Friday, July 16, 2010
Special Thanks.
A very special thank you to Pam Caldwell, the camp wench, and Darrel Carson, camper manager. Without your unwavering attention to every detail of our needs and belief in what we were doing we would not have been able to complete our mission. You made the thirsty quenched, the hungry fed, the sore….well still sore, but comforted and the exhausted rested. The food was delicious, the showers hot and the company the best. Thanks for your support.
Lambo, Jude, Bill, Rob and Irene
Thursday July 15, 2010
Our last day on the trail, Falldorf’s and Lammert’s had a room with a real bed and shower. They come stumbling into camp about 7 a. m. to get ready for the day. Lambo finds that during the night his front tire has become pregnant. Once he changes the tube and tire we move out for a half day ride of 26 miles. Five miles into the trip Lambo’s rear tire blows. Once again we change tires on the trail. We really are starting to get good at this.
Further down the road we see huge bear track and lots of scat. The bears are there, we just can’t see them.
This day’s ride is supposed to be easy. Due to the energy used on the day before we have very little left for today. About 10 miles into the ride we register the 300 mile mark for this trip. We took a celebratory photo and toast with our power drinks. Five hours of struggling on the trail brings us to the town of Ovando and Trixi’s Bar. We bring this year’s Great Alien Continental Divide Bike ride to an end with sadness, gladness refreshment and sustenance from Trixi’s. Thanks again to Pam and Darrel without whom, we could never have pulled this off. Now for the long ride home. Look for us next year as we continue our trip down the divide on leg two.
Our last day on the trail, Falldorf’s and Lammert’s had a room with a real bed and shower. They come stumbling into camp about 7 a. m. to get ready for the day. Lambo finds that during the night his front tire has become pregnant. Once he changes the tube and tire we move out for a half day ride of 26 miles. Five miles into the trip Lambo’s rear tire blows. Once again we change tires on the trail. We really are starting to get good at this.
Further down the road we see huge bear track and lots of scat. The bears are there, we just can’t see them.
This day’s ride is supposed to be easy. Due to the energy used on the day before we have very little left for today. About 10 miles into the ride we register the 300 mile mark for this trip. We took a celebratory photo and toast with our power drinks. Five hours of struggling on the trail brings us to the town of Ovando and Trixi’s Bar. We bring this year’s Great Alien Continental Divide Bike ride to an end with sadness, gladness refreshment and sustenance from Trixi’s. Thanks again to Pam and Darrel without whom, we could never have pulled this off. Now for the long ride home. Look for us next year as we continue our trip down the divide on leg two.
Wednesday July 14, 2010
After a half day of rest and a good night sleep we ready ourselves for the toughest day of the trip. Confronting us right away on this cold Montana morn is a substantial climb, followed by a two mile stretch of grassed over remote road. To get to this trail we had to lift our bikes over a downed tree 30” in diameter. After that it was straight up through dense undergrowth. Our bikes are now push carts. Finally we were able to ride our bikes again and fight the weeds and smaller downed trees. After a half mile we make our way out to gravel road. Too soon we start our steady climb at 5.5 miles, burn baby burn. The only thing saving us on this climb is the unbelievably beautiful scenery. We meet several other bikers on the trail today. Most of them pass us as they are younger and have much stronger legs. Ahead lies what is referred to as primitive trail (Like lifting bikes over trees and mowing through waist high grass isn’t primitive?).
The trail turns to a 6 inch to one foot wide wake of rocks and limbs. Our faces and lets get slapped with pine trees and other wild growth. Then we come to a rock slide area. Once again the only option is to walk our bikes. This time however, it is out of fear. The trail is just wide enough to walk on with one side straight up the mountain and the other side straight down about 100 feet before you would come to rest on a soft bed of big, sharp, pointy rocks. After that comes a wash out where it takes two of the guys to push and pull the bikes through. At last the path is ridible once more. Mounting up we take off with Irene in the lead. The mountain mama has built up some courage in her skills over the last few days. ( She really should know better.) As she tracks down the trail at a 4 mph pace, too fast for this mountain, with Rob right behind her trying to keep up, suddenly the words, “biker down” echo down the mountain. The rest of the crew come around the curve to find Irene down on the trail with her bike up in a tree up-side-down. What a great circus act. Jude completes some first aide and comfort as the gents dig her bike out of the tree. We push our bikes along to get some reassurance and then we’re off at it once more. After four miles of lifting our bikes over trees, negotiating cliff trails, tire biting rocks, and body slapping pines we emerge scarred and tired onto a graded forest road.
