Today I finally said goodbye to Montana, entering Idaho at the Divide itself.
Still well above 6000 ft when day it was a cool start but soon became a perfect biking day. Surprisingly, though I’d been on the road for 27 days, the sunburn had suddenly become an issue – guess due to altitude, so decided to overdress for a few days.
At the crossing.with Dividers Sandy & Miles, from Chicago.
These guys had started at Jasper, cycled the Icefields Parkway & now are heading for Yellowstone. We had bumped into each other many time. Wish you well guys & will be checking out your adventures!
My first sight of Idaho partway down the descent from the Divide.
At the bottom of the descent I came across this impressive ranch. Shortly followed by a couple of encounters with real cowboy!
Ranchers- Father & son, Don & Handly Bird
(Check out these guys moustaches)
Even after my descent, we were still about 6,500ft. Don & his extended family were rounding up their cattle to take them to lower ground for the winter – also they had recently lost 6 to grizzlies – lots around here I’m told & advised to ensure my bear spray is to hand.
Gerdi & Jeff – support team for the 2018 GDMBR- Accompanied Tour
In my planning stage, I decided against riding the Divide with these guy because I want flexibility & to do it myself. Plus riding in a large group I believe isolated you from the locals.
More cowboys on route – what a sight!
This weekend is Labour Day weekend &, since entering Idaho, my gravel road route was crowded with people riding 4 dirt buggies at speed – leaving huge trails of dust.
The epicentre for this was a city named Island Park where they outnumber cars. As well hiring shops, people are trailering them in from all over. They often gather in packs &, I believe, with one objective- to create the greatest dust cloud possible!!
So, no fun to be had on the gravel road here so headed for Ashton, 30 miles south where I stayed the night.
On route to Ashton, I can across the Island Park Labour Day Fair. Wandering the stalls I came across these two gents, both retired but enjoy participating in the event.
Top – Robert
Bottom – Thomas Clements
(ancestors from Burton on Trent. 1650 & heading to UK next year to research more)
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 