Lolo Hot Springs, MT June 24

Lolo Hot Springs, MT -- Thursday, June 24

We did it! We've crossed our highest pass (5250') - Lolo Pass. It was 47mile climb today for the approach followed by a 5 mile climb totalling2000'. The final 5 miles was brutal - maxing out my lowest gear to crawl 5miles and hour. Since Andrea was having a difficult day with her bottom aswell as the climb, I took about 10 lbs from Andrea's load (her tent). Thishelped her and about killed me.Getting to the peak was a cherished moment. All of us were exhausted andsweating out massive amounts of fluid. While there we were rained upon,making the descent a little challenging. After crossing the pass wecontinued on for an additional 8 miles making it a sixty mile day. Wechose having a hot shower at an RV park, which had more tenters and cabindwellers than RV, than continue onward for a USFS camp site.For about 40 miles this morning we continued to follow the Lochsa River.It was as beautiful as it was yesterday. Today we also encountered two 25year old women who also were pedaling across the country. +n their travelsthey were researching the quality of rural healthcare and had arrangedstops and visits at many hospitals. We also encountered a family that waspedaling coast to coast but supported by their mother in a large SUV.Needless to say our journey would we a whole lot easier if we weren't eachpulling the 40-60 lbs of gear. All in all it was an OK day. We are alllooking forward to our pass through Missoula, MT tomorrow to visistAdventure Cycling, explore the bike shops for a new seat for Andrea andother assorted things.