We start a ten mile descent into Seeley Lake. Now we are thinking we have an easy rest of the way down, we drop our guard and cruise along the trail, only to be met on a downhill curve by a dreaded gravel truck.
He tries to take on our master of ceremonies, circus act Irene, rounding the corner and bailing off her bike, to bring the semi to a halt, leaving the truck trying to find a gear to get back up the incline. (Ever feel like you should have stayed at camp?)
Rolling into Seeley Lake we find our camp wench and her side kick has plenty of refreshments awaiting us. This night we ate out, visit the local establishments bringing a close to an eventful day of about 38 miles.
*Note: Restaurant food was never close to as good as our wench food.
After a half day of rest and a good night sleep we ready ourselves for the toughest day of the trip. Confronting us right away on this cold Montana morn is a substantial climb, followed by a two mile stretch of grassed over remote road. To get to this trail we had to lift our bikes over a downed tree 30” in diameter. After that it was straight up through dense undergrowth. Our bikes are now push carts. Finally we were able to ride our bikes again and fight the weeds and smaller downed trees. After a half mile we make our way out to gravel road. Too soon we start our steady climb at 5.5 miles, burn baby burn. The only thing saving us on this climb is the unbelievably beautiful scenery. We meet several other bikers on the trail today. Most of them pass us as they are younger and have much stronger legs. Ahead lies what is referred to as primitive trail (Like lifting bikes over trees and mowing through waist high grass isn’t primitive?).
The trail turns to a 6 inch to one foot wide wake of rocks and limbs. Our faces and lets get slapped with pine trees and other wild growth. Then we come to a rock slide area. Once again the only option is to walk our bikes. This time however, it is out of fear. The trail is just wide enough to walk on with one side straight up the mountain and the other side straight down about 100 feet before you would come to rest on a soft bed of big, sharp, pointy rocks. After that comes a wash out where it takes two of the guys to push and pull the bikes through. At last the path is ridible once more. Mounting up we take off with Irene in the lead. The mountain mama has built up some courage in her skills over the last few days. ( She really should know better.) As she tracks down the trail at a 4 mph pace, too fast for this mountain, with Rob right behind her trying to keep up, suddenly the words, “biker down” echo down the mountain. The rest of the crew come around the curve to find Irene down on the trail with her bike up in a tree up-side-down. What a great circus act. Jude completes some first aide and comfort as the gents dig her bike out of the tree. We push our bikes along to get some reassurance and then we’re off at it once more. After four miles of lifting our bikes over trees, negotiating cliff trails, tire biting rocks, and body slapping pines we emerge scarred and tired onto a graded forest road.
We start a ten mile descent into Seeley Lake. Now we are thinking we have an easy rest of the way down, we drop our guard and cruise along the trail, only to be met on a downhill curve by a dreaded gravel truck.
He tries to take on our master of ceremonies, circus act Irene, rounding the corner and bailing off her bike, to bring the semi to a halt, leaving the truck trying to find a gear to get back up the incline. (Ever feel like you should have stayed at camp?)
Rolling into Seeley Lake we find our camp wench and her side kick has plenty of refreshments awaiting us. This night we ate out, visit the local establishments bringing a close to an eventful day of about 38 miles.
*Note: Restaurant food was never close to as good as our wench food.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday July 13, 2010
Instead of yogurt, granola, fruit and coffee, we start our day with Bio-freeze, Ibuprofen and Ben Gay. After helping Darrel get out of the camping site because of his rear end dragging when he went in???? We take off for the day’s ride. Today will be short because of yesterday’s screw up. After about ten miles, we come to our first single track ride of about a mile. Today was pretty uneventful except for finding bear tracks on the road. Day’s total 31 miles.
Pulling into Holland Lake Lodge camp ground at about 1 p. m. we have the entire afternoon for relaxation. Ron shows up about 30 minutes later with his van loaded down in his own mounting bike to entertain us. After riding the great divide all day we realize the great divide has followed us to camp. AKA Plumbers butt. (Our neighboring camper) Tonight for supper we’re having grilled burgers, salad, mac & cheese and leftovers. Absolutely great food! Almond Joys for a night cap.
Instead of yogurt, granola, fruit and coffee, we start our day with Bio-freeze, Ibuprofen and Ben Gay. After helping Darrel get out of the camping site because of his rear end dragging when he went in???? We take off for the day’s ride. Today will be short because of yesterday’s screw up. After about ten miles, we come to our first single track ride of about a mile. Today was pretty uneventful except for finding bear tracks on the road. Day’s total 31 miles.
