Profile Gap Pass.......
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165684613/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6165684613_86442144e9_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166220046/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6166220046_8e1efcd077_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
While taking a break at the top of the pass we met some passing motorcyclists from Montana who were also on a two-wheeled tour. They were all riding massive dual sport machines with huge metal panniers. We shared stories of our respective trips. One rider mentioned how he put beer and ice in one pannier. This led to some envy on our parts. We wished each other happy trails and they took off the back side of the pass while we were putting on our windbreakers for the trip down the pass into Yellow Pine. When we started riding after them we soon encountered one of the riders stopped on the side of the road. I waved and rode on past him as I thought he was just adjusting gear. I guess he hollered at Scott that he actually had a flat front tire. Scott said he would inform the other riders if we encountered them.
<br />
<br />
As we continued our descent we entered what we started calling water world. We saw creeks, rivers, and streams everywhere along our route to our camp on the secesh river. We were all surprised by the quantity of waterways and the amount of water flowing through them this late in the year. All the streams and rivers were crystal clear. This was probably the prettiest part of the trip.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165687831/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6165687831_2101b9cfe0_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165688851/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="750" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6165688851_b9bc5197a5_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a>
<br />
<br />
On the outskirts of Yellow Pine we finally met up with the touring motorcyclists....we informed them about their buddy 17 miles back with a flat tire. They were all bummed that they would have to backtrack so far in order to get him going again but were relieved he had not crashed. I didn't say anything but thought they should be stopping to regroup and status check a little more often.
<br />
<br />
Finally we made it to Yellow Pine.......and in time for a lunch time burger.....Woot!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165689515/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6165689515_d6796daf26_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165692145/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1024" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6165692145_65e4b507bb_b.jpg" width="681" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We all had a really good burger at the Silver Dollar Grill and then it was time to head to the liqueur store next door for a bottle of wine to enjoy with the evenings dinner....
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165688993/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="750" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6165688993_076f567769_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166224898/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6166224898_e559ac7172_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
As we left town we had a miraculous experience. The road was still tilted yes, but only by 1 or 2% and in a downward angle. This strangeness continued for several miles as we rode along the East Fork of the Salmon River(?). How could this be. We felt like Superheroes flying down this sublime stretch of road!
<br />
<br />
Grins on every face........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166227682/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6166227682_621f41082c_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165694075/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6165694075_5e8d6cdfda_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165694849/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1000" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6165694849_cd7f98b2af_b.jpg" width="750" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166230208/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="750" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6166230208_c7e74790bc_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166233680/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6166233680_877a92d38b_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We then reached the confluence with the South Fork Salmon followed just a mile or so later with the confluence with the Secesh river........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166237274/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="750" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6166237274_076d754435_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a>
<br />
<br />
After this we turned and rode along the Secesh River for about 5 miles before reaching our camp for the night. This section of road was sandy and had a lot of washboards. We probably looked pretty funny as we zigged and zagged across the road trying to find the smoothest patches to ride on. We arrived at the campground and setup our tents in a nice area right next to the river. No sooner had we done this than a forest service truck pulled up and the guy walked over to us and told us we were not camping in an official camp spot and we would have to move our stuff to an official spot. Can you say perfect timing? Then as he started to leave he handed us a fee envelope. Not sure if he was just being nice or if he thought we would try to get away with not paying. By the way, I guess I am getting old but I remember when the fee for camping was $5 and not $10...hehehe! Of course the official camp sites were full of boulders and we had to do some searching to find flat areas to setup our tents. Scott and I just un-staked our tents and carried them full of gear across to the new area. On the plus side though this campground had toilets and even running water........yeha....no water pumping tonight. We arrived at 3 in the afternoon and so had plenty of time to setup camp and bathe a little in the river before making dinner and starting a fire. We all turned in pretty early as we had another big climb first thing in the morning on the last day of or ride.
</div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-5454432176750721252011-09-22T05:18:00.000-07:002011-09-22T11:54:07.474-07:00Vertical Limit Tour - Day 2 - Long Short Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We woke around 7am to sunny skies and the relaxing sounds of the nearby river. We heated some water for our instant oatmeal and COFFEE. Steve does not drink coffee and brought a tiny little plastic cup about as big as a thimble for wine. All this makes me wonder about him although it does mean there is more for me. We then broke camp and loaded our bikes for todays adventure. Scott told us we would be climbing right off the bat up to a pass at aprox 9,000ft. He estimated this would be done over 17 miles. We started the day at only 2700 ft at the river so we had about 6,000 ft to climb..........woooohooooo!
<br />
<br />
We had 47 miles to reach the small town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Pine,_Idaho">Yellow Pine</a> where we had thoughts of eating real food for dinner and camping somewhere nearby. That plan did not work out so well. We ended up doing the longest/hardest 30 miles of my life.
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111psalmonday2/show/">SlideShow Day 2 Pics</a></b>
<br />
<br />
My Fargo in the early morning light all packed up and ready to go.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166182820/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6166182820_d8d32a4d3f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
We enjoyed some river views for a couple of miles before turning away for the big climb. We also enjoy river rafting and kayaking so we always like to evaluate rivers with those activities in mind. The south fork looked like a great river to kayak at low water......well except for the spots that would have really messed us up.......darn!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166184412/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6166184412_8d3dcdc76d_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Scott on the initial part of the long climb.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165648941/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6165648941_049d6a846f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
About a mile from camp we stopped at a small family cemetery of an early homesteader family. These people were cursed by some really bad luck....some brought on themselves. The father blew off two fingers from each hand when a shotgun he was holding went off. He Later became known as Three Fingers. One son was killed by indians after he declined to pay them for some work they did for him. Another son Froze to death while crossing a high mountain pass in winter. And yet another son was killed by a falling rock while riding in a wagon. Only one son died of old age.........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165653251/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6165653251_2ae9942acf_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Ok now back to the climbing.......me still full of energy from breakfast....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165650551/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6165650551_02fca192b2_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166186704/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6166186704_07ffc102b4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165651219/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6165651219_52ab1c36f8_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
After a couple miles or relatively mild gradient we hit a section that probably avg 15-17% grade. That combined with heavily loaded bikes and loose rocky road bed soon led to some hike a bike. I give Steve some serious credit here....he just refuses to get off his bike and just keeps churning on those pedals. I was amazed at some of the sections he was able to ride up......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166190084/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6166190084_4bd0f3f6ed_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Steve refusing to give up his seat......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166194834/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6166194834_020a9fb04f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
After about a mile of this really steep stuff the gradient came down a bit and we were all able to return to pedaling and enjoying the scenery.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165659033/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6165659033_646105f30f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166195554/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6166195554_dbc9b9160f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165665129/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6165665129_abc1a4eafd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Time was passing by much faster than our rate of forward progress. Around 11:30 we stopped to fix ourselves some PBJ's for lunch which provided a much needed energy boost. We stopped right near a wonder of nature ;-) See if you can spot it..........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165671133/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6165671133_dedb330853_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Every so often we would ride past hunters or joy riders on their four wheelers......We sure got a lot of surprised/strange looks and comments as they saw us. I wonder if we were the first group on loaded touring bikes dumb enough to climb this mountain. About 1/2 way up the mountain we stopped at a small creek to pump some water into our bottles. Some of us took the opportunity to pick/eat some thimbleberries and gooseberries.......mmmmmmmmmm.
<br /><br />
Now as we entered the upper 1/3 of the climb the temps that had been in the low 60's started to gradually drop. This was fine as we were working hard on the climb but I was wondering what it would feel like when we finally reached the pass.
