We survived our 200 mile loop last weekend. We got to Stanley about noon on Thursday, poked around in the sports shop there and then loaded up our bikes with gear. We headed down the road toward Challis about 1pm. We cruised. We put our bikes in the highest gears and only shifted down a few times over the 58 miles. We took our first break at 30 miles. Had a little repast and sat in the shade for about 20 minutes before hitting the road again. We came to the junction of Hwy 93 at about 5pm and I honestly couldn't remember exactly where the RV park was that I had emailed a week prior about a tent site... so we pulled over to see if I had a signal on my phone. Sure enough, so I hit the map and typed in RV park. Challis Hot Springs came up first, so I clicked on it and hit "dial" Within a few seconds I was talking to a gal from there, who said she was pretty full up, but could find us a spot. I said we were on bikes and needed directions and she said, bikes? I said yes, why? She pulled off the road right behind us and offered us a ride! We got there, set up camp, found something to soak in and hit the tub! It was a great way to end 5 hours on a tiny little seat.
Next day we got up early, hit the tub another time before breaking camp, and then began, what I called our day of uncertainty. I knew we had about 40-50 miles to go that day and knew it was pretty desolate. No towns, shade or water along the way. What I didn't know was where we would camp that night. I kinda knew there was a couple campgrounds about 10 miles or so off the highway at Trail Creek Road. But we were pretty nervous about having enough water and stamina to get us there. It was a slow steady uphill climb all day, and it turned out to be 90 degrees! We passed Mt. Borah on our left and started looking for our turn off. Never did see a sign for Trail Creek Road, but turned off on what looked like a dirt road that would get us there. We were out of water, out of energy and on the verge of dehydration. We passed a couple farm houses that looked questionable, but pulled in the driveway of the third one. Turned out to be a great choice! Nice people let us fill up all our water bottles and even offered to give us a ride to the campground, since he was headed that direction anyway to cook for 60 at a guest ranch up the road.
The third day, our goal was to climb Trail Creek Summit and descend into Ketchum. It doesn't sound so bad, but it's mostly dirt road and very rocky and bumpy. The summit actually came sooner than we expected, but on our way down the other side, we were so greatful we had chosen to do this loop clockwise! It was much longer and steeper on the Ketchum side than the way we went. About halfway down the hill it turned to pavement, so we opened it up and sailed on down into town to a much anticipated Mexican lunch! We devoured it, but savored every bite! The salsa was especially tasty! After about an hour break, we got back in our saddles and headed north out of town. We needed to cover a few more miles, knowing that Galena Summit was the next day. So we pedaled on about 13 miles before finding a campsite for the night. As soon as we got our tent up and ready to inhabit, it started to rain. And thunderstorm. And we had no fly for our tent! It rained all night, but we slept right through it.
The fourth and final day, we awoke early. Had our coffee and energy bars and hit the road. Up, up, up. For 16 miles we climbed. About 3-4 miles from the top a guy on a 6 pound "Ferrari" came flying by! We didn't even feel bad about going so slow. We were loaded down with 4 days worth of supplies and all he had was two small water bottles and a banana! He was nice, though. He slowed down, road with us a ways and we talked. He was not only climbing this side, but going down the other side, turning around and going back up and all the way back to Ketchum! Oh to be young again! We finally summited. Took a short break and then coasted down the other side and headed toward Stanley. Once again we were back up in our top gears and cruising. The last 25 miles of the trip were very enjoyable and we had a great backdrop to our left of the Sawtooth Mountains! And we rolled into Stanley just in time for a fantastic breakfast at our favorite diner! I highly recommend the "Migas breakfast!" Our 4 day journey had come to an end. Many great memories and an overall wonderful time spent on the road with my wife!