Pulling into Holland Lake Lodge camp ground at about 1 p. m. we have the entire afternoon for relaxation. Ron shows up about 30 minutes later with his van loaded down in his own mounting bike to entertain us. After riding the great divide all day we realize the great divide has followed us to camp. AKA Plumbers butt. (Our neighboring camper) Tonight for supper we’re having grilled burgers, salad, mac & cheese and leftovers. Absolutely great food! Almond Joys for a night cap.
Monday July 12, 2010
The enthusiasm is starting to wane. It is harder to get out of bed every morning. Again, though we prepare for launch. Leaving Way Fare Campground we’re back on the Crow Highway with Jude calling out from the back, “Car, Car, Car…”After five miles of easy peddling we start a six mile climb of 2000 ft.
What a great way to start the day’s journey. After finally reaching the top we start the long coast downhill before coming to a screeching halt when Rob’s shirt worked it’s way out of his pack and conveniently into his rear sprocket and disk break. After removing his shirt from his break and sprocket we’re on our way again.
Plans were to make today’s trip short and easy. Easy went out when we did the six mile climb, short went out when we got lost trying to find Pam and Darrel at our new camp site. After several exchanges of expletives over the walkie-talkie Pam and Lambo decided on a new place to meet. We had to add an extra nine miles to our day’s trip and Pam and Darrel had to pull up camp…again.
After five miles….again, we start another long descent through the woods, with Rob leading the way and Lambo drafting him we speed around a curve to see a log in the road ahead. The log moves, then moves again, then moves again. The log turns out to be three mountain lions taking dust bathes in the road. After collecting our wits we realize there are three of them and five of us. They could be waiting in the woods now who is going to bring up the rear as we speed through their territory?
Finally we round a curve and cross a bridge and there like an oasis in the dessert is Pam and Darrel setting up camp. Darrel tried to catch supper for us but with the size of his catch we couldn’t make hors de vores A trip of 30 miles turned into 51. DA DADA DAHHH.
After a few beverages, a supper of chicken breasts sautéed pepper, onions, cheese and beans the hearty takes bathes in the river 38 degrees, then retire for the night. Hoping our friends in the woods don’t come for a visit. Here kitty, kitty,
The enthusiasm is starting to wane. It is harder to get out of bed every morning. Again, though we prepare for launch. Leaving Way Fare Campground we’re back on the Crow Highway with Jude calling out from the back, “Car, Car, Car…”After five miles of easy peddling we start a six mile climb of 2000 ft.
What a great way to start the day’s journey. After finally reaching the top we start the long coast downhill before coming to a screeching halt when Rob’s shirt worked it’s way out of his pack and conveniently into his rear sprocket and disk break. After removing his shirt from his break and sprocket we’re on our way again.
Plans were to make today’s trip short and easy. Easy went out when we did the six mile climb, short went out when we got lost trying to find Pam and Darrel at our new camp site. After several exchanges of expletives over the walkie-talkie Pam and Lambo decided on a new place to meet. We had to add an extra nine miles to our day’s trip and Pam and Darrel had to pull up camp…again.
After five miles….again, we start another long descent through the woods, with Rob leading the way and Lambo drafting him we speed around a curve to see a log in the road ahead. The log moves, then moves again, then moves again. The log turns out to be three mountain lions taking dust bathes in the road. After collecting our wits we realize there are three of them and five of us. They could be waiting in the woods now who is going to bring up the rear as we speed through their territory?
Finally we round a curve and cross a bridge and there like an oasis in the dessert is Pam and Darrel setting up camp. Darrel tried to catch supper for us but with the size of his catch we couldn’t make hors de vores A trip of 30 miles turned into 51. DA DADA DAHHH.
After a few beverages, a supper of chicken breasts sautéed pepper, onions, cheese and beans the hearty takes bathes in the river 38 degrees, then retire for the night. Hoping our friends in the woods don’t come for a visit. Here kitty, kitty,
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday July 11, 2010
After a restful night of listening to trains roll by within 50 ft of our campsite, mosquitoes buzzing in our ears and our campfire smoke rolling into the motor home we rose before the sun excited to jump into the saddle again with aching muscles and saddle sore butts. We had to peddle three miles to get from the campsite to where the trail started.
