Day 23, Wilderness Gateway Campground to Lochsa Lodge

Miles – 40

Ave Riding Speed – 9-14 mph

Hours Start to Finish – 5

Weather – Sunny and 79

We were at 7:30am and wandered around our camp and put everything back in place on our bikes and departed camp at 8:50am. Pulling back onto Hwy 12 headed north with a destination of a place or area called Powell close, which is at the base of our climb tomorrow, Lolo Pass. We cruised the highway with a clear sky overhead, the river on our right shoulder, no breeze to speak of and a peanut butter sandwich for fuel.

The pine tree studded canyon ride was a continuance of the prior day. A simply breathtaking ride with lite traffic on the no-shoulder road. We conserved the water we had, as the safety straws we had were fairly difficult to suck water through. We made a few pit stops to take in the beauty on a couple of the pullouts and even walked across the Mocus Point Pack Bridge and gazed at the river flowing under our feet. The ride was a steady, gradual, climb and we cruised the road doing 12-14pmh.

We arrived at our destination, the Lochsa Lodge. We meandered down the gravel driveway and found our way to the restaurant, check-in building and inquired about a cabin for the night. They were full but said they let bicycle rider camp behind the general store and to stop over there to get more information. Perfect!   

We were hungry so we grabbed a table on the porch and ordered nachos and a bowl of soup. Soon a couple and a young man sat down at the table next to our and asked about our ride. Turns out they are from Kelliher, MN they new my former sister-in-law’s and played volleyball with my brothers. Isn’t it a small world? They were passing through on their way to Portland for a Celebration of Life over the weekend.  Friendly crew and we enjoyed catching up with Richard, Cindy and Conner.

After lunch we check in at the general Store.  For $20 we got to pitch our tent, use the bathrooms and their wi-fi. $10 for a shower. Kim and I setup our tent and Kim went for a nap while I finished yesterday blog post.

Wi-fi was a little sketchy at our picnic table so when Kim woke up, we figured we’d go for another bite to eat and finish up yesterdays and today’s post while eating. We had side salads and split a burger with fries in the log themed restaurant. It will be early to bed as we tackle the Lolo Pass, 1,700 feet climb over 12 miles, with about the last 1,200 feet happening over 4.5 miles.