Columbia Falls to Holland Lake. Up, up, and away!!

Well, after a full day yesterday, today brought us another “opportunity to excel” as they always told me at work when some huge challenge lied ahead

We started out the day at Cowgirl Coffee, and it was a perfect start

Then it was paved miles to start the day. About 30 miles or so, with as many turns!

We started out the day under beautiful clear skies and it stayed that way the whole day!

This was really the first day Luke and I could ride side-by-side and talk about life and whatever crossed our minds. Food, food crossed our minds so when we got to Echo Lake about 30 miles down the road, it was time for breakfast!

Then the task turned to climbing, about 7000’ of it as we made our way south towards Holland Lake. Not a lot to show, because I was looking at the ground on climbs for most of the day. No enormous si glen limbs, just an endless array of wooded uphills followed by a brief downhill before another climb. Endless.

I was feeling ok and really surprised as we (not surprised by Luke!) passed several riders, never to see them again. As anyone who rides with me will tell you, I don’t fly up hill! 🤣

As we got within a mile or so of our intended camp site, I cratered, bonked, cracked…(insert your verb herein!). A n energy gel got me to the campsite and all the millions of 🦟 waiting there for us.

A quick meal and a slight clean-up and it was off to bed.

Tomorrow is a huge test for me mentally. Richmond Peak is where I cracked and abandoned the ride in 2023. Time will tell…

Thanks for following along!

Ride on!

Shane