Day 38: Grangeville to Riggins ID

50.4 miles, 1971 ascent / 3632 descent, 7% max grade,  4:21 saddle time, elevations:  min 1476, max 4430 ft.

View of valley fro White Bird summit

Today we got a late start (0830) because we wanted the rain to pass over before we started.  As we were leaving the hotel we were astounded by the view of the plateau that we could not see the day before.  Note how you can see different weather brewing in the distance.

View of the plateau as we started out

The ride started with an uphill climb of 839 ft in 4.6 miles to White Bird Summit, with a maximum grade 7% grade, so not a bad climb.  We were on the old Rt 95, and all the traffic was on the new Rt 95, so we had no traffic.  Once we crested the summit and crossed over to the other side, I was astounded by the landscape that unfolded before me.  (First photo).  It was so unlike what we had seen in Colorado and Montana, or unlike anything I had ever seen before.  I had no idea that northern Idaho was this beautiful and unique.  The road down form the summit consisted of a series of many switchbacks.  

View on the way down from White Bird summit

I cannot capture in words how awe inspiring it was.  It was cold at the summit, and the road down was steep, so my I had to stop multiple times to warm up my hands and relieve the cramps from gripping the brakes So hard through the switchbacks.  Unfortunately I cannot include a video I took of the switchbacks in this blog.  As I rode down the temperature rose noticeably.  We had decided to meet at Red’s Kitchen in the town of White Bird, which was deep in the valley.  We had descended 2840 ft in 11.9 miles through 17 switchbacks.  I was both frozen and exhilarated , as was Brian.  We both agreed that this may be the highlight of the whole trip.  The route then took us back to the new Rt 95 through the Salmon River valley and canyon.  We had a tailwind, so the gentle uphill grade felt like going downhill.  

Salmon River canyon

The canyon was beautiful.  our destination was the town of Riggins ID.  We are staying in a small 2 bdrm cabin on the river.  Here is the view from our cabin.

View from cabin in Riggins ID

Tomorrow we have a short day, so we will get up early and try to get to our destination in New Meadows ID before the rain comes.  




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