Patty... Come get us!

DAY 48
Wisdom, MT to Lolo, MT

At this point we've crossed the Continental Divide six times. As far West as we've come, believe it or not, we're still on the East side of the divide. That problem is going to be resolved once and for all today. Chief Joseph Pass and the Pacific watershed, here we come!

The morning starts out bitterly cold like normal, but with the life-giving bright golden globe rising in the distance, the possibility for the day is promising. Even with gloves, it takes an hour or so of enduring freezing hands before the rays of sun warm this high mountain land. The climb to Chief Joseph Pass is gradual until the end where an 8% grade reminds us that we're in the  Rocky Mountains. Reaching the top and knowing that this is the highest we'll be for the remainder of our trek is a milestone moment. I spot some young beargrass beneath the Continental Divide sign and smile to myself knowing truly how close to home we are. After today we'll be under a thousand miles from Astoria, Oregon and the end of our adventure.

The climb up to Chief Joseph Pass

Crossing the Continental Divide for the last time!

Drifting a mile down route along the continental divide and Lost Trail Pass, we temporarily share the border of Montana and Idaho. It's only a tease, Idaho our ninth state, will have to wait until tomorrow as we veer north back into Montana towards Missoula. From here we descend from our high point of 7,200 feet down into the Bitterroot Valley and 2,700 feet in 13 steep miles. After the initial descent, the route follows a more moderate slope along the Bitterroot River as it drops another 1,300 feet. With the quick loss of elevation comes the immediate rise in temperature. In a matter of minutes, we go from what seems like early spring to the dead of summer. A bank sign indicates 96 degrees while Flats' bicycle computer registers a 106 degree road temperature. It's unhealthy to be riding in the heat of the day like this.

Another good lookin' Montana sign

6% grade downhill for 7 miles... It was STEEP!

Knowing that my parents are a short three hour drive west in Spokane Washington, Becky jokingly shouts out to my mom, "Patty! Patty... Come get us, we're here! Patty, come get us, I don't want to go any further!"

What does Keith think is a good idea to wait out the heat of the day? Get a sampler of beer of course!

We stop in Hamilton to escape the heat and enjoy a sampler of local Bitterroot Brewery beer. Back on the bikes we complete the long 113 mile day into Lolo, but not before a rear flat tire on Becky's bike halts our progress. It's not a true flat as the tube had been patched before. I believe the heat of the pavement had melted and unglued the former patch allowing the air to escape and deflate the tire. With ease, we replace the tube with a new one before continuing on to our camp for the night.

Changing a flat like a pro

Stats: 
Miles: 115.10
Average speed: 14.6 mph
Max speed: 38 mph
Odometer: 3424 miles