SAG Day to Eureka

I had SAG from Libby to Eureka.  It was a 67 mile day.  I actually started in a jacket, but it warmed up by the end of the day.

The route meander along the Kootenai River and Lake  Koocanusa after passing the Libby Dam.  The lake is 90 miles long and was established in 1972 for flood protection and hydroelectric power. It was a joint project between Canada and the United States.  The lake got its name by combining the first three letters of "Kootenai River," "Canada," and "United States."

Scenery along the route.  You can see water levels are low and still a smokey haze.

Libby Dam

Lake Koocanusa Bridge -- location of final "official" SAG of the day

 The terrain was rolling hills most of the day.  It was almost a perfect day to bike, although the temperatures did rise by the end of the day.  There was very little complaining after what the group has endured.

The final riders stopped at Rexford for lunch, about 8 miles from the end of the day's route.  It appeared to be an RV/camper community complete with a post office, fire department and two restaurants.  The riders stopped at the cafe/general store.  From what I got of the conversation after I arrived, the cafe may not have been opened for the business day yet but the owner served them anyway.  I can only speak for the ice cream, that was fantastic but I believe all the food was a big hit.

Lunch stop

After lunch, I jumped ahead of the riders about five miles to sit and wait for them to come through.  I found myself under an osprey nest, complete with mother osprey who made sure I knew where her territory was.

The group is still watching for bear and moose.  No sightings yet.

The overnight was at the Ksanaka Inn -- another interesting place.  Motel/convenience store/gas station/Subway/real estate office; and the mecca of all things cycling!  Not only were we there, but a group of bikers following the Continental Divide trail and motorcyclists everywhere!

The Continental Divide group are riding mountain bikes and carrying all their gear.  Someone arranges their overnight accommodations whether camping or motel rooms but the riders have to set up and also prepare their own meals.  They are a tough group!  Their route takes them over all kinds of terrain, not just paved roads.

As you can tell, internet access has become more sporadic and appears it will become even more rare as we arrive in the Glacier area.  I'll catch up as access is available.