<br /><br />
More views from the climb..........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166206144/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6166206144_2728360bb6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Looking back towards our starting point.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166207498/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6166207498_1d15030fae_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Pretty meadow and small camp spot near the top of the pass...........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166208778/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6166208778_df8f78cf8d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
Finally at about 2pm in the afternoon we started arriving at the top of Elk Summit Pass at almost 8700 ft. I was first to arrive and leaned my bike up against the pass sign to snap a few pics. After I took a few pics a strong gust of wind blew through and caught my bike tipping it over. My bike then did another complete flip while rolling down the incline......doh! I was glad nobody was around to see that little screwup. I righted my bike and saw no damage had been done.....whew. I then put on my wind breaker as air temp was about 46 degrees and the wind was blowing fairly strong.....brrrrrrrrr. One by one the others arrived at the summit..........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165678157/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6165678157_bedd433ac0_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166214146/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6166214146_6a3a63e56c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166213522/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6166213522_c5730f28c8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
So, here it was after 2pm and we had just arrived at the summit and covered only 17 miles! We were all thinking we were in for a much deserved treat of a long sustained downhill. Then Scott chimed in saying he thought we had another "little climb" ahead of us......what!!!! How could that be....we were at the high point in the area?! He pointed out a little notch in the ridgeline (Goldman Cut) a few miles away and said he thought our route would go through that. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6171741131/" title="Route details by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6171741131_21df4ae2a1_b.jpg" width="879" height="438" alt="Route details"></a>
<br /><br />
The problem was the road between those two points went down before it went up. Oh well we all saddled up and started down off the pass. We were all pretty sweaty and the air was cold. Going down hill now without peddling all our leg muscles got pretty tight. I figure we dropped down at least 1000 ft from the pass before the road pitched back up towards the notch. My legs were not happy at all with this turn of events......oh baby it hurt bad.........oooooowwwwwwwwwww! I think most of us ended up doing a hike a bike on a majority of this 600ft climb to top of Goldman Cut.....even Steve!
<br /><br />
By the time we all made it through the Goldman Cut it was after 4:30 and we had only done 20 miles. My dreams of making it to Yellow Pine for dinner and camping were out the window. It was now time to come up an alternate plan. We noticed a place call Big Creek on the gps maps and thought hey there might be camping there and it was only about 10 miles away. So we set off again and were finally granted some sustained downhill. As we approached Big Creek we started seeing some LARGE vacation cabins along with the corresponding No Trespassing signs. We were becoming concerned that there would not be any official camp spot in this area. But just as we were exiting the other side of the area there was a small campground. We pulled in only to see that it was mostly torn up due to some construction involved in putting in a bridge across a creek. The one good spot that was there was already occupied by some hunters............grrrrr.....now what? We contemplated just setting up our tents in the dirt road by the creek where the construction was going on but eventually decided to continue on to see if we could find something better. At this time we were all very tired and very hungry and the light was fading quickly. We rode for another mile when I spotted a faint 4 wheeler type path off the main road. I rode in and saw it led to a primative camp spot......YES! I waved the others in and we decided it would do. We quickly went about setting up camp, pumping water, and getting dinner started. Steve built a small fire pit and collected some wood. We soon were enjoying our dinner and the remaining wine while sitting around a nice fire. I think the 30 miles we did that day were the hardest miles that we had ever done.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165680539/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6165680539_c9f737c80c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166215470/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6166215470_56eeaa0084_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166216078/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6166216078_d491d87a27_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="South Fork Salmon Touring"></a>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-14687302539452286242011-09-21T05:50:00.000-07:002011-09-21T15:14:09.617-07:00Vertical Limit Tour - Day 1 - Three Passes and South Fork Camping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Scott put together a loop route through the Payette forest starting and ending in McCall Idaho several months ago. We decided on a mid september date in order to avoid the extreme summer heat. Neither one of us had much familiarity with this area of the state so it would be a good adventure for everyone. As the date approached Scott started doing some more detailed evaluation of the route. He exported the route from the Garmin GPS software into Google Earth and then pulled up the elevation profile. The profile showed upwards of 31,000 ft of elevation change in little more than 150 miles! Needless to say we were a little concerned about this piece of information. I was pretty sure than number could not be accurate but still I was not sure exactly what we would be in store for us. Steve, our seasoned touring partner from Boise decided to join our crew for this adventure.<br />
<br />
We all met up in McCall (5,000ft) at 9am and did a quick breakfast before packing our gear on our bikes and heading out of McCall. The weather had taken a detour into fall just the day prior with predicted temps dropping from the mid to upper 80's down into the low 60's with some chance of rain. Our first day would be our longest mileage wise as we needed to travel 60 miles to reach the campground on the South Fork of the Salmon River. We headed out of McCall on damp pavement for several miles first enjoying the scenery along the lake then along the river that feeds the lake. Finally we started our first of 3 substantial climbs for the day up to Secesh summit at 6,400ft.<br />
<br />
Our Route:<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500px" id="mmf_blog_map" src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=6820285946&u=e&t=ride" width="400px">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/51457364"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;McCall - Warren - Big Creek - Yellow Pine - Loop&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=McCall, ID"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in McCall, ID&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111psalmonday1/show/"><b>SlideShow Day 1 Pics</b></a>
<br />
<br />
Gearing up in McCall. A friend let us park at their empty vacation home.....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165616391/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6165616391_7aba873a57_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
Jen and Steve cruising along the lakeshore......
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165619543/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6165619543_24bf443a97_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165620105/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6165620105_0cba515857_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Starting the climb to the first of three passes for the day (Secesh Summit).......
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165621495/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6165621495_155cfb7df9_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
Taking a break to read about the big forest fires of 1994. This area has been hit hard by fires in the past two decades.....
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165622329/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6165622329_635e13d044_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
After cresting our first pass of the day we descended into a valley with some vacation cabins / homes scattered around. Scott said we had another pass coming up and sure enough within a few miles the route started upwards again to an unnamed pass at 6600ft. This climb was harder than the first with a steeper gradient and soft energy robbing sandy soil. When I arrived at the top I stopped to chat with a couple on a four wheeler. I described our route for the day. They mentioned another climb coming up out of the Warren but said it was not as difficult as the one we had just climbed. Never trust people on motorized transport to give you an accurate assessment of length or steepness of a route! ;-)
<br />
<br />
So, after descending off the unnamed pass we approached the old mining town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren,_Idaho">Warren</a>. As always I am amazed at the amount of landscape re-arranging done by gold mining activity......
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166160176/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6166160176_0b79f005e6_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Post office in Warren...........
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166161996/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6166161996_a24c2ac484_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
More of Warren....it is somewhat of a fixer upper town.....
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165628715/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6165628715_c7eb8d2fe3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Right after leaving Warren the road started up towards Warren Summit the last pass of the day. We were all a little fatigued at this point and this climb proved to be the toughest of the day and also the highest at 7,000ft. Eventually we all made it to the top though and were treated to views of the South Fork Salmon river canyon and distant mountains.
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166164854/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6166164854_8a21cf2010_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
Obligatory Fargo shot..........
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165631329/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6165631329_9cfd4db21e_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We spoke briefly with a bow hunter who was trailer camping at the summit. He said we really lucked out with the weather as the previous night was quite stormy with much lightening, hail, and rain. He said he collected over two inches of hail in the back of his truck.....Yikes....that would not have been fun on a bike or in a tent.
<br />
<br />
Now we started our 10 mile descent to our camp on the South Fork of the Salmon River. We were at 7000ft and the camp was at 2700ft so we had a lot of elevation to lose. The views were incredible but the road was rough and rutted from the recent rain storm so we were forced to ride our brakes hard most of the way down.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165633261/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1024" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6165633261_95f39b7d5f_b.jpg" width="681" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Scott and Steve contemplating how we can possibly ride across all that..........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165635399/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6165635399_9068959b79_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
View of the road down to the river......
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165637447/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6165637447_b41a10cfb3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Looking back towards Warren Summit.......
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165639963/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1024" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6165639963_5e0a861448_b.jpg" width="681" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Road Switchbacking down.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166176682/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6166176682_560e250647_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Finally the river comes into view.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166179548/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6166179548_82faeab19d_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166180182/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="1024" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6166180182_5dd2efa847_b.jpg" width="681" /></a>
<br />
<br />
A little history.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6166180830/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="584" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6166180830_4005dbe016_b.jpg" width="876" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We finally made it to the small campground along the river and quickly setup camp and started cooking some much needed dinner....Mac and cheese with ham. With a little wine thoughtfully provided by Scott and Jen<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165647277/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="681" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6165647277_acb0d710cc_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6165646803/" title="South Fork Salmon Touring by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="South Fork Salmon Touring" height="750" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6165646803_0a35971714_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a>
<br />
<br />
After cleaning up dinner dishes we spent a little time talking about the next days BIG climb as we stood around a nice camp fire. Then it was time for an early turn into the sleeping bags as we were all bushed.