Today we traveled a maze of streets, paved, gravel roads, and highways passing through the towns of Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Swan River. We also traveled through farm country. The highlights of the day ranged from seeing a huge bull elk in the trees which turned out to be an elk farm to being thankful that we were not road kill on the busy highway. We rode single file along the highway with Jude in the back with her florescent shirt yelling out, “car”, every time one approached from the rear. In some stretches of highway we thought we had a crow following us,, “car, car, car.” At the end of 47.5 miles and about 6 hours we pulled into Way Fare State Park on Flathead Lake. Where once again our loving wench and her hired hand await us. Also awaiting our arrival is Bill L.’s buddy, Ron Stickney, with his glass of trailer park wine and his super charged Sea Do to entertain us. After a few cold beers Bill L. takes a ride with Ron. He “accidentally” got dumped into the 38 degrees waters of Flathead Lake. Instant Revival!
While we rest and play Pam and Darrel prepare a King’s supper of cheese potatoes thick pork chops garlic bread and strawberry short cake (complements of Ron). With time to have a night cap then retire for the evening ready to take on the wilds of Montana again tomorrow. We have now racked up 156.6 miles on our adventure.
After a restful night of listening to trains roll by within 50 ft of our campsite, mosquitoes buzzing in our ears and our campfire smoke rolling into the motor home we rose before the sun excited to jump into the saddle again with aching muscles and saddle sore butts. We had to peddle three miles to get from the campsite to where the trail started.
Today we traveled a maze of streets, paved, gravel roads, and highways passing through the towns of Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Swan River. We also traveled through farm country. The highlights of the day ranged from seeing a huge bull elk in the trees which turned out to be an elk farm to being thankful that we were not road kill on the busy highway. We rode single file along the highway with Jude in the back with her florescent shirt yelling out, “car”, every time one approached from the rear. In some stretches of highway we thought we had a crow following us,, “car, car, car.” At the end of 47.5 miles and about 6 hours we pulled into Way Fare State Park on Flathead Lake. Where once again our loving wench and her hired hand await us. Also awaiting our arrival is Bill L.’s buddy, Ron Stickney, with his glass of trailer park wine and his super charged Sea Do to entertain us. After a few cold beers Bill L. takes a ride with Ron. He “accidentally” got dumped into the 38 degrees waters of Flathead Lake. Instant Revival!
While we rest and play Pam and Darrel prepare a King’s supper of cheese potatoes thick pork chops garlic bread and strawberry short cake (complements of Ron). With time to have a night cap then retire for the evening ready to take on the wilds of Montana again tomorrow. We have now racked up 156.6 miles on our adventure.
Saturday July 10, 2010
We left Ray’s Road Side Camp, had to install a better homes and gardens pad to help cushion Bill Bartunek’s buns. Headed out on North Fork Road full of traffic and dust to Red Meadow Lake Road where we started our assent to Whitefish Divide at 5,560 ft above sea level in a nine mile stretch, unlike yesterday when we gained that altitude in two miles.
Contrary to popular belief a bear not only craps in the woods, but also on the road that goes through the woods, as we had to avoid several piles of “stuff.” Stopping at Red Meadow Lake Rob spots a bear cub running across the meadow, only it had a long fuzzy tail and barked.
Leaving Red Meadow Lake we start our descent in two to three miles we never had to turn our bike peddles once coasting down the mountain anywhere from 18 to 28 mph. We had three incidents two with Jude, she scrapped up her shin with her peddle and had her bake stick. Irene lost her chain.
Turning onto Lower Whitefish Road a motorist stopped to tell us he had seen a bear cub one mile up the road only it had no momma with it. Bunching up like a covey of quail we started up the road and never met up with the bear.
Finally arriving in Whitefish, Mt. we passed a bike shop where we dropped about $130 on bike supplies. Then off to our campsite two miles off the trail our camp wench had BEER ready. Thank Goodness for the camp wench, Pam, and camp organizer, Darrel, or we could never survive this ordeal. All said for our 50 mile day.
We left Ray’s Road Side Camp, had to install a better homes and gardens pad to help cushion Bill Bartunek’s buns. Headed out on North Fork Road full of traffic and dust to Red Meadow Lake Road where we started our assent to Whitefish Divide at 5,560 ft above sea level in a nine mile stretch, unlike yesterday when we gained that altitude in two miles.
Contrary to popular belief a bear not only craps in the woods, but also on the road that goes through the woods, as we had to avoid several piles of “stuff.” Stopping at Red Meadow Lake Rob spots a bear cub running across the meadow, only it had a long fuzzy tail and barked.
Leaving Red Meadow Lake we start our descent in two to three miles we never had to turn our bike peddles once coasting down the mountain anywhere from 18 to 28 mph. We had three incidents two with Jude, she scrapped up her shin with her peddle and had her bake stick. Irene lost her chain.
