8/24/2006 - Clearwater Crossing Fishing Access, 61.27 miles.

This is my last full day of biking. I didn't make it all the way to Lebrecht, 9 miles further, as originally oped for - partly because the traffic got to be very heavy and partly because there developed a very strong headwind (about headwinds - I get strong headwinds almost part of every day. Fortunatley, thus far, the wind usually last an hour or so - and is not one of those all day long ones...) and I didn't want to wait it out before biking the last 9 miles. I decided to stay here in Clearwater Crossing instead. Because I didn't quite make it, I will be biking over 40 miles tomorrow to get the Missoula, and ultimately to the Avis parking lot at the airport. That's ok - it should still be an easy day, with a little climb to near Morrison Mt. before descending all the way to Missoula.

Today's campsite is much better than yesterday's in the sense that it is much more open and brighter. Yesterday's campsite, though beautiful, had a darkness about it - especially near those broken old outhouses.... I am glad to be here. I hiked around here a little and took many pictures.

Today's ride was ok - nothing spectacular. With proper riding form, my knee felt great all day long though I sometimes feel that my hands gets more easily tinglish today. The forested roads were pretty as promised - in a country wooded but not necessarily grand way. Besides, after a while, it is the rhythm of biking, not the scenary, that is more important, and my rhythm today was ok today. The slow morning climb was a little draining, with me taking about 4 5/6 hours to do 45 miles. But otherwise, I have no complaint - except a little sadness and regret that I am to prematurely end my bike trip tomorrow.