Backing off the pace

    Yesterday 31 miles, today 26; the mountain passes are taking a toll on my legs.  My chainring granny gear just isn't small enough to get me up the steep grades without me having to push the bike more often than I like. At least tomorrow  is down hill to Riggins or White Bird. 

      Today I found another great place to stay, red carpet treatment. Ann Rush, who I met three days back with her brother Jim, at a national park pull over by reservoir just over the stateline into Idaho.  I had just finished lunch and was heading out when She greeted me asking where I was headed. After briefing her on my adventure, she gave me her address and  told me to give her a call when I made it to New Meadow. Getting to New Meadow was easy enough but McCull, where Ann and Jim lived, was a one thousand foot climb over eleven miles. We called them and the drive down in there car and van.  They loaded my bike up along Greg Wilson's bike, fourth year college student. Once at Ann's house, a very nice house. we were given our rooms and bath and dined like gods. McCull is an upscale town which apparently was a hippy hang out years back.  Ann, Jim and two of their friends had a small dinner party with linen and silver service. Beer, wine, great food, nice people, not much more I could ask for.

    The next day, Ann laid out a delicious breakfast and made us a lunch for the road.  With clean clothes on our back, we flew down hill to New Meadow.  Jim and Ann even gave us a contact where we might stay in Riggins.  

      Now, pray for good roads, considerate drivers and smooth sailing.