July 12, Stage 6

July 12, Happy Birthday, Brother Ray. Another pretty easy day in the saddle, from Sand Point, ID, to Thompson Falls, MT, 87 miles and 2500 climbing feet. Climbing feet means the cumulative feet gained on the uphills. In total altitude, we were about the same at Thompson Falls as in Sand Point, but all the ascents totalled the 2500 ft, mostly rolling gentle terrain. Temperatures were a little cooler. Averaged 17 mph. Passed several large lakes--Pend Orielle and Clarkfork were a couple. Gorgeous blue, lined with mountain trees. Hawks, eagles. Mostly on Route 200 today, some miles onto less travelled sections, with a few miles of packed dirt and sand. Terrific to ride for miles with little civilization--just nature. Rode with a moderately fast group of strong riders for about 2/3 of the day, then took some pictures, and came in with Bill and Jill (husband and wife) the last 20 miles. Interesting people on the ride. Bill is a physician from Wyoming. My roommate, Sid is an oil and gas engineer from Calgary. Jose is retired from a drug company, from Puerto Rico and has ridden the Vuelta 8 times. It is a three day ride around the perimeter of PR. Lance from Texas is a high school coach--enjoyable stories. His friend, Chris, is a strong rider, and getting over a cold. Giselle, from Perth, Australia, has ridden for years, and done many rides in the US, including RAGBRAI in 1989. It was not long enough for her. She is a small animal veterinarian. Scrambled eggs, sausage, and the usual oatmeal for breakfast. Lunch of hamburger, veggie burger, and potato salad at the end about 2:00. Dinner of spaghetti and salad bar at the "resort" where we are staying tonight. I think I have lost a couple of pounds. Back to the short post of three nights ago, where I was pleased with going 41.5 mph downhill. If you want a visual, watch the Tour de France, with those guys descending at 60 around curves. My descending is sort of like that. Also, keep in mind that three days ago, the Tour riders finished on level terrain, at 43 mph. All of you should be watching the Tour de France--one of the most colorful cinema events in the world. God is good. Because of road closures due to construction, tomorrow's route into Missoula will be 106 rather than the originally planned 135. Shouldn't be too much climbing.