Riding the Route of the Hiawatha Trail - Call it a review/recommendation

Something a little different, but worth the time

I'd heard about this rail grade in Idaho, somewhere up toward Coeur d'alene, that had a bunch of tunnels and trussel.  We got looking at it late in the season last year, but couldn't quite pull it off before they closed for the season.  I should know better than to put any ideas in the head of my better half, as it will happen before I know it.  Turns out, the trail is absolutely spectacular.  It's really not much of a bike ride, as it is only 15 miles from one end to the other, but what a fantastic experience.

East Portal - St. Paul Pass tunnel, starting point of the "Route of the Hiawatha Trail"

The ride itself is pretty gentle. Where it is a former rail grade, it generally stays under 2%, with only a couple places pushing toward 4%.  Most of the road is well kept, albeit a tad rough with the small rock that make up most of the surface.  There is nothing, and I mean nothing technical about this ride.  You'll see everything from gravel bikes, to mountain bikes, to basic garage bikes.  A lot of families with either tag-alongs, or trailers for little kids.  I'd say about 75% - 80% of the people that do this ride, do it from the top to the bottom only - taking a shuttle back to the west portal at St. Paul pass..  They ride it kind of like an amusement park ride.  Doing this misses most of what there is to take in.

Right from the very beginning, the tunnel at St. Paul pass (west portal shown above), sets the tone for what will be a very cool (literally and figuratively) experience.  This tunnel is by far the longest at 1.66 miles.  It is dark - absolute darkness.  It is also wet and rather cool.  Throughout the tunnel there are many water "sources" pouring all around.  If you look closely at the stream on the right-hand side above, you'll see about half of the water that drains from the tunnel - about 1,500 gallons per minute.  Long finger gloves, light rain-gear and a very good light are a good idea.  I would suggest at least 5000 lumens.  It is something to experience by itself.

The remaining tunnels are not nearly as long at St. Paul pass, but you'll still need lights.  I would recommend a head mounted light, rather than a bike mounted device.  There are numerous artifacts to see in these tunnels, including the story board kiosk in St. Paul that will be hard to examine without a head mounted light.

Distant Trussel from Trussel above.

The trussels themselves are pretty cool.  As you pass from one, toward, or away from the others, you will see other trussels a fair distance away, illustrating how far you have to ride in the elevation relief.  Looking at the construction, given the era in which they were constructed, that by itself is amazing.

The view along along this ride is absolutely beautiful.  Simply riding straight down to the shuttle pick-up is a shame.  Once you start looking around, you'll find yourself stopping every five minutes for a picture, or simply to take in the beauty around you.

The ride in between trussels and tunnels, is beautiful as well.  All along this trail there are numerous story board kiosks that provide a lot of interesting information.  If you take the time look, you'll also notice many artifacts not included in any of the "official" stuff.  It is well worth the time to simply just take in all that surrounds you along this trail.

End of the trail at the shuttle pick-up

 I recommend this tail to pretty much anyone that enjoys the outdoors and can appreciate history. This is not a bike ride, but a trail tour on a bike.  Don't do it for the bike ride alone.  It's not a bike ride.  I think most people miss most of the fascinating details that adorn this trail, by just riding down to the shuttle pick-up.  I recommend riding down to the shuttle pick-up, having a little something to eat and then taking the rest of the day getting back to the beginning.  If you save all the stopping for the ride back, you'll do so often enough you won't get tired.  Although it is up hill, it is pretty gentle and hardly noticeable.  Given that you are stopping pretty much every five minutes, it will take you several hours to get back.  If you are physically incapable of riding back to the top, take all the time to get to the bottom while taking in all the details.  Be aware, the wait for the shuttle certain times of the year can be lengthy.  Add to that, the ride back to the St. Paul pass tunnel can be 45 -55 minutes on a modified school bus - albeit in absolute stunning scenery.  You'll still have to ride the 1.66 mile tunnel back to the beginning.