Turning onto Lower Whitefish Road a motorist stopped to tell us he had seen a bear cub one mile up the road only it had no momma with it. Bunching up like a covey of quail we started up the road and never met up with the bear.
Finally arriving in Whitefish, Mt. we passed a bike shop where we dropped about $130 on bike supplies. Then off to our campsite two miles off the trail our camp wench had BEER ready. Thank Goodness for the camp wench, Pam, and camp organizer, Darrel, or we could never survive this ordeal. All said for our 50 mile day.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
We finally made it to our first of many stop-overs. Pam informs us that our campsite we were planning on, didn’t have any campsites. So being the wonderful camp wench that she is, she went above and beyond the line of duty and asked a random ranch owner, retired Vanderbilt professor, working in his yard if we could camp in his front yard for the night. Thank you so much Ray Heart! You are our hero! So is Pam for having the pure wit to think to ask. Did we hire well for our camp wench or what?
So let’s recap our day, we started the day from Eureka Mt. We traveled from the Canadian border the day before for 8 Miles. The finished at Mr. Heart’s ranch after 47 miles of travel. Our total trip to date, 55 miles. Funny thing happened on our way to the ranch. Just a couple of miles prior to finding it we can upon a road sign that stated: “Canada 6 miles”. Are you kidding me??? Is Mexico getting farther away?
So let’s recap our day, we started the day from Eureka Mt. We traveled from the Canadian border the day before for 8 Miles. The finished at Mr. Heart’s ranch after 47 miles of travel. Our total trip to date, 55 miles. Funny thing happened on our way to the ranch. Just a couple of miles prior to finding it we can upon a road sign that stated: “Canada 6 miles”. Are you kidding me??? Is Mexico getting farther away?
. We met Pam and Darrel for a short break and then were on to Hwy 114 AKA: Road of Death, Road of Many Names, Road of Pain or when all else failed it was affectionately referred to as the @#%!@# Road. The byway found us at 3200 ft above sea level and took us to 5300 ft above sea level. The last two miles were 400-500 ft straight up, or so it seemed.
This section was paved with white jagged rock. While we didn’t mind the rock initially as it started us on the “Glorious Descent”. However, Jude’s camera went for a ride right outside of it’s basket. Then a rock managed to slit a hole right into the side of her tire. Soon enough the tire was changed and we were on our way. How many bikers to change a bike tire you wonder? One to hold the bike, one to take care of the chain, one to change the tire, two to wind up the old tire to haul it off the mountain and….one to watch.
This section was paved with white jagged rock. While we didn’t mind the rock initially as it started us on the “Glorious Descent”. However, Jude’s camera went for a ride right outside of it’s basket. Then a rock managed to slit a hole right into the side of her tire. Soon enough the tire was changed and we were on our way. How many bikers to change a bike tire you wonder? One to hold the bike, one to take care of the chain, one to change the tire, two to wind up the old tire to haul it off the mountain and….one to watch.
June 9, 2010
Friday June 9, 2010
The crew started their day from Eureka Mt. at 7:20 a. m. just in time for Pam and Lambo to see a bear run up to some nearby trees from the camping area. While riding along Tobacco Road to Hwy 93 we saw a few deer and other small game along the way. It was a beautiful morning!
Next we were on to Gravetree Road. First stop was a rummage sale. We found nothing too exciting, but some kids selling brownies.
The crew started their day from Eureka Mt. at 7:20 a. m. just in time for Pam and Lambo to see a bear run up to some nearby trees from the camping area. While riding along Tobacco Road to Hwy 93 we saw a few deer and other small game along the way. It was a beautiful morning!
Next we were on to Gravetree Road. First stop was a rummage sale. We found nothing too exciting, but some kids selling brownies.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Day one was full of travel and beautiful Montana weather. We started our trek at the Canadian boarder. While we were excited rushing to get pictures of the entry of Canada and well as that of the United States the boarder patrol ran us off. WE WERE ILLIGAL ALIENS!!!! Go figure....Any way after the cranky Canadian boarder patrol officer informed us that we needed to get our photos and hurry on we took our first leg from the Roosville Port of Entry to Eureka, Mt. where we will be spending our first night. We plan to finish our evening with some well deserved rest and relaxation enjoying the beautiful view.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Packing Day
Rob and Bill are arranging the handle bars so four bikes fit on the back of the RV. They look happy now......
Sunday, July 4, 2010
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