Should’ve been 69 miles. Our GPS sent us all over the place. New map, new attitude, same voice. I think this one was hungover.
Thanks to those of you expressing concern over our road safety. Today was our worst road conditions yet – and unfortunately I got hit – by a baby turkey fleeing our path. The family of mom, dad and babies tried to scurry out of Mark’s way but one of the babies hadn’t put its jet propulsion on and grazed my head as it was escaping. All are fine, no turkeys or feathers were lost in the incident but it just goes to show that you have to keep an eye out for flying objects!
Let’s talk about road kill. Not a pleasant discussion, we know, but one that’s kind of stood out during this trip. We think we’ve seen it all – the usual deer, badger, skunk, someone’s family dog 🫣, birds of all sorts, snakes, fox, possum, hedgehogs. When we visited Mark’s parents in Vermont there was a potter who made her living off of making plates and bowls with roadkill imprints. Resourceful, but kind of macabre. Her business didn’t last long but I get her point – the “circle of life” is out there every where you look. We even saw a dead fish on the road. Go figure.
Beautiful ride today along the Clearview River. Flat road, very little shoulder so a bit scary but we pushed hard to get as many miles under our belts as quickly as possible. The time went even faster as we got calls from a few friends and had nice long chats. WE CANT IMPRESS YOU ALL ENOUGH WHAT THOSE CALLS MEAN TO US!!!!
Glad we’re not doing this ride over the weekdays as it’s apparently a major truck route. Hopefully tomorrow is the last of the scary bit for a while.
Sounds like all is going well. It’s interesting that when Barb and I rode from Clarkston to Nez Perce my notes indicate that my Garmin was “misbehaving”. On the bright side my notes from Kamiah to Lolo Pass were “A bending, twisting, mountainous tree-lined journey up the river for 62 beautiful miles”. Have fun tomorrow.
Love the socks, Tammy! Made my day.😅
Keep on biking.🚵
Glad to hear all is well after a close encounter with a TFO ( turkey flying object). With attribution to Eddie Kendricks and a paraphrase, “ keep on bikin”. Stay well and safe. I plan to call sometime this week.
I’m thinking that Tammy was looking for a turkey dinner. Are you really riding or just drinking beer!! Seriously, looks like an amazing adventure.
Loving the Blog!
I’m so impressed with how you two have taken of this big, challenging, adventure! Both how you decided to make it work – with your two friends from the UK – and how you are documenting it through your blog. I’m envious of your trip, but enjoying living it vicariously through your pictures and commentary!
When you started the trip, I was wondering how you would be feeling after a week of riding long miles and lots of elevation, and maybe some bad weather and bad traffic. But I’m seeing smiles on your faces, photos of some gorgeous scenery, and mostly positive comments, despite the recent truck trouble. It seems like you have found your rhythm. Kudos to Mark and his legs for all the miles and feet climbed. You trained well.
When is your first rest day?
Wishing you fare weather, only tailwinds, and wide shoulders and polite drivers. Be safe out there, and keep the photos and daily commentary coming!
Hopefully you’ll be somewhere near fireworks on the 4th? Your trip looks adventurous if not fabulous…and not for the faint of heart when it comes to roadkill or navigating the traffic!! Have fun and stay safe!!!