Either the day off yesterday was huge or the terrain today was pretty easy. Truth is somewhere in between. I felt great and it was a long stretch of rolling hills.
Dennis and I left Sandpoint at about 8:15AM.
We followed Lake Pend Oreille to the Clark Fork River.
We had made plans to meet friends of Dennis and Cindy for lunch about 1:00. They were 40 miles away so I had some doubt as to whether we could make it that far. That doubt was erased when we finished the first 27 miles in an hour and 45 minutes.
State #3. Pretty sure it will be quite a while in Montana!
When Cindy met up with us at 1PM, we were nearly 15 miles past the original meeting spot for lunch. 53 miles in less than 4 hours…that’s progress!
I decided it would be too much of a hassle to shuttle back 15 miles for lunch and then get shuttled back.
So…it was time to bid adieu to my riding partner of 510 miles. I can’t tell you how important and helpful it was for me to have Dennis along. I’d probably still be puttsing along through those passes right now if not for him. Thanks Dennis and Cindy for your hospitality, support, and companionship the past 10 days
Just Gerty and me now. There were a couple camping spots around the 60-65 mile point but I still felt good so I pushed past there.
Figured I could make the next town, Troy, and have nearly 80 miles done. Troy turned out to be a couple miles (uphill) off the route. Heck, I could probably make it to Libby. Go for it!
I can’t say the last 15 miles were easy but I can say this is the best I’ve felt at the end of a day. Hoping I feel that way in the AM!
Ride on.
Just Pete
P.S. from Dennis…
“Pete” thanks for allowing me to tag along with you for the first 500 miles of your awesome adventure! Very inspirational that you would attempt 4800 miles and was impressive how hard you worked to get over those passes! As your very unofficial nutritional coach I will allow you to continue drinking your Coke, Mountain Dew and Buds as long as you drink a lot of water and eat good meals, protein and complex carbs so you don’t “Bonk” part way through the day! We saw some beautiful scenery, you missed some of it with your head down grinding and we kept each other safe! It was a great 10 days.
Thanks Again, Dennis 😎
Just Pete Hiking 
Pete, 551 miles in 10 days. Way to go. You are doing great and you have a large number of family and friends wising you nothing but the best for the rest of your trip. Stay safe my friend. Tom
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Ride on JPete! I’m over the top impressed with you’re riding abilities.
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First off… Thanks Dennis for helping Pete get this incredible journey started. Your companionship I know was greatly appreciated along with the changing a flat tutorial.
Second…Pete good luck on the rest of your journey. I’m sure at some point you’ll have fellow riders with you for spurts here and there but Dennis will always be over your shoulder egging you on when you get a wee bit tired.
Stay safe & peddle on🚴🏻♀️🤘🏻🍺
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Dennis, how wonderful that you rode with Pete for the 1st leg of his journey! Pete, continue on; you’re doing an awesome job! Safe riding!
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Jeff. We are enjoying your blog..we are in port Charlotte Florida and would like to meet up with you when you get to Florida..
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Cannot even express how proud I am of your endurance and your excitement on this trip. You see positive in everything. Carry on & as always be safe.
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WOW, Jeff, what a day you had. I hope every day is that good. Our whole family owes Dennis a huge thank you. Gertie must have had a real spurt of energy!! Keep pedaling and stay safe. Jay is a grandpa. Kroy Jay Black born Sunday. Love from mom and dad.
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