Trish & Phill's Tandem TransAmerican

Tour 2003 

Jul 14 Powell - Kooskia 90mi

As you can see by the mileage it wads a long day, we started the decent at the top of the mountain and it said 77 miles of winding road. It was also slightly down hill following a river. The river (Lochsa) flowed reasonable fast but a reasonable wind caused us to have to peddle the whole 90 miles. We were able to maintain a fairly good pace though. We didn't mind really as the scenery was spectacular. The river winds it's way down the hill as tall trees on either side disappear into the sky. It wasn't until the sun was high that we were actually seeing the sun but when it was high enough, boy was it hot.

We stopped often on the way down to cool off by jumping into the clearest water you can imagine and take in the views. The area is known as the Clearwater River area. It was a long slow ride to the bottom of this mountain. The temperate was up around 100' we were told latter so no wonder we enjoyed the dips into the river.

The town of Kooskia in located within the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. We were expecting to see a few Indian looking people around town but never saw one!

We have been leapfrogging another cyclist for the last few days now and tonight he is staying at the same motel as us, Don Gisson an Independent Film Producer. He is traveling with two other people but seams to have lost them somewhere up the road. They are doing the TransAm too but started May 17th. ten days after we started. They are riding up to 100 mile days, good luck to them.

As soon as we had put the bike in the room we went and had a beer. A couple of old-timers were in the bar and we had a good chat to them. He ended up buying us a beer but would not have one back. The hospitality we have received on this trip is unbelievable. 

Page owned & maintained by Trish Collins email to  trishphill@aapt.net.au.  Last Updated 28/07/2003