Downhill to the Salmon River

Crisp, cold morning today as we set out from New Meadows up Highway 95. We had to wear jackets/vests, hats, full-fingered gloves, etc., with temperatures in the 40s.



(Cold gear!)

After a few miles of rolling road, our route came alongside the Little Salmon River, and both river and road headed consistently downhill. Except for one section in a canyon that had no shoulder and patchy pavement, the next 15 miles or so was amazing. The best of the week. We got to Riggins by 10:30 and soon sat down to an early lunch.


After that, though, we were back to familiar elements: rolling terrain with a hot headwind. We really slowed down. Thanks to the great start, and crossing over into Pacific time, we still reached White Bird by 2 p.m. after 65 miles.


The bad news was when we drove to Grangeville for dinner (as suggested by the locals). We saw tomorrow's ugly climb -- White Bird Hill. On Highway 95, it's listed as 8 miles of 7 percent grade. We are opting for OLD Hwy 95, which will add almost 4 miles, but hopefully will also feature a less demonic pitch.


We'll see. Not gonna be easy to sleep tonight...