Day 6-10 Couer d' Alene ID - Missoula MT

Day 6 June 16th Spokane, WA - Couer d' Alene, ID

Today was the easiest ride so far. We had a 35 mile ride on a bike path to cross the Washington-Idaho border. We racked our bikes on the support vans and headed to Camp Swevolakan located on lake Couer d'Alene. We had to take a pontoon boat to get to the camp so it was interesting loading all of our stuff on the boat. I think that was a first for the Journey of Hope. Camp Swevolaken just started their staff training week. The staff was extremely nice but somewhat interesting. Let's just say it was a lot different than Kanukuk. We took a tour of the camp and got to enjoy some down time. We all slept in cabin type huts that weren't enclosed. Overall, it was an interesting experience and great memory maker.


Day 7 June 17th Couer d' Alene, ID - Kellogg, ID (pop. 2,395)

Today it took a while to get our stuff back on the boat and across the lake and onto the vans. Once we got started, we took some beautiful back roads through the rolling hills of Idaho. We eventually got to an old rail road that was made into a bike path and would take us the rest of the way to Kellogg. The weather continued to be beautiful and provided a nice cool breeze for out ride. We arrived in Kellogg and set up camp at the local highschool. After we showered, we headed to a sponsored dinner at the Broken Wheel Resteraunt. It was an oldschool steak and seafood place that was 20 years late on decoration. But, we all got steaks and it was a really fun dinner with the guys. That night we went to the local pub to watch the Celtics win the NBA Championship. Another great day but my knee started to really hurt. I think the overuse is starting to make it ache.

Day 8 June 18th Kellogg, ID - Paradise, MT (pop. 184)

State number 3? Check! Today will probably be the hardest day we will have all summer. What originally was supposed to be an 85 mile day turned into a 107 mile day. We had to take a different route due to bad roads and not wanting to ride the interstate. We climbed 2 passes which totalled 4,000 feet for the day. From 7 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, we had finally made it to Paradise. Only two of my teamates had to rack their bikes due to injuries. Our project manager predicted only a handful of us would finish the day. I was so proud of our team and the hard work we all put in. The good news is that we got to stay at a random Hot Springs resort and enjoy a nice bison burger to go along with a nice soak in the Hot Springs. Not to mention a nice big bed. The bad part is that I pushed through my aching knee and we had to get up at 5:30a.m. to ride 75 miles to Missoula.

Day 9 June 19th Paradis, MT - Missoula MT (pop, 64,081)

When I woke up this morning, my knee was not feeling to hot. I thought I might be able to warm it up and get it going but after the first two miles, I was in a lot of pain and couldn't finish the day. I racked my bike and joined the crew guys to help with crew stops. Several other guys ended up falling out during the day. The 107 miles yesterday really took it out of everyone. We arrived in Missoula, MT (where they filmed A River Runs Through It) and enjoyed a nice barbeque provided by Adventure Cycling. Adventure Cycling is a company that provides resources for cyclist who want to go on tours or adventures. They make routes and maps for all kinds of adventures. The head of adventure cycling and his wife road there bikes from Anchorage, Alaska to Argentina! A 2 year trip! It was a really cool place and neat to see some history of other people who have done crazy bicycle tours like us. Tonight, we had a freindship visit with a local home. Most of the attendees have pretty severe disabilites. Alot of them suffered traumatic brain injuries. I helped cook burgers but also got to hang out with a man named Ron. Ron was a part of the Hell's Angels and was severely injured in a Motorcycle accident. It really put things into perspective knowing that most of these people's lives changed dramitcally in one moment. They have some of the hugest hearts.


Day 10 June 20th Missoula, MT (Day Off)

We didn't have anything planned today so I got some much needed rest. After waking up, I headed to a local laundry mat to do laundry, use the interent, and make some phone calls. It's great to take a deep breath and get some down time. My knee is feeling much better today and feels good enough for the 80 mile ride tomorrow.


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