</div>
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-36873765958578562402011-08-22T05:57:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:36:54.467-07:00Two Lookouts RideSean, Scott, and I braved one of the hottest days of the year so far and headed out to Troy Oregon to explore some new territory. A big region to the west of Troy just brimming with gravel and dirt roads. I put together a route that would take us by two fire lookout towers and net us aprox 60 miles of riding. We started the long long climb out of Troy around 9am. We were soon treated to wonderful views of the Wenaha and Grande Ronde river canyons as well as the Blue Mountains.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111plookouts/show/"><b>SLIDESHOW</b></a><br />
<br />
Route:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6069901976/" title="Two lookouts ride route by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6069901976_de203cacec_b.jpg" width="937" height="484" alt="Two lookouts ride route"></a><br />
<br />
Clickable Link to GPX file: <a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3254420/Troy%20two%20lookouts%20ride.gdb">File</a><br />
<br />
Gearing up in Troy........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067695269/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6067695269_0899117414_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
Let the climbing begin....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067699829/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6067699829_4e3b5e0360_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068243858/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6068243858_76d535095c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
Wenaha River Canyon......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067701375/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6067701375_58731edc48_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
After about 15 miles of climbing we reached the first lookout tower. This was a an odd one compared to most we have seen as the living quarters where on the ground and the actual lookout was a no frills metal box with windows. The Tower was on the tall side and the first several steps had been removed to discourage visitors. We took care climbing as some of the steps that were left did not look to be in good shape. We eventually made it to the top and spent some time taking in the views.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067707671/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6067707671_9492287ef9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068781247/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6068781247_cf76d622a9_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068246542/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6068246542_11bb90d6ba_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068248434/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6068248434_e7e9f6f50b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067704835/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6067704835_de19b2cc1c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068781749/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6068781749_700e881f62_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
After that it was another 13 miles or so to the next tower. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068255004/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6068255004_2804d6eefb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067709193/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6067709193_f5f3f419b2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
As we approached the 2nd tower we stopped and some historical road signs and there we noticed a big black dog lurking in the shade. We also found a note under the road sign that turned out to be from the owner of the dog. He wrote that he had lost his dog and if found to call the provided phone #. Sean just barely had cell reception so he called and left a VM for the owner. The dog was quite skittish but Scott was finally able to coax it out. We gave the dog a few bites to eat. As best we could tell the dog was planning on staying put so we continued on to the lookout tower.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067711375/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6067711375_38ec0b7db0_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
This tower surprised us as it was actually staffed. We asked if we could come up and check it out and were told to come on up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068782531/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6068782531_ae2550a3fd_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068783391/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6068783391_bbff733f75_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068783215/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6068783215_97c11ecf67_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068256344/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6068256344_cd99840ab9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
We chatted with the guy for a while and ate our lunches while we took in the views......<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067713903/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6067713903_ed9feae041_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068257760/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6068257760_dc5c3e0bb9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
Then it was time to haul butt out to our next destination.....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068261136/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6068261136_8f94c3951b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
We like to try to avoid out and back rides as loop rides are much more interesting. Unfortunately there was not through route that would make a nice loop ride in this area. I noticed a spot in my mapping program that had two roads separated by only 1/4 miles or so that if we could hike between them would make a nice loop route. I looked at the area closely in google earth and saw there was what looked like a very shallow canyon between the two roads. We all decided to ride out and take a shot at crossing the distance between. It was aprox 7 miles out to the end of the road we needed to cross over from. At this point the road narrowed down to a trail. The trail kept getting more and more overgrown with brush then basically dissappeared. A machette would have come in handy at this point. We finally came upon the canyon shown on google earth. It turned out to be much steeper than we expected and was heavily forested and had a lot of underbrush and deadfall. There was just no way we were going to get out bikes thru that so we were forced to turn around and ride back out to the main road. This entailed quite a bit of climbing in the highest temps of the day.<br />
<br />
Bushwhacking.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067718167/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6067718167_e30cfd18d4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6069331620/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6069331620_885e3985e9_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068784183/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6068784183_3943b8051d_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
Now we were forced to ride back on the same route we came in on. We had a good time on this section as we had banked up 4000 ft and now we were using it all to get us back down to Troy.<br />
<br />
Scott feeling the affects of long climb on a hot day. Notice the salt deposits....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067718869/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6067718869_98fe82488d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6068783547/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6068783547_d5a4f7820e_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
<br />
Final descent into Troy and FOOD! Burgers at the Troy Cafe. Great ride with 71 miles and 6600ft of climbing.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/6067719457/" title="Two Lookouts Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6067719457_1461e804c0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Two Lookouts Ride"></a><br />
Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-2859024955088649402011-07-31T19:45:00.000-07:002011-08-01T05:11:41.988-07:00Father / Son Summer AdventureWas finally able to reserve a solid week in my son's busy summer schedule for a week of fun in the outdoors. We started off by doing a 3 day float trip in our inflatable kayaks on the upper Grande Ronde River. Other than Bryce Flipping his kayak and having a little swim the trip was great and bryce and our poodle, El Jeffe, had a great time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111adventure/show/"><b>SLIDESHOW</b></a><br />
<br />
Bryce in the Tomcat....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5975882218/" title="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5975882218_55865af0c9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011"></a><br />
<br />
El Jeffe is not to sure about this whole deal....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5975883698/" title="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5975883698_4c9e02d61d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011"></a><br />
<br />
Bryce with some Harry Potter for in camp entertainment....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5975888418/" title="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5975888418_2ab76ab4ca_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5975333359/" title="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5975333359_c51042e285_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5975934808/" title="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5975934808_9e47ca351c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5975946288/" title="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5975946288_770e07ac70_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Grande Ronde Rafting 7/2011"></a><br />
<br />
After returning from 3 days on the river we headed out the next morning for the Columbia River Gorge for some hiking and camping. The Gorge is a paradise for anyone into outdoor activities. I am already planning a trip back as you can only scratch the surface in 4 days.<br />
<br />
Out first hike was up Dog Mountain. This was quite a steep trail which was fine going up but put a hurt on my legs going down. Great views of the Gorge from up top though.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993332141/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5993332141_17bf901019_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993338655/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5993338655_3231147650_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993898020/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5993898020_3dc64b4ee3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
After dog mountain we hit a series of trails over the next few days visiting a few of the many waterfalls in the gorge and in nearby Mt. Saint Helens area.<br />
<br />
Amazing Falls Creek Falls.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993909522/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5993909522_5c9bbb3e2e_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993353621/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/5993353621_fe48085632_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
Lava Canyon near Mt. Saint Helens......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993922152/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5993922152_214f75ab18_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993934782/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5993934782_9a214c38f4_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
Ooops only got this one shot of the mountain.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993381243/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5993381243_a6f666577d_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
Eagle Creek Trail and Tunnel Falls.......wowser!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993385341/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5993385341_38af536c9a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
Very Lush......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993956134/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5993956134_1612352560_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
The Punchbowl...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993405863/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5993405863_650c324046_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993960472/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5993960472_c4943dca29_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5993418371/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5993418371_09e3d7c651_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
Getting close.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5995204644/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5995204644_3786727840_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5995200466/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5995200466_96a56b6a05_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
