Aug
1
Submitted by XL-Network on Mon, 2011-08-01 07:01
After two heavy days it was time for a day with less distance and some little climbing. No more interstates, but bendy mountain roads next to the Clearwater river. Only problem was that a number of drivers were very impatient and tried to overtake when it's not safe. And guess who gets killed if there is a car coming from the other side. But generally speaking it wasn't that bad. The only thing I noticed that some drivers don't like cyclists. I got the finger at least three times (even one from oncoming traffic), honked at twice (the longest being almost 20 seconds until he overtook me). Also a sports car was waiting behind me and when he overtook me he yelled something not so nice. The 'cure' for that is just to give them a friendly wave. He didn't like that, because he pulled over and when I passed he was hanging out the window and yelled "Get the f*ck of the road".
The days before I arrived in the dark but now I arrived at the camp site just before 5 PM. A wonderful place where three rivers meet. Hence the name Three Rivers Resort. Set up my tent and went for a dip in the river. Lovely refreshing water that had little fish in them. I tried to catch 'em and I did. The trick is to corner them and grab them with your bare hands.
A quick update on the milage. I've ridden 747 kilometers in four days. More to come.
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6 comments
Hello Wilfred
Thank you very much for your blogs! I am so curious about how everything is going for you guys that it was hard waiting for some updates. It seems that the day 2 and 3 were very hard and I think it was a strong challenge for most of the riders. Such a high temperature while climbing might be hard to handle.
It is a pity to read that there were some idiots driving with their cars and being so verbally aggressive. You are now entering the deep America, that’s not going to get any better. In Oregon, the people have a good awareness about the environment and the benefit of cycling.
Take good care, enjoy and till your next post!
Greetings,
Clement
Very sorry to hear about the hillbillies giving you a bad time. Some have probably never left their neck of the woods, think they own the road and look at you guys as from a foreign planet. I know it's no excuse for bad behavior.
Hang in there, and I'm sure you'll be blessed by more thoughtful and welcoming hosts.
Hi Wilfred-
Sorry to hear you met some of the antisocial Idahoans. I used to live in Idaho, and my mother, a brother, and a sister live there. There are a lot of great people in Idaho, but unfortunately, the state attracts some very antisocial people. I hope you have also met the normal people. They will pass carefully and ask if you need help if they see you on the side of the road.
Enjoy the Lochsa, it's a beautiful place! And enjoy the downhill in Montana, that's got to be a delicious reward in a Velomobil!
--Pat
It makes me sad, mad and ashamed to hear the bad experiences from a few car drivers on your tour. Those drivers have no idea that a human powered vehicle is practical. They have been shaped by advertisers, the auto industry and [old] American culture in general to accepting cars as the only practical truth on the road.
No doubt you are as alien to them as 'little green men' from Mars would be. If America is to survive a scenario where gasoline is more expensive than most incomes will easily allow, we must imagine our country where bicycles are allowed and accepted as transportation for anyone on any reasonable highway or road.
For the moment many Americans hold on to oil and fossil fuels as though they are more dependable than God...we have built our society completely dependent on them. ROAM presents a glimpse of options and civility mankind very much needs in sustainably and efficiently moving ourselves.
To those who show interest in velomobiles and cycling, encourage them. This will create more riders and people who are glad to see bikes on the road. When enough people ride bikes in America, such rude behavior will become rare. You are planting seeds that may play a role in improving our country. I am glad you are here and on the road. My thoughts are with you for your safety.
Thanks so much for posting all of this ride information. This is more fun than watching the Tour de France. Best wishes in your travels.
God bless,
Kevin
The cycling is a exciting experience,but the safety is aslo very important.