Front desk at the Ryan Hotel, Wallace, Idaho

The beginning of the trail is in Montana.  Although you can purchase trail tickets at several locations, the trail "HQ" is at Lookout Pass Montana - directly on the Montana/Idaho boarder.  The nearest serviceable town is Wallace, Idaho.  A pretty cool little place, but somewhat limited in accommodations.  There is a little hotel called the Ryan.  It is very rustic, but extremely clean and comfortable.  It is literally right out of the late 1930's, early 1940's.  I also recommend this location as part of the experience.  Please visit the Ryan and tell Donna the Porpoise sent you that way.  You will not be disappointed.
Click here for the Ryan Website

So..........this is a little different, but I'd invite everyone to try this little experience.  Regardless of your ability. there is a way to make it happen.  If you haven't ridden a bike for a while, take a little time to re-familiarize yourself with that experience.  Dress in light layers and know your gear.  Carry enough water, as I'm sure there are times it may get warm up there.  Carry some snacks if not a simple lunch.  They do have hot dogs at the bottom of the trail, but everything is cash only.  You can also purchase some trail snacks and drinks at the bottom.  There are a couple limited water sources along the way, but don't depend on those for your needs.  Bike rentals are kind of sketchy.  I'd make sure you know what kind of bikes you will be getting with a rental (better yet, take your own bike).  The trail marshals were pretty much non-existent during our visit (second to last day of the season).  Be prepared.  You're not in the back country - completely isolated, but don't ruin the experience by having mechanical problems.  Good head lamps are a must.  You can purchase darn good LED, high-power devices on Amazon for under $30 USD.  Good to have anyway.  Most of all; start early and take your time.  Take all day if possible.  It is very relaxed and can be a great retreat from life.  The trail opens at 08:30 and closes at 17:30.  Keep in mind, that part of Idaho is in the Pacific Time Zone, while Montana is in the Mountain Time Zone.  Trail times are all Montana, even though most of the trail is in Idaho (the entrance is in Montana).  It is a long drive to get there, unless you live in Butte, but who lives in Butte?  It is directly off of I-90, about 90 minutes west of Missoula, Montana.

Do it right, and I promise you'll be glad you took the time.

Stick around.  Plenty of dirt riding to be had.

Okay, so the 70's had it's strange moments. Click here for a little Slade - Run Runaway

Ride HARD!

Race Summary-2019

I hope ya'll enjoyed the little gift.  I decided to leave that post for a while and it appears to have had quite a few views.  What a great way to start the day.  I seriously had that in my head ALL DAY!

Generally speaking, this year was completely different.  From the loss of a principle donor, to limited rides.  All things considered, it seemed I got exactly what I needed, when needed - from start to finish.  There is stuff I need to do for next year, but I'll worry about that later.

The Start to Montpelier

At start time, we had nearly 60 riders in our assigned group.  Everything from some dang good riders, to the lowly Cat V's, like myself.  At the line, nobody wanted to be upfront.  There was seriously a five-foot gap between the starting line and the group.  From the start the group really never did form-up well.  The front of the pack was dangerously mixed.  About 1/3 the way back, it finally got into two lines.  This was too much like 2015 when we had the big crash 24 miles out.  We reeled in several stragglers early which was kind of weird.  At least one of our guys fell off before Preston, which again was very odd.  At the point where the Sportive riders met with us, we had a very large group.  The first two climbs just before Riverdale was a bit nerve racking.  Somehow, on the last climb prior to the fast descent, I fell way to the back of both groups and found myself trying to catch up on the downhill.  At the turn, I knew I would be in no-mans-land if I couldn't catch them, so I spent about 15 minutes trying to close the gap.  Every time I would get closer, they would gap me again.  I finally knew my limits, and realized I would be stupid to think I could afford to spend that kind of energy that early.  I let them go and settled into to what I knew would be a lonely climb to the top.  The groups I could catch were too slow.  The groups that came by, were too fast.  That's what happens in the early part of the race.  But for me, my race was over - 20+ miles sooner than I would have liked.  For the next hour, I counted as the groups behind me managed to catch and pass me, until I got to the false summit.  Coming over the top, I passed the neutral feed zone (as usual) and set my sights on the first fast group to come around me.  Right off the top, at the big curve, a string of maybe 25, mixed and very fast riders came to my left.  I simply couldn't position myself to catch a wheel - safely.  At this point, we had a real race and I was losing.  I pushed it hard trying to make the gap, but again, they were just a tad far and way fast.  I had to settle for some smaller, less aggressive groups, that still got me into Montpelier feeling healthy, but a little defeated.  In the end, several of the guys that stayed on the main group fell behind me, due to the energy they spent trying to hang on.