There it is.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5994650187/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5994650187_773510e3db_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5994654231/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5994654231_00e3441332_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5995221252/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5995221252_12f8d36678_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5995225662/" title="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5995225662_4c486b75ae_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Columbia Gorge hiking with Bryce"></a>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-38969029350539935982011-07-02T20:28:00.000-07:002011-07-02T20:28:24.307-07:00Mount Misery Loves CompanyJen, Scott, and I completed our last Hell and Back 180 recon ride today. This was the Mount Misery / Blue Mountain section of the ride. We wanted to check road conditions to see if any deadfall or snow was still around that would cause us any problems on the big ride on 7/9.<br />
<br />
We started at good ole Bogans Oasis and rode the 18 miles along the Grande Ronde river to Troy Oregon. From there we started the long sustained climb from about 1300 ft at Troy to 6200 at highest point in the Blue's. We all started off the day a little lacking in energy and that combined with the long climb and warmer temps caused us a good big of suffering. I picked the wrong day to ride the SS as I was sure envying the geared bikes today.<br />
<br />
The scenery more than made up for our physical pain as we rode thru forested hillsides the views would periodly appear of the Grande Ronde Valley and the Wallowa Mountains in the distance. We had a long pedal free descent down the Rattlesnake grade. We cleaned up in the river somewhat and had a much needed dinner at Bogans before heading back to Lewiston.<br />
<br />
Next Saturday is the <a href="http://doug-idaho.blogspot.com/2011/01/to-hell-and-back-180-gravel-grinder.html">BIG RIDE</a>!<br />
<br />
Pics.....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895401831/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5895401831_3220e0a532_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895973316/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5895973316_43bddcf8a8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895404149/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5895404149_59b29f8e87_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895976792/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5895976792_72f186704c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895407537/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5895407537_748d9626f5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895978750/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/5895978750_c390d96771_b.jpg" width="1024" height="649" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895978438/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5040/5895978438_baef53e252_b.jpg" width="1024" height="550" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895982682/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/5895982682_c9c4e388ba_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895983154/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5895983154_2bc916d85e_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
Only about 100 yards of snow and deadfall remain near the top.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895415485/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5895415485_f442da4123_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895983824/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5155/5895983824_9ee8131498_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5895986116/" title="Mt Misery Loop Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5895986116_34838af7b5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Mt Misery Loop Ride"></a>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-16003791657753832762011-06-26T19:55:00.000-07:002011-06-28T07:11:45.318-07:00A Day of FirstsShort post...to tired to type much.<br />
<br />
Great ride out to Winchester and throughout the Waha mtns outside of lewiston Idaho. We all had quite a day. I had my first SS hundy and Jen bagger her first century ride ever. Scott got his first century in aprox 15 years. Cherry on top was 9k of climbing for the day. Sean faded badly at the end and couldn't quite make 100. I think he had to puke or something (just joking of course.....hehe).<br />
<br />
A lovely day with temps in the 60-70's.<br />
<br />
Few pics.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875594054/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/5875594054_faa528af75_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875596404/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/5875596404_ac2004a380_b.jpg" width="575" height="1024" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
Riding the SS Salsa Selma today......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875039735/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5875039735_79ef6c5f36_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875604022/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/5875604022_fdc5f9cd44_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875605386/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5875605386_5cba6fab88_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875051493/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/5875051493_2eff62d576_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875615130/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/5875615130_fff67a1fd6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875048747/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5875048747_1a76cee8f3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5875057739/" title="Waha Century Ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/5875057739_baa9e958d0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Waha Century Ride"></a>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-51726241581532199672011-06-22T10:23:00.000-07:002011-06-28T05:21:32.227-07:00Hell and Back Training Ride II - Scenic OverloadSean and I wanted to get in one more long/tall training ride prior to July 9th "<a href="http://doug-idaho.blogspot.com/2011/01/to-hell-and-back-180-gravel-grinder.html">Hell and Back 180 ride</a>". We decided to ride the first 65 miles of the Hell and Back route then cut it off and head back up the always fun RattleSnake Grade. This would give us 130 miles and aprox 11k ft of climbing for the day. The weather has finally started to warm up and we had highs in the 80's so this would be a good test for us dealing with mileage and some heat. <br />
<br />
We started the ride a little after 6am from the Heller Bar parking lot. The morning air was very comfortable and the sky was blue with scattering of puffy white clouds. We both enjoyed the long steady climb up the Joseph Creek Canyon. The further we went the more rocky the road became and the wetter as well. With all our rain and now snowmelt the creek was spilling out onto the road in places. Since we don't get to trail ride often I enjoyed the maneuvering around the rocks and water. <br />
<br />
Once up top on the Joseph Plains the road became extremely rocky for about 4 miles. This really slowed us down as we were both on fully rigid bikes. The scenery though more than made up for the road conditions....it was outstanding. To our left we could look down into Hells Canyon and see the 7 Devils mountains in the distance. To the right we could see into Joseph Canyon and to the snow covered Wallowa mountains.<br />
<br />
After this section we entered a more forested area and rode alongside creeks and streams for many miles. Another great thing about this area is lack of people / Cars. We did not see a car for the first 51 miles of this ride.....sweet! With all our rain/snow the flora was intensely green....the photos are not doctored.<br />
<br />
As we approached hwy 3 we both were running near empty on water. I had brought a water pump so we stopped at a small creek to fill up. I started pumping but something was not right with the pump and it was very slow to fill up a bottle. I think I sweated out more water pumping than the pump put into the bottle. With time going by we decided to press on with a small amount of water. Unfortunately we had 30 + miles to go before reaching a known water source. We were becoming parched when we came to a hwy maintenance station. The guy on duty let us use the hose there and we were able to refill before things became to bad. That water tasted so good!<br />
<br />
After that it was a fun descent down to Bogans oasis on the Grande Ronde River. We both fueled up...me with Chilli Fries and Sean with a burger. Then it was time for the big climb up Rattlesnake Grade. On our last ride we both had cramping or near cramping issus with our legs. For this ride I was using some Nuun tablets and some Accelerade powder in my water bottles. Very happy to report that cramping was not an issue this time. Once on top we had a very fun descent down Couse Creek Grade and back to the car......great ride!<br />
<br />
Pics..........<br />
<br />
The Joseph Canyon.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859756419/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/5859756419_06297fb647_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859759505/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5859759505_79315d5c1f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
Joseph Plains......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859762075/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5037/5859762075_5646345ef0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5860322330/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5080/5860322330_d8239667f7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859774425/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5859774425_cba8877f90_b.jpg" width="1024" height="348" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5860319036/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5116/5860319036_4d2c8d9a11_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5860328012/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5860328012_db8d5a7f75_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859784897/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5033/5859784897_b33b4ac023_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859792625/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/5859792625_ffd0a8be77_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859804501/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5859804501_c313110ddd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859810809/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/5859810809_5b0f3d8d8d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5860362078/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/5860362078_a91e1c11fb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
Sean having some punture issues........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859817201/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/5859817201_b72819ea83_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859799729/" title="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/5859799729_722159da31_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Hell and Back 180 Training Ride II"></a><br />
<br />
Trying to pump some water.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5860307310/" title="IMG_0684 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/5860307310_bf0fd898d5_b.jpg" width="575" height="1024" alt="IMG_0684"></a><br />
<br />
Last shot......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5859755667/" title="IMG_0679 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5859755667_f62bdcbf8b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="IMG_0679"></a>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-67998857903746440212011-06-13T05:37:00.000-07:002011-06-13T05:39:09.746-07:00Pushing the Envelope - My Ride with Captain AmericaIt's not everyday you get to ride with a superhero. Sunday Sean and I had planned on pushing outside of our comfort zones and get in a solid training ride for the big "<a href="http://doug-idaho.blogspot.com/2011/01/to-hell-and-back-180-gravel-grinder.html">To Hell and Back 180</a>" endurance ride scheduled for July 9. When I rode down to the southway boat launch at 7am to meet Sean I found Captain America.....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826938527/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/5826938527_4513d1d7bd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
The plan was to ride up hells canyon then take a right on Couse creek and climb the Grade up to Anatone. Then continue on down the Rattlesnake Grade and catch some lunch at Bogans Oasis. From there we would ride along the Grande Ronde river for 16 miles to give our lunch time to digest before the big climb up the Flora Grade. From there we would enjoy the fast pavement descent on Buford Grade before tackling the Rattlesnake grade.<br />
<br />
It turned out to be a near perfect day for riding. We did somehow manage to encounter a stiff headwind most of the day but other than that and a little heat once in a while it was quite pleasant. The sun was out and mostly blue sky with puffy white clouds.<br />
<br />
Capatain America and I ended up with 130 miles and nearly 10k ft of climbing for the day. This is my longest ride to date and beats my prior high mileage mark by 15 miles. I had some cramping issues and Sean had some near cramping issues climbing the Rattlesnake Grade. This forced us to get off and walk in sections but other than that everything went pretty well. We plan on doing at least one more big ride prior to the Hell and back Ride.<br />
<br />
On to the pics...........<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111130/show/">SlideShow</a><br />
<br />
