New Meadows to White Bird

Day 17 (I think). 60 miles. Head winds and siestas.

We battled an all day head wind, and it was probably blowing at 20 mph early in the morning. McKinley and I took turns all day drafting, so it was only half as bad. I don't think I could have made it this far without serious team work. And it's a damn good thing we both ride at the exact same pace. Drafting is awesome, it conserves so much energy.

We decided that siestas are our best bet for not riding in the heat and direct sun, so we stopped in Pollock at a lodge for 4.5 hours. That was the best decision ever! Lunch and naps made everything better, and we avoided the hot Idaho sun. Genius!

Tonight we found a rodeo, and when in Rome. We were definitely out of place; everyone in their cowboy and cowgirl outfits stared us down as we rolled in wearing bike shorts. If there was a record player, it would have made the scratch sound. I overhead a few young cowboys say, "look at the girls with bikes, niiice." They liked our booties, apparently.

We're camped right in front of a pen of cows, and they won't stop mooing and snorting. I hope it ends soon, I'm exhausted. Long day tomorrow over a steep 8% grade. Everyone says how much White Bird pass will suck, but hopefully we can do it fast. Fingers crossed for a tail wind!