Montpelier to Afton

Out of Montpelier, I managed to get over Geneva summit without any problems.  My max speed came on this descent at only 52 MPH.  The hop over to salt River and KOM was not too bad either.  I did stop for a maybe a minute to get water at the water neutral, as I didn't want to hit KOM dry.  I didn't need it.  My KOM time was pretty slow, as I stopped to help a guy from our group that was locked-up.  Bad idea on my part, as my time was rolling and he was well past help.  Over the top, it was a stiff head wind all the way into Smoot, pedaling my guts out, trying to hold 45 MPH down the back side, that I've pegged at over 55 MPH without any effort in the past.  Groups forming together heading toward Afton helped make up time.  By the time we were about a mile out of Afton, another group of about 30 jumped on us making it sketchy.  I backed off with only a couple minutes to the feed zone.  A good thing, as a guy I had been trading time upfront with, crashed going into the feed zone.  Big bummer.

Afton to Alpine

Going to Alpine was terribly windy with hard hard gust out of the west.  Some groups were better than others, but one in particular dang near took me out.  A larger group merged into our group and made a real mess of things.  With heavy traffic and rumble strips on the left, it is hard to roll back off the front.  Somehow, the group pushed me into the soft shoulder on the right, but I managed to ride through - without hitting a deliniator.  From there, I gassed it and pulled well away from those idiots.  Better tired, than picking gravel out of my elbows.  Alpine was a pretty good clip and I actually felt healthy.

Heading for the gate - Alpine to Teton Village

The final push up Snake River canyon was steady.  I managed to make the top in pretty good time.  Knowing what I needed to finish, I pounded a small RedBull and pushed into Hoeback.  At the narrows, I was behind a group of women riders that were leading those of us behind into every pot-hole in Wyoming.  I'm not sure, but I think the guy behind me crashed because of this.  Suddenly, he just wasn't there.  As soon as I could, I jumped out past the group and pushed hard to the highway crossing.  For once, I had plenty in the tank.  More like, I didn't feel sick, as was the case the past three years.  At the bike trail, I was getting a little impatient, with the sun still showing on Wilson.  I hooked up with another guy that I know and pulled him within about a mile of finish.  I told him to jump off and go in hard, but he was pretty cooked.  We both finished together.

Post Race

At the trail walking back, I felt great.  My time wasn't terrible, just not good.  But I didn't feel bad at all.  I actually threw my four-year old on my shoulders and carried him out to the truck.  It was a pretty good day.

The next morning we left Driggs and headed out to Swan Valley.  What a beautiful drive.  The rain let off just long enough to stop in Randolph at the reliable City park.  Driving back over Monte, it kind of hit me......the season was over and I likely wouldn't see this road again until next year.  That's the way I wanted it to be; ending, but wanting a little more. 

Back to the Dirt.......

Time to ride the dirt............and the dirt we did ride last weekend.  Swing back in a day or so for a little update on our dirt ride this past weekend.  It was a ton of fun.

Thanks from the Porpoise

Thanks to all the supporters that made this all happen.  You are what makes the Porpoise the machine it is.

Stick around.......there is still a lot of riding to do this fall.

Click here - OH WELL......Part 1

Ride HARD!