Saw this balloon doing what looked like touch and goes in the snake river as we left town.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5827477874/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5827477874_999f68d25e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="721" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
Up top and heading towards Anatone....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826928251/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/5826928251_d262d29a3e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826931779/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5119/5826931779_ae6b445988_b.jpg" width="1024" height="497" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826932847/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/5826932847_94bf76976d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
Lunch at Bogans. The motor bikers and old car enthusiasts were out in force....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826940639/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/5826940639_9e17d81f42_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
The very green Grande Ronde river canyon.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5827498574/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/5827498574_972b56a9ec_b.jpg" width="575" height="1024" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826949627/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5235/5826949627_8347291e9f_b.jpg" width="575" height="1024" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
Climbing the Flora Grade......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826954441/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/5826954441_6e6cf8337e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
Looking back down at the Grande Ronde......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826955419/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/5826955419_a70eaea1b0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5827510656/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/5827510656_75611634e2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
Mandatory Fargo shot........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5827514970/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/5827514970_853195aa5c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a><br />
<br />
Me nearing the century mark....see fresh as a daisy.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5826963619/" title="131 mile hell and back training ride by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/5826963619_4febf6a673_b.jpg" width="575" height="1024" alt="131 mile hell and back training ride"></a>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-1146603691075449082011-06-10T11:52:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:07:23.790-07:00S. Utah Bicycle Tour - Day 6 (last): Hurricane to Saint GeorgeDay 6 - Time to close the loop and head for home. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111putah6/show/"><br />
Slideshow Day 6 Pics</a> <br />
<br />
We took advantage of the hotel continental breakfast before packing our gear for the last time and heading out. We had 4 people and the bikes in one hotel room so it was a little cramped. Not sure if they made any money off of us for $42.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799848169/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5199/5799848169_3ce221dd25_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
The morning was sunny and almost completely free of wind. A welcome change from the rest of the trip that was very windy for the most part. We were all in a pretty mellow mood and only had 32 miles with most of that being a gradual descent to Saint George. So we had a pretty easy day and no mechanical issues to deal with except a squeaky brake on Jen's bike as we headed out of town.<br />
<br />
Scott fixing a squeaky brake....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800239368/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2394/5800239368_4ab63b64f5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
Few miles of pavement heading out then the rest all dirt/sand/gravel until we hit the outskirts of Saint George......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800245976/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/5800245976_594edb97d4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800252270/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5800252270_024eb4c68c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799697233/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5117/5799697233_f06d036fac_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
In spots there were an inch or three of soft talcum powder like sand. This caused us some bike handling issues at first but we soon adapted and I actually enjoyed skiing through it on my bike......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800258340/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/5800258340_3c28508b26_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
We kept the pace mellow as we were not in a huge hurry for the trip to end....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799718743/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5799718743_d0af18be25_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800278884/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5800278884_4899b64033_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
Overlooking Saint George.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800283618/" title="Utah Tour Day 6 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/5800283618_b9afdf40a0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Tour Day 6"></a><br />
<br />
Once we got back to town we got a quick shower in at the RV park and then loaded up the bikes and gear into the cars and headed to the Bear Paw Cafe for a delicious lunch before heading for home. <br />
<br />
We all enjoyed the heck out of the trip and would highly recommend this route. I would really love to do it again in the fall when the aspens are turning color.Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-72043765967702418682011-06-09T20:49:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:07:09.227-07:00S. Utah Bicycle Tour - Day 5: Zion Park to HurricaneDay 5 woke us up from a deep sleep with bright sunshine and an almost cloudless sky. Could this be the day were Southern Utah lived up to its reputation for warm/hot temps. I sure hoped so as I was ready for some heat! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111putah5/show/">Slideshow Day 5 Pics</a><br />
<br />
We all scarfed down some instant oatmeal with nuts and banana chips along with some coffee. We then set about breaking camp and tending to the bikes by washing some of the accumulated mud collected from the prior days adventure. Then we left the campground and headed for the official entrance to Zion Park.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799743335/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/5799743335_bf55dc34aa_b.jpg" width="1024" height="471" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800298328/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/5800298328_47e7eb2d70_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
I had a good laugh as we queued up behind to giant luxo tour buses at the entrance.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800299134/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/5800299134_9985d02f5f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
Then we were in and cruising on smooth pavement thru the visual wonderland of Zion Park.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799754375/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/5799754375_60b1c91d8d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799753061/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/5799753061_60cbbe2692_b.jpg" width="1024" height="577" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799763499/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/5799763499_ae6a5cd507_b.jpg" width="764" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
At about the half way point through the park there is a 1 mile tunnel that bikes are not allowed to ride through. We needed to hitch a ride with passing tourists who were riding in pickups. So we waited on the sidewalk close to the entrance to the tunnel and after as short wait we were able to get Jen a ride with with two couples in a small king cab truck. There was no other room in the back so the boys had to wait. We were finally all able to pile into the back of an official park pickup and started cruising thru the tunnel. The Tunnel had a few windows to the outside world cut through the rock and we were able to get some cool views of the canyon through these.<br />
<br />
Tunnel entrance..........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800319190/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5120/5800319190_d128ba46d8_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
Scott and I squeezed into the back of a pickup with three bikes....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799775185/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/5799775185_553641053c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
After the tunnel the park vista's became even more spectacular and the road became a series of long descending switchbacks.........fun!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799780861/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2365/5799780861_6c65fd4034_b.jpg" width="1024" height="600" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799780121/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/5799780121_a041345fc5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800342948/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5800342948_59f8bc822b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799797801/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/5799797801_033e6cc1b0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799804121/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/5799804121_bf69c6889e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
All to soon we left the park and had a few miles on the hwy before we turned off onto a quieter paved back road....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800362980/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/5800362980_6c338b9174_b.jpg" width="730" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
At this point Scott felt his rear wheel was wobbling and we stopped to have a look at it. Turns out one spoke was starting to pull thru the rim.....doh! He tensioned and trued the wheel the best he could and that seemed to help but we were all somewhat concerned that his wheel would fail at some point. After the trip Scott discovered he was only running a 28 spoke wheel front and back.....not a good setup for fully loaded touring. He is building up some new 32 spoke wheels now.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800357922/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/5800357922_1236242c3b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
Now is the point in this blog for the obligatory Fargo pics....hey what else am I supposed to do while Scott is working on his wheel???<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800358906/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5800358906_cb1be20bdb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="919" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800360856/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5800360856_76a622712c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="557" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
Off on our way again we were approaching the section of the route that Adventure Cycling called "One of the worst hills you will ever see". Sure enough as we turned onto the gravel road we could see this monster in the distance. We all gritted our teeth and went at it as best we could. We all managed to struggle a ways up the hill but then a combination of steepness combined with loose rock and sand proved to much and the hike a bike began. Heck it was hard just trying to push the bikes up this steep steep climb.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800370870/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/5800370870_12c092eaa2_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800364950/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1438/5800364950_aa6f97928f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="757" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800370402/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5800370402_269015e3c4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799815141/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/5799815141_cc46407a12_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
After quite a long hike bike the gradient finally mellowed enough for us to remount our bikes.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800383422/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/5800383422_b46720c560_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799825751/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/5799825751_c39a14e94e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
Once we were at the high point for the day we stopped and at our PBJ's for lunch then it was an mellow downhill ride back to the hwy......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800385640/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/5800385640_4463e4c23f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799835553/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/5799835553_639834a020_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
