The distance between Lowell, ID and Missoula, MT was a bit too much for one day as it also includes a mountain pass that is over 5100’ above sea level. So we decided to break up the distance and do 65 miles of gradual climbing and stay at Lochsa Lodge.  We would be riding beside a fast moving river the entire day in beautiful scenery.  Our challenge was going to be weather.  The forecast called for rain most of the day and falling temps.  We left about 8am. Had a nice ride until about 9 when it started raining hard.  I was completely soaked but warm as long as I kept riding.  So, no breaks for the next hour and a half.  The rain ended and the sun popped out for about 30 minutes.  Then it clouded up and started with some light rain.  Then some snow flurries.  Then sun, then drizzle,  then a stretch of more light clouds.  Then drizzle and then a little more sun. Since we were in a deep river valley with high mountains on each side you could never see the weather coming until it started. Finally had a break in the weather and found a cool walking bridge that crosses the river to give access to the hiking trails on the other side.  Grabbed a big rock and made a couple sandwiches for lunch.   It started to cloud again so headed off, and then it started snowing a bit.  Then rain, and then cloudy and then a big burst of snow and wind.  The gust came out of nowhere and pushed me towards the side of the road so I stopped to see what was going on. Up to this point we had light winds all day.  A second big gust hit and I heard a huge snap, crashing and the ground shook with a big thud.  I didn’t see it, but a big tree blew down just off the road.  Since I was in clearing and a wide spot of the road I waited.  Then just as quickly as the gust came, the wind died down and the snow stopped.  I started up again without issue.  

The Bitterroot Mountain weather is unpredictable.   The cool part is that this was where Lewis and Clark came in 1805 and found the Nez Pierce tribe.  They also had trouble with the weather and getting over the mountains.  I rode past a pond where they stayed and where they eventually left from to continue West with Nez Pierce guides.

A few miles later I arrived at the lodge we were staying at and unpacked for the day and got warm and dry. I had climbed from about 1,700’ elevation to 3,500’ over 66 miles. Well positioned for Day 15 and the next mountain (Lolo Pass) to cross. Once over the pass it will be downhill to Missoula, MT!