Slow and steady into New Meadows

Monday's ride was an interesting one. (Steve and Vicki drove to our destination, New Meadows, to ride around that area so that they could enjoy some time on their tandem.) Dad and I rolled out of Cambridge around 8 and basically started out on rolling terrain that gradually gained us elevation. We had a few long hills, but the incline was small enough that we didn't have to stop.



(Up we go.)

That changed after a break in Council. We left there, and after 4 or 5 miles found ourselves at the foot of Fort Hall Hill (a local in Council had warned us about it). It wasn't even marked on the ACA map, a fact that I might alert them to when we get to Missoula.

We probably spent 2 hours going up 6 miles. Truck traffic on Highway 95 is pretty intense, and there was very little shoulder to speak of (see the Flickr photos). So it was really draining mentally, too.

After cresting that hill, it was back to the rolling stuff, although this time it was through forested highway, so at least we had some shade. We reached New Meadows around 2:30.

Another tough day, but I think Dad and I were at least pacing ourselves so that we both could get through the ride. We'll see what Tuesday brings.