Amazing Views

The daily grind on the GDMBR includes lots of long climbs followed by amazing views of the mountain ranges and then descents that just keep going and going and going.  Here is a view we got between Clear Lake and Sealy when we crossed the divide again.

Eleven Days In

We are eleven  days into our trip, and I have yet to update the Blog. What can I say? We have been busy with the business of climbing hills, then riding down the other side. Plus internet connection has been infrequent and spotty at best, so I’ve focussed my communications on my family and friends.

This trip, these trails, the wildlife, the bikes – everything has exceeded my expectations. Bob and I have settled into a groove with our riding and camping, and we have quickly learned how we want to approach each day.  We have basically stuck with the itinerary set out in the guidebook that accompanies the Adventure Cycling Association maps for the GDMBR, and this slow pace suits us perfectly.

I say “slow pace” because literally everyone we’ve encountered on the trails has had greater distances daily.  The book sets days of 50km to 60km, and we like that pace.  We get up early and ride slowly until 11ish, with stops for meals, then retreat from the sun for an hour or two.  Then we resume our ride until we set up camp around 4:00 or 5:00, sometimes earlier.

I can’t say enough about the trails. If you’ve never descended for a full 20 minutes while unbelievable mountain scenery whips by, you just can’t understand what these trails are like. Hopefully our videos will give some perspective on these epic downhill rides.  

The climbing is getting easier too. I’ve found there’s no point in dreading the sweating. You just have to break down the climbs into smaller chunks, and keep spinning. The reward of climbing over a mountain pass is the aforementioned descent, and these are amazing. Plus the scenery is still beautiful during the climbing. It hurts to spin for 90 minutes straight, but my mantra helps: Pain is real and suffering is a decision.

On the topic of climbing, let it be known that Bob is a far superior climber to me. His muscle to mass ratio leaves me in the dust on every climb. I am loath to admit this, but facts are facts. When it comes time to descend, however, my 80 pound bike and 215 pound body combine to deliver real inertia.  I pick up and hold onto speed quickly.  That part is fun.

I’ve included a few pics, but most of my photos have been uploaded to my wireless hard drive, and it is tricky updating your blog in a hammock in the woods, while deer graze just a few feet away.  More details to come when I have the chance to post updates.

Taken from my hammock.

Who knew Bigfoot carries luggage?

Red Meadow Lake – up in the mountains outside Whitefish Montana

Bigger tires than ours.