We cruised into a gas station/convenience stores and cooled off with ice-cream treats and cold beverages....ah that tasted and felt good on a warm day. Then it was back off onto gravel back roads into the town of Hurricane or so we thought. Turns out a LARGE golf course has been built over the top of the gravel route and we were not able to pick it up on the other side. If we had searched longer we probably could have figured it out but after the prior days ride we were not really up to more route finding issues today. So we got back on the hwy and had a very fast descent into town......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799838907/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/5799838907_ddc3156612_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799846385/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/5799846385_3caab01bb7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
When we pulled into town we tried to find camping at one of the two RV parks so we could get showers in but the nice one was booked and the other one we did not want to stay at. So we ended up sharing a hotel room instead. It was only $42.....so quite a deal split 5 ways. We showered up and went looking for dinner. We ended up eating in this very strange restaurant. The menu was incredibly long and diverse and the prices bordered on outrageous. Then the owner and the waitress treated us like the first and maybe only customers they had ever had....it was a somewhat bizarre experience. The food was good but definitely not worth the prices we paid......oh well.<br />
<br />
We did stop and have a nice yogurt desert while walking back to the hotel.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800400938/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/5800400938_3b3072abf7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 5"></a><br />
<br />
The next day was to be our last as we left Hurricane and returned to Saint George.Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-30704890766282351522011-06-09T07:44:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:06:56.457-07:00S. Utah Bicycle Tour - Day 4: Duck Creek Village to Zion ParkOk long post for day 4.....Scott's alternate route to Zion Park. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111putah4/show/"><br />
Slideshow Day 4 pics</a><br />
<br />
Why an alternate route? Well, because of our crappy spring the official Adventure Cycling Route for this section was still under several feet of snow. Scott picked one of several possible dirt routes heading south to Zion park. <br />
<br />
Our group was shrinking down to 4 today as Will had work obligations back in Boise and could not complete the entire trip. We all had breakfast together then said goodbye to Will. He had dropped his truck here at Duck Creek as we all drove down to Saint George.<br />
<br />
The rest of us packed our bikes and headed out under sunny skies. We came to the first turn off to a dirt road heading south and we pulled in to take a look at the Map that had been posted at the start of the road.........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799855335/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/5799855335_905b2112c4_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
If you look closely you can see little star marker at the top of the furthest right red road #5 along Strawberry Creek. Now Scott official alternate route had us taking one of the yellow roads south but heck we were here and this was looking nice so we decided as a group to take the #5 road south. For a while all was wonderful except for a strong headwind as we headed south.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800407012/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/5800407012_fd6da908b5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799856905/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/5799856905_4a82d6dd57_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800410962/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/5800410962_2dd5cac12d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
In the distance you can see the ridge we had to climb over as our high point for the day. We became a little concerned as we could see snow on the ridge. But we figured maybe the road was clear and kept going...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799858887/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5799858887_b65e19fca8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
As we got closer to the ridge we could see more and more felled trees in the forest. We found out later that at this elevation there was a freak snow storm that had stuck to the trees and weighed some of them down to the point where they snapped.<br />
We rode thru an area of cabins and could see that the deadfall was being cleared from the road and the properties but as we came to the end of the development and started climbing again we came to the end of the road for us......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799861617/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/5799861617_ee424faf7f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
We briefly considered trying to carry the bikes over and around the deadfall but suspected that the deadfall would extend for quite a ways with an unknown amount of snow still on the road as well. Carrying heavily loaded touring bikes over deadfall for possibly miles was not my idea of a good time so we abandoned that plan and decided to retrace our route back to the main road and go back to the original planned route. If you refer back to the map pic you will see a yellow road #65 along Swains Creek. This was the route we would try next.<br />
<br />
We rode further east on the paved hwy and reached the turn off to Swains Creek. Again we were seeing the same posted map as the last road. We ate a snack and then headed into an ever strengthening headwind south on Swains Creek Road.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800416968/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5800416968_8c59c8478a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="657" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799864707/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/5799864707_394fb76b2d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
At about 3 miles back we came to a fork in the road that was not displayed on the map...one route was marked as private and headed into a development of fancy vacation cabins. The other route was signed as D060 which did not match any of the roads we had seen on the map at the start of the road......confusion set in and we were unsure as to what route to take. About this time the local county assessor was passing by and we flagged him down to discuss our route. He told us that either road would work as they both met back up a few miles down the road. But he said that he doubted the road over the ridge would be passable due to snow and deadfall. He also mentioned something about a mud bog that we would need to deal with <br />
<br />
This put a damper on things and started a discussion amongst our group on whether to return to the hwy and take a lower alternate route through Stout Canyon (far right blue road on map pic) or continue on the Swain Creek route and hope the road was clear. There was much disagreement among us on this with Scott adamantly wanting to continue and myself wanting to go to the other route with the Jen and Steve somewhere in the middle. Finally it was decided, or so I thought, we would ride back out and try the Stout Canyon route. <br />
<br />
So I headed back to the main road at a good clip with a strong tailwind helping me along and arrived back at the hwy and waited for the others to catch up....tick tock tick tock...where were they? Later, I found out that Scott was in full pout mode and was not excited by the idea of more boring pavement with a side wind, and was riding more slowly than normal. Finally they came into view and joined me. Seems they had stopped to discuss further and Scott had convinced Jen to continue on the Swain Creek route we had just rode out of. I was somewhat shocked by this as Jen is usually more risk averse than that. We had more "discussion" about this and then a Remotal showed up (A Remotal is like a local, but they are a person who just has a vacation home in the area and don’t really know the area beyond the main road and their vacation home.). The Remotal offered all kinds of interesting advice and suggested that he had personally ridden the Swains creek route and it was lovely and that it would most likely be passable where strawberry creek was not The update from the Remotal convinced Steve to stick to Swain Creek route as well (which removed the pout funk from Scott, who again became happy). So I was like ok I don't think it will work but what the heck. At this point I entered a semi funk/pout state. So we retraced our route yet again.........grrrrrrrrrr and continued on past the point where we had turned around before. Of course by now many miles had been ridden with not much progress towards final destination of Zion park and many hours had passed......<br />
<br />
Back to the pics........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799865533/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/5799865533_461621fb91_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800419638/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1437/5800419638_5a36815250_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800420726/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/5800420726_19629c3952_b.jpg" width="1024" height="679" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
As we approached the top of the ridge things were looking up and I was thinking we might actually make it over then we encountered the mud bog.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800431800/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/5800431800_1fd4dbc64f_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799878753/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/5799878753_1461df4360_b.jpg" width="584" height="876" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
Jen won first place for most mud collected and Scott came thru the cleanest.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800432946/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/5800432946_862a18b425_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800433384/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/5800433384_315aa7ecb9_b.jpg" width="525" height="788" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
That was pretty much it though as we had made it to the top of the ridge. The problem now became the road we were on on the other side was fairly major with many spurs off to vacation homes. Yet the road was not on our GPS maps at all and we were not clear on how it connected back up to the route we wanted to get to Zion. We continued to ride around back there for a while with the road rising and falling but never really continuously dropping like we thought it would. We were all getting a little frustrated at this point. About this time a couple of 4 wheeler folks stopped to talk to us. Unfortunately they were also visitors to this area and did not have a clear picture of all the roads. They mentioned one route, Hays creek, that they had heard would lead to Zion but most of it was rough and through private land. This did not sound like a good idea to me. Well, not having a better idea at this point we rode to the top of this Hays Creek "road" and indeed it said entering private property and the route looked very steep with ruts and rocks. Hmmmmm we were not wanting to go down that route. So we backtracked yet again and continued on the road we were on. We came upon a fork in the road sign that said Zion and pointed to the left fork. Ahha we had found our way out we thought. We jumped on that route but found the road continued to climb and we encountered more signs that said we were entering private property....what?!?! Also the road started to look more and more like somebodies personal driveway and not a through road. Finally as the road continued to climb and shrink we decided to call it and head back to the Hays creek road and go for that. Note: we found out after we got home that we were on the correct route to Zion when we turned back to Hays Creek.<br />
<br />
Saw this on one of the spur driveways....and in Utah no less....LOL!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800426704/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/5800426704_7da2420bab_b.jpg" width="763" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
Obligatory Fargo shot ;-) .......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799872173/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5799872173_bf911792e1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
Heading down Hays Creek on private land. It was somewhat steep and rough for fully loaded bikes but we had some fun in sections.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800428100/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/5800428100_664455e5f7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799883737/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/5799883737_1c8ce271f9_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799883971/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/5799883971_13e1d5d1f0_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
As the road/trail started to level out a tad we expected it to become wider and more traveled but instead it did the opposite and we had a couple of gates/fences to climb over. We were all concerned about trespassing on private land and wanted to get out ASAP ....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799885231/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/5799885231_7b14210f7a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