A gift

Click here. It's okay - sing along "Mr. Blue Sky"

Pass this one along - please.  It's a good day.

........"please turn me over".

Prep Day

A little better look at Ben Lomond from last nights MTB ride

 Picked up the packet last night and completed check-in.  Conditions look to be.........whatever they will be.  At this point its all about execution, discipline and luck.

Had a new chain put on the Six13 this afternoon.  Apparently I rode more and harder than I thought.  Swapped out one tire with another R3.  Swapped out the seat-wedge (tool bag) with the smaller one for the race.  Attached the frame number and a quick lube and minor check........ready to ride.

I won't bore you with the usual "night before" details.  You can go back and look at one of the last couple of years.  I'm very nervous as usual.  There is soooo much that can happen, and that much more that has to happen.  I know there are a handful of very fast, very good riders in my group.  I'm hoping I can find a group that fits my effort and stay with them.

I think I've over caffeinated the past couple of years.  This year I plan to simplify my nutrition and feeding.  I'll carry two Ensure Plus out of each feed zone, including the start. Two Gu's under my cuffs for emergency energy.  A couple bananas early.  Pineapple at Afton.  Cinnamon bears, fruit snacks and Cliff Blocks in my left pocket - all the time.  Hydration will be almost exclusively Power Ade, with maybe a mix of Cytomax and Tang.  Pickle juice at all three support stops, with an 8 oz Redbull in the pocket for Hoeback junction and maybe one out of Montpelier.  I'm figuring an average of 800 calories an hour, which is hard to replenish.

Overall, I'm excited, but more, I'm impressed with all the support that has rolled in, over the past few days.  I'm overwhelmed and somewhat worn down by everything.  It will be good to get past this one.  Thanks for showing up - again.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow morning for a little something to make you smile.  Please pass it along after you do.

It's okay to turn this one up to 11..............

Click here "KEEP THE FAITH!"

Keep it!

Last minute details...........

See the explanation below

Assessment

Time is running short, so tonight I took the road bike out for a quick tempo ride.  This is traditionally where I get my last look at all the critical equipment - myself included.  I didn't like the way the bike was shifting, but other than that, it ran fast.  My overall time was two full minutes faster than last year, with lower heart rates all around.  This was compared to my tempo ride almost exactly one year ago to the minute.  A few edges to knock off, but for the most part, I know where I'm at........ oh boy.

Important stuff  - Read This!

So, the image above is kind of where it all started several years ago.  If you recognize the name, go to the donation tab and see the relationship (even if you choose not to donate).  The year before this picture was taken, I first decided to ride for Huntsman.  I think it was my fifth year riding LOTOJA - or something like that.  If I remember, it was early that summer when I decided to send and email out to as many relatives as I could find contact information.  It was shortly after that, I learned my cousin Mindy had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Some type of cancer anyway.  So I struggled through that year and made it work.  The next year I started the "Porpoise" with great designs and ideas - what did I know?  It kind of sputtered...........okay, was barley getting any views.  The night before the race, I was pinning my number on my jersey and spontaneously had the idea to write her name on my left sleeve.  I was riding a men's Cat V, that started just about 07:30 in the morning.  Just before I rolled to the line, I had my support crew take this picture and send it to my sisters - since I don't do the social media thing.  That race was brutal and having that on my sleeve was a reminder of what it means to suffer for something beside myself.  It kept me focused.  That was Saturday.  The following Monday morning I got word she had lost her fight with the "big-C".  I'll leave it there..............

Whether it is for Melinda, Marion (her husband that also was taken by cancer the next year), Jill, John, or Hadley "my hero", it is why I ride.  It is why I need your support - whatever you may have to give.  As I've said before, if you can't give to this cause, buy a cup of soup for that guy on the corner.  Help an elderly neighbor.  Whatever it is, give to make a difference.  Do it while you can, because you can.

What to expect........

