5866

miles from start to finish, over a period of 17 days. That works out to 345 miles per day, average. Considering that I spent 3 days in MN not riding much, and 3 days in MT hanging out at Paul & Kim's cabin, that's pretty darn good.

I'm home now - I made it home yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. I'm tired, happy to be home, and happy for how the trip went.

Tuesday started off cold - there was ice on my tent when I packed it up. No wonder I was shivering in my 30 degree sleeping bag! I lay awake for a couple hourse, before getting up as the eastern sky was starting to lighten. It was about 5:30 by the time I had my bike packed and hit the road. I'd spent the night off a dirt road in a national forest about 50 miles south of West Yellowstone in Idaho. From there I headed north towards Missoula, then west towards Lewiston.

Highway 12 between Missoula and Lewiston, over Lolo Pass, is truly amazing. Almost 200 miles of curvy mountain roads. The only downside is that it came at the end of a 500-mile day, and I was a bit tired. It also took a bit longer than I expected. I think my speeds were closer to 45-50 mph, than the 75 I'd been doing elsewhere.

In any case, I finally made it to Lewiston, and met one of Dad's cousins for the first time. Mona and her husband Bill graciously offered me a bed for the night, despite the fact that they were busy with Mona's mother. Avis (Mona's mother, Dad's aunt) fell and broke her hip the day before I got to Lewiston, so their schedule was a bit hectic. In any cace, I had a wonderful time talking to them over dinner, had a restful sleep, and a great breakfast before getting back on the bike.

Since I was a bit road-weary, I scrapped my planned route by Mount Ranier, and headed directly towards Portland. I think it was a good idea - the weather turned nasty, and I had heavy winds all day, and an hour or so of rain. Ugh. I was beat by the time I made it home.

All in all, it was a great trip. I wasn't as lonely as I'd feared, and my body was adjusting fairly well by the time it ended. The advil was still needed, though.....

Thank you all, those who supported me both directly and indirectly on this trip. It was much less lonely on the road due to you. And Dad, I hope this didn't take too many years off, or cost you much hair.....

It's good to be home. Did I say that already?