Unpacking for fence crossing.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800440082/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/5800440082_de454998b6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
All the while time was ticking and water reserves were getting low. We had pumps with us but did not want to stop while on private land. The trail continued to disintegrate and we were eventually riding thru a marshy meadow with only the faintest outline of a trail.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799888711/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/5799888711_ff46a1b261_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800442774/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/5800442774_af738c1357_b.jpg" width="1024" height="776" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799890255/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/5799890255_3048965de2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800448994/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/5800448994_813df7af85_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799896097/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/5799896097_e75dcf9a61_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
At this point I was at the rear of the group and saw them stopped up ahead of me at a gate looking a wee bit apprehensive....uhoh I thought. I joined them at the gate and we were looking at a house with gates at either end......Banjo music from the movie Deliverance was playing in my head. I said, well we have no choice but to continue, so I opened the gate quietly and started walking my bike by the house with the rest following me. We made it thru both gates with nobody hollering at us or shooting at us so that was a relief and we continued on now on more of a dirt road than a marshy field.<br />
<br />
Then in the distance we could hear an engine gunning loudly....ruhroh now what? We again had no choice but to keep going so that is what we did. We rounded a bend and saw a full size dodge ram pickup fully embeded in mud up to the top of the wheel wells with another pickup truck trying to pull it out. Severl men, women, and children were arrayed around the vehicles. We continued to approach and finally they saw us. We said hello and quickly explained our situation. For the most part they were ok with us being there. One of the guys was a little prickly but he was so focused on the truck that he didn't waste to much time giving us trouble. We wished them well getting the truck out but from the looks of it it would require much more than 1 pickup to get it unstuck. Sorry for lack of picks of this but I thought it would be unwise to start snapping photos at this point.<br />
<br />
A short while after this encoutner we made it to the final gate an were back on public land.........YES! We were all quite relieved but still had unknown distance to go to reach Zion park and the daylight was starting to fade. We knew we could always primitive camp along the route so we pressed on. Unfortunately our 10 mile estimate of remaining distance turned out to be closer to 23 miles and myself and Steve ran out of water towards the end. The route presented us with one steep SOB of a climb after leaving the private land....this was a real killer as we were all very tired at this point. After that the route continued to rise and fall for what seemed like forever. Finally though we made it onto pavement and were on the final approach to Zion park........YES! <br />
<br />
Then in the distance what did we spy but a campground with showers and wait for it...................a pizza place......SWEET!!! We quickly pulled into the pizza joint and placed our order while Jen made campground arrangements...then it was time to eat, setup camp, and shower. Then it was time for some serious sleep....what a day and adventure!<br />
<br />
Zion Park in the distance....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800450706/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/5800450706_03bd04ca80_b.jpg" width="1024" height="455" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
Final approach to Zion Park and PIZZA!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799900075/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5799900075_934bf73af9_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
The Pizza was actually very good........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800453738/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/5800453738_92e23545d2_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 4"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we ride through Zion Park.Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-63666498977093344482011-06-08T07:46:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:06:44.827-07:00S. Utah Bicycle Tour - Day 3: Cedar City to Duck Creek VillageThe morning of day 3 saw us grabbing breakfast at a resturaunt then splitting into two groups. One group to do some food shopping and the other to take care of some bike fixing at a local bike shop. We were lucky to find a bicycle shop that opened at nine am but that was somewhat offset by only one person on duty and constant stream of customers coming in. Jen was in need of a new chain and was also in need of a remedy to some shifting issues she was having. After a couple of different options were tried it was solved by a new rear derailleur. I also got a new chain for a backup.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111putah3/show/">Slideshow Day 3</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800460724/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/5800460724_906b7881bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799906889/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/5799906889_4e42e448d4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="655" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
The day was looking perfect until we started to head out of town for the big climb up and over the Cedar Breaks pass. As we headed out of town the wind started to kick up a bit. Cedar City is at aprox 5500ft and the pass was aprox 10,000 ft so we had a pretty good climb ahead of us and at high elevation. I was apprehensive as to how I would feel pedaling a fully loaded bike at that elevation.<br />
<br />
Heading out of town........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799910947/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/5799910947_dc68e3c4d1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800462492/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/5800462492_3eeb5d082e_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
There was quite a bit more traffic than we had expected but for the most part everyone was courteous passing us. As we climbed the wind continued to increase and was mostly a headwind or a crossing wind.<br />
<br />
The route had great scenery most of the way......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799921139/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/5799921139_186f8b2b02_b.jpg" width="1024" height="817" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800475012/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/5800475012_3463d6f6aa_b.jpg" width="1024" height="469" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799937029/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/5799937029_76da91ed1e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799944061/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/5799944061_b01079b3d7_b.jpg" width="575" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
We stopped for a quick lunch at a roadside picnic area...yep more pbj's. After that I was eager to finish the climb and became the rabbit and was out front by myself. As I passed 8000 ft or so the road became a little steeper and the headwinds became stronger and my enerygy started to ebb. After some super strong gusts of winds I was forced to walk for a couple of short sections. I finally pulled off the road to wait for the others to catch up......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799967615/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/5799967615_806ce981ed_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800519350/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5800519350_87fa0ea3f2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
As the rest of the crew rounded a big bend and came into view I was pleasantly surprised to see them all still pedaling and not pushing....though I could see by there faces there was some good suffering being experienced....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799970067/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/5799970067_6c41100000_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
I jumped on the tail end of the train and we continued towards the summit. A few mins latter we encountered a section with some severe side wind gusts. Sand was being blown across the road an one big gust sent us in all different directions across the road with Scott ending up in the ditch. The detour knocked his handlebars out of alignment. At this point we all dismounted and pushed our bikes thru this section. There was just no way to ride in that wind.<br />
<br />
You can see the sand blowing across the road up ahead....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800525534/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/5800525534_efaf6dfdca_b.jpg" width="1024" height="857" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
We stopped to fix Scott's bike and regroup. The wind was still strong but the gusts were not as bad and we were able to continue riding. We did not have to much further to go to reach the top of the pass.......'<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800527140/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/5800527140_2559574ab3_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800528266/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/5800528266_636bfbe72f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="518" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
We finally crested the pass (yeah!!) and dropped into a winter scene.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799975843/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/5799975843_ed9e5c7a0e_b.jpg" width="750" height="1000" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800530080/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/5800530080_8a36158a9b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
This is where we were forced to leave the official route as the gravel roads we were supposed to take were still under several feet of snow. At this point we had a pretty easy cruise into Duck Creek Village our final destination for the day....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799985789/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/5799985789_c2831c1877_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799984577/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5799984577_f4375df8ee_b.jpg" width="1024" height="425" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
We decided to rent a cabin for the night......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799986743/" title="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/5799986743_49af0a887e_b.jpg" width="773" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicylce Tour Day 3"></a><br />
<br />
We at dinner at a local cafe and called it a night pretty early. Tomorrow was a big day on an "alternate" route that Scott had come up with to get us down to Zion Park.Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-84463142351969999382011-06-07T05:06:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:06:17.697-07:00S. Utah Bicycle Tour - Day 2: Pine Valley to Cedar City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well, after an eventful first day we all went to bed thinking the next day would be better from a mechanical and weather perspective.....ummmmmm not so much!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111putah2/show/"><br />
SlideShow Day 2</a><br />
<br />
We awoke to a scene more like winter than late spring.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5799997863/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/5799997863_160d7e219b_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800552796/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="584" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/5800552796_c084cdbfc2_b.jpg" width="876" /></a><br />
<br />
The good news was the sun was shining and the snow soon melted but it was a shock to see it when we woke. We cooked some instant oatmeal for breakfast, packed our gear, and saddled up for the days ride.<br />
<br />
Aaaah the birds were singing, the sun was shining, and the sky was lovely blue...what could be better than pedaling a bicycle through that and on gravel even?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800556122/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/5800556122_1f3a46fce5_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Then this happened.........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800557806/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="1024" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/5800557806_0c4a829019_b.jpg" width="940" /></a><br />
<br />