Tomorrow is packet pickup and registration.  The next post will be Friday, with some details of the pending race plan.  A special Post Saturday morning, as a gift from the "Porpoise" to everyone that checks in.  I promise, it will make you smile.

Click on this one and Enjoy the moment........

Ride HARD!

Details

Bike mechanic

Gave the road bike a good cleaning and going over yesterday.  I need to get out for a solid tempo ride to check all the details.  Last night was a pretty good mountain bike ride over Mules Ear.  I had set my goal to knock a solid 4 minutes off my best time registered on the Garmin.  Pretty darn close, less than 30 seconds off my target.  Still, my heart rate wasn't nearly as high as I'd hoped and my fatigue was only marginal.  So why didn't I beat my time?  Good question.  The climb to the summit was the fastest I've ever climbed it, but I had to back-off on the descent.  The north side trail is getting pretty chewed up, making it too risking to go "full wide open".  I still think I could beat the time I was after, but that will have to wait until after race day.

Prep notes

Talking to one of the other riders this afternoon, we were comparing notes.  Funny how nobody ever seems to be ready for race day.  I was reading one of my previous riding logs from 2013.  The night before packet pickup, I had written "ready as ever".  That was on top of 2500+ miles and a ton of preparation.  Since then, I've never quite felt up to the task.  Last year with the broken flipper, I really felt lacking.  This year I haven't kept track of any road miles, and only rides with my Garmin.  I only made to Woodruff three times this year, down from previous years, but I have a ton more intensity rides with the mountain bike.  At this point, it doesn't matter.  You have what you'll have race day.  The one thing I have is considerable experience.  If I can keep my mind straight, I can make a lot of things happen, but race day has many a "dark place".

Lessons Learned

I've also been reviewing my ride nutrition and hydration.  I'm pretty sure the past three years I've taken in way too much caffeine along the ride.  I need to go back to some basics and throttle back the caffeine early and stay to a predetermined amount at key points.  I was watching some videos of other guys riding LOTOJA and noticed everyone carrying pockets full of stuff they weren't using.  Huh, that's exactly what I do.  This year I'll go with some basics and keep things simple.  I'll also minimize how much I'll consume in the feed zones.  That is always a killer.  You eat way too much, which sends a bunch of blood to the wrong places and then try to make things work.  A solid recipe for the "bonk".  Figuring a burn rate of something like 800 calories an hour on average, it is simply not wise to expect to consume that in a feed zone, all at once.  I can manage 600 calories an hour intake while on the bike, with a little to make up at the feed zones.  After the first three hours, everything you started the race on is gone.  After about five hours, there is no time, nor energy for digestion.  You pretty much have to go straight into the blood stream.  At about eight hours, you need the extra kick - caffeine.  At that point you are on the edge of the bonk - all the time.  Upset stomach, lack of energy, maybe cramping - there is a lot to manage and over come.

Donations

Hats off to my bro Greg and his better half.  As they have done in the past, they came through for the "Porpoise".  So.........he not a bro on the tree, but one that I have learned a lot of life's lessons from over the years.  Still a guy I'm lucky to call a true friend.  Thanks man!

Stick around.

Click Here - "Living in the USA" Somebody get me a cheese burger!

Ride HARD!

The right ride.........

......for the right day

There are times you just seem to have the rigfht ride for the right day.  And boy, does it matter.  There are so many things that have to align - and this year, I've seemed to have had my fair share of them.

Still the greatest ride ever

The 1989 Tour de France final time trial was exactly that.  Greg LeMond (a freaking stud!) had been off the tour for two years from a hunting accident, following his incredible and improbable win in '86.  At this final stage, he is literally only 50 seconds behind the leader, after 21 days and a couple thousand miles of racing.  Most people still don't know that he has something like 35 - 40 lead pellets still in his body - in very dangerous places.  With that setup, watch this video of that final race. 

I don't care what anyone says.  He was "bread and water" (clean) and still an inspiration.

Click Here for the most amazing thing in cycling

Kind of gives "Ride HARD" a different meaning.......