Yogi the bear

Climbing up Lolo Pass

DAY 50
Lolo, MT to Wilderness Gateway Campground, ID (Clearwater NF)

We knew it was going to be another hot day. To account for this my alarm clock was set for 5 am sharp. We promptly rolled out of our tent at 6 am. A 7 o'clock start isn't bad, ideally we'd be over Lolo pass and the hardest part of the day before the heat of the afternoon really settled in. As we gained elevation heading over the 5,235 foot pass, the scenery continued to become more pristine. That is, once we climbed past an ugly burnt out section from last summers fire season. The forest is more dense and lush than any we have encountered on our trek as of yet. Brilliant cream colored bear grass lights up the bare patches of hill sides not inundated by the trees.

The TransAm and The Lewis and Clark trails intersect for a bit

Reaching the top of the pass we pause to encapsulate this moment in a photo. Idaho, our ninth state! Also we cross into Pacific Standard Time, a milestone in its own right. After a quick snack break we're back on the bikes effortlessly gliding down the western side of the Bitterroot Mountains. This may seem crazy, and it's probably all in my head, but almost instantaneously once we crest the pass and roll down the other side, the air seems fresher. A primeval forest blankets every square inch of land outside the black asphalt we're on. The road itself seems to trespass on Mother Natures one last strong hold. Absolute pure wilderness. The road curves, veers, zigs and zags as it parallels the Lochsa River. An echo can be heard bouncing off the rock walls and playing tricks on our ears. It's the roar of the River as it cascades over boulders creating impressive white water. I almost feel guilty riding by this seemingly untouched wilderness at 15 mph. It's places like this that should be observed on foot, leisurely. 

The climb up Lolo Pass...

...was absolutely beautiful!

IDAHO!!!

99 miles? Good to know

We sit sweltering at our campsite. It's only two o'clock. Technically it would be three if not for the time change. I swat relentless pesky flies that have no place in this world other than to feed beautiful birds. It's the 4th of July. Fireworks rightfully aren't allowed in the national forest, and any booze we would have carried in with us would have been too heavy and warm by now. There is a term in the hiking community for a moment like this. Yogi the bear was the master of getting free food from naive campers or tourists. Becky sets off on a loop of the campground to "yogi" us some soda or beer.

For the rest of the day, the road winds along the Lochsa River

"Hi, excuse me, can I come into your site? My fiancé and I have bicycled here from Virginia and are heading to Oregon. It being the 4th and all, I was hoping I could buy a cold soda or beer off of you?"

Six free beers later and a great 4th of July we are two states away from completing our TransAmerica Bicycle Tour! Boom.

Dinner

2 free buds! America!

And 4 free Keystone's! Happy 4th everyone :)

Stats:
Miles: 85.47
Average speed: 13 mph
Max speed: 32.8 mph
Odometer: 3516 miles