Jen's fancy brand spankin new uni-directional hi-tech chain snapped after only 44 miles on it.......doh! No worries though as surely Scott packed a spare chain.....uh no you say?....DOH! Luckily Scott is pretty good with the ole removing a pin and re-inserting it trick. Though we were not to confident that trick would work on these new chains. After a bit of a struggle he managed to get the pin in and the chain installed on the bike. The chain was now on the short side and since we didn't trust the chain to hold Scott suggested that Jen should try to minimize shifting and to try to keep her chainline as straight as possible. Jen, re-mounted her bike and started to pedal. Honestly I expected the chain to break again within a few mins but a minor miracle occurred and the chain lasted the rest of the day which was somewhat over 60 miles. Excellent job Scott!<br />
<br />
So off we went again thru more beautiful scenery on nice gravel/dirt roads....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800560758/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5800560758_76007459e6_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
My first fully loaded tour with the new gen II Salsa Fargo....it did great!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800012443/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/5800012443_239c708919_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800569814/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/5800569814_1cfb6c73ea_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
At this point in the trip we ran into a routing issue with the Adventure Cycling supplied GPS route. It was wanting us to go down the middle of a canyon where there was no road or trail nor evidence that there ever had been such a thing there. Not sure how they managed that. We took the more major looking road and it eventually connected back up to the official gps route for the day.<br />
<br />
We stopped for a lunch break of PBJ sandwiches and Will noticed an issue with the rack mount on the Gunnar he was riding........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800572616/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5800572616_8deb01da62_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
The lower rack bolt had fallen out and this put to much stress on the frame mounting point causing the weld to fail. Luckily Scott had brought some extra bolts and misc metal fittings and this was an easy fix to make......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800573134/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="717" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5038/5800573134_1646e555d3_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
So, off we went again with the days mechanical issues behind us for the day......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800018687/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="584" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5196/5800018687_3653de6c27_b.jpg" width="876" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800020997/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5800020997_8a7f2954db_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800030181/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/5800030181_c368e460dc_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800586760/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/5800586760_0d93a765b5_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800587130/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="750" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2119/5800587130_e29e81c5cd_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800034761/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="750" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/5800034761_c20de99275_b.jpg" width="1000" /></a><br />
<br />
We rolled into Cedar City and made camp at the KOA so we could get some showers in. We ordered some pizza that ended up being pretty crappy....oh well at least the beer was cold.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5800590434/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2" height="681" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/5800590434_fdbd59dbf5_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br />
<br />
Plans were laid to stop at a bike shop after breakfast for some new chains and shifting equipment for Jen's bike. Then it would be time to tackle the signature climb of the trip.<br />
<br />
</div>Doug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704230415019169226.post-18202811826308149472011-06-05T20:04:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:05:22.049-07:00S. Utah Bicycle Tour - Day 1: Saint George to Pine ValleySix day tour of Southern Utah roughly following the <a href="http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/utahcliffsloop.cfm">Adventure Cycling Utah Cliffs Route</a>. We had to improvise a detour due to the high portion of the route being under snow still. It turned out to be a more exciting ride than we had expected due to mechanical issues, weather, and route finding. All survived and all had a great time for the most part.<br />
<br />
We got into Saint George, our starting point, late on Saturday and "camped" at the Temple View RV park. Don't recommend this place for tent camping as the grass area is lit up like a football field at night. We also had fellow travelers next to us who decided to keep everyone up til midnight......we returned the favor at 6am when we got up though.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/tags/drg53111putah1/show/">SLIDESHOW Day 1 Pics</a><br />
<br />
Jen, getting organized.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801647366/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/5801647366_9574fa5464_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
The best way to start off a vacation.......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801091617/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/5801091617_fb72a14dff_b.jpg" width="675" height="900" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
Almost ready to head out on our 6 day adventure.....Left to Right....Will, our touring rookie, Steve, well seasoned veteran tourer, Jen sporting a new Fargo for the trip, and Scott the gps/map master, and finally myself behind the lens the un-official trip photographer/beer gopher.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801094893/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2382/5801094893_22654889aa_b.jpg" width="1024" height="773" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
First a stop and at a wonderful <a href="http://www.bearpawcafe.com/">restaurant</a> serving breakfast, lunches, and all kinds of specialty coffee and fruit drinks....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801096117/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/5801096117_51aa03e755_b.jpg" width="1024" height="757" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
Properly fueled up for the day we then headed out of Saint George via the town bike paths.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801101663/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5801101663_86412678f5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
From there we entered <a href="http://www.utah.com/stateparks/snow_canyon.htm">Snow Canyon State Park</a> which was a great introduction to the amazing rock formations we would see throughout the trip......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801681882/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/5801681882_06e03bd1bf_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801688918/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/5801688918_80a4aa695f_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801681098/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/5801681098_3c728b09c3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
After exiting the park we had our first pass to climb over......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801131335/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2302/5801131335_ac941fbfe2_b.jpg" width="1000" height="750" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
At the top of the pass was a large cinder cone with one of the steepest hiking trails I have every seen running up one side. Look closely and you can see 3 people struggling up the trail....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801688692/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/5801688692_274b12a74c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
Next we had a descent into the small town of Veyo. We pulled into a gas station for a pit stop and Jen informed us that her bike had a bad shimmy going down the hill. This was the maiden voyage for her new Fargo so she had not had time to really dial everyting in yet. I looked down at her rear wheel and the spokes on it were visibly loose....Yikes! Good thing the builder, her hubby Scott, was along for some roadside warranty repair.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801691650/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/5801691650_92abe2bfde_b.jpg" width="1024" height="729" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
After getting back on the road after the wheel repair we were stuck on a busy hwy for a few miles before finally dropping off onto a gravel back road only to be greeted by this obstacle....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801694620/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/5801694620_9f7d10e29d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
I almost attempted to ride across but at last second thought better of it. I am glad I did as it was deeper with a stronger current than it first appeared to be. That attempt would not have ended well for me. Instead I gingerly started walking my bike across bracing the bike against the current and trying to keep my bike shoes gripping the mossy cement. We were able to make it across without incident.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801150827/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5080/5801150827_9ec2d2cbbe_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801697424/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/5801697424_b93be9495b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
No sooner that I got back on my bike after the water crossing than my chain decided to snap. I have never had a chain break before but luckily I had remembered to pack a spare so we were all on our way a few minutes later.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801154385/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5072/5801154385_a92ebc379e_b.jpg" width="876" height="584" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
After the chain fix we had a nice section of gravel/dirt road along a reservoir. Day 1 gave us a strong tailwind for most of the day......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801700020/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5801700020_f6eeb82e90_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
The weather was much cooler than usual in Saint George as the crappy spring weather seems to be impacting most of the western US. As we approached our days destination of Pine Valley at 6800ft it started to cool more and more and the dark rain clouds were gathering.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801708296/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/5801708296_7dfa62b333_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
Pine Valley Utah.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801155605/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/5801155605_5cb587a90c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
By the time we all made it to Pine Valley we were all chilled quite a bit. The warmth and good food of the <br />
<a href="http://www.brandingironsteakhouse.net/">Branding Iron Steak House</a> was just what we needed..........<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801159903/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/5801159903_c4787a6466_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
The plan had called for us tent camping at Pine Valley but with the forecast calling for overnight lows in the 20's we decided to check for accomodations at the only lodging in town, the Pine Valley Resort. Luckily we were able to stake claim to the last little cabin they had available. We quickly set about making ourselves at home.<br />
<br />
The weather soon took another turn for the worse and showed us a taste of winter for a short while.....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801162317/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/5801162317_f2a35cc6c5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 2"></a><br />
<br />
Scott doing some more wheel fine Tuning on Jen's bike......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801719508/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/5801719508_0ec7ed779e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
Will rigged a clothesline and shoe drying tree......<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801721858/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/5801721858_9659acb401_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801165283/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5116/5801165283_ca24daab76_b.jpg" width="681" height="1024" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
Dinner fixin's..........<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug_goodenough/5801720578/" title="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1 by Doug in Idaho, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/5801720578_3eb320df2f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="Utah Bicycle Tour Day 1"></a><br />
<br />
After a late dinner we called it a night and hit the sack.......the next day we were to ride from Pine Valley to Cedar CityDoug Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04988932473943827126noreply@blogger.com5