Day 6: Lewiston to Kamiah, Idaho

Yesterday evening we took some time to explore Lewiston. We walked around the college and “historic downtown.” For dinner, we sought something other than burgers and pizza, so we found a combination Indian, Thai restaurant. We ended up having the whole restaurant to ourselves and the sole staff person waited on us. After looking over the menu and attempting to order, he made it clear that there were only a few things he would make, so we ended up with a somewhat mysterious noodle dish and mango chicken. It was not the best food we’ve had on this trip, but it was something different. After dinner we sat out on the patio at the Red Lion bar and enjoyed some drinks overlooking the hills.

Today’s riding started out a little slow going, thanks to too much coffee and a wayward staple that drained my dad’s tire within the first 10 miles. The rest of the day we were following 12 which was right along the river. The scenery gradually changed from dusty hills to more lush tree-lined road as we began our approach into the National Forest we’ll be riding through for the next two days. We took a brief break from 12 to ride through the Nez Perce National Park, and enjoyed a few miles along a nearly-abandoned road that followed the south side of the Clearwater River. There were a number of trucks along the route today and a lot of boaters, rafters, kayakers, and floaters along the way. When we checked in to our motel here in Kamiah, they alerted us that floating is a tradition on July 4.

We also met our first long distance touring cyclists at our lunch stop near Peck, Idaho. We talked with them over a very early lunch. One was headed from Seaside (Oregon) to Seaside (New York) (he gave us his card, b2bbiketrip.com is his blog). The other had started in Astoria and was ending at his home in Boston. Neither seemed optimistic that we would meet again after we told them our pace, but I imagine we’ll pass them tomorrow.

Tomorrow we are heading up into the hills with an indeterminate destination. We hope to arrive in Missoula either Saturday or Sunday, and we will camp somewhere along highway 12 tomorrow. It’s likely that we won’t have service until possibly Sunday, so should there be no update, worry not. If you haven’t already been tracking our location, the link is my profile on this page.

By the numbers:
Miles traveled: 67
Total for the trip so far: 453
Total elevation gained: 1170 feet
New tubes installed: 1
Forest Rangers constructing a teepee while listening to Bruce Springsteen: 2
Burritos eaten today (pre-dinner count):2

 Views along the Clearwater River. This is what we saw for much of the day.

Our first bear of the trip at Canyon Inn near Peck.

 With a fresh tube, along the river trail out of Lewiston.

Stopped for lunch.

Lewis and Clark statues on the Lewis and Clark campus in Lewiston along the Lewis and Clark bike route.

 An action photo along old highway 12.

Feeling uncomfortable at dinner.

From the patio in Lewiston.