Red Flag Warnings -- 95 Mile Route -- Rain

We had almost everything today, except heat.  Hurray!! While we were eating breakfast there was a Red Flag Warning issued. Winds were so strong on the way out of Sandpoint, it was difficult to stay upright on the bike.  Fortunately, we managed to ride out of those kinds of winds until the last 15 miles.  Red Flag Warnings are pretty serious in this area because it not only indicates high wind but also high fire danger.

With high mileage scheduled, breakfast was at the hotel at 6.  Again, the hotel exceeded expectations and was prepared early so that most of the group was on the road by 6:15.  

Today was a day to find friends and stick together.  I rode with a group of six most of the day and we pace lined the majority of the route.  Photo opportunities were minimized today.  The only thing I saw was the wheel in front of mine most of the day.  So the potential moose sightings did not materialize but we did see an eagle fairly close by hunting for his dinner.  He was huge and just beautiful (but no photo to memorialize the sighting).

We entered Montana today at mile 35, but no "Welcome to Montana" sign anywhere to be found.  Based on the vehicle traffic we encountered today, "Welcome" might not be the correct word.  Much more aggressive than traffic so far.  We spent the majority of the day on state highways, so traffic was heavy.

We've also noticed a heavy haze in Montana, presumably due to all the area wild fires.

After leaving Sandpoint, we also saw Hope, Idaho and Clark Fork before entering Montana.  We entered the Kootenai National Forest and had lunch at a little roadside sandwich shop that was excellent.  We also went through Troy, Montana and many riders took in the Kootenai Falls before arriving at Libby.

Kootenai River

Rain started at mile 70 and was briefly pretty heavy, but didn't last too long.  Long enough, though, to create a mess for bikes and clothes.  The hotel laundry will be busy tonight.

We also changed time zones today.  We're now on Mountain, so it's a bit of an adjustment after a long day.

Tonight's evening meal is being provided by the hotel in Libby.  This staff has also been excellent and seemed genuinely happy to have us here.

Tomorrow is a SAG day for me.  The route is 68 miles to Eureka.  Forecast looks like cool evenings and warm day but no rain while we're there.  Looks like less climbing with mostly rollers until we get to Glacier.