Atlantic to Pacific Cycling Journey 2011: Day 50 Grangeville to Riggins

Friday, July 8, 2011

Miles 57.27     Total 3,518.99     Daily Avg. 70.38
Avg Speed 15.4     Max Speed 39.7     Alt Climbed 2713 ft

Left Grangeville and immediately began a four mile climb from 3,000 ft to 4,500 ft. once we reached the peak we had a 7 mile 7% descent down into Hell's Canyon. The terrain changed from green pastures and farmland to arid, hot and dry as we reached the bottom. the remainder of the day we rode along the Salmon River. For several weeks each year the salmon migrate through these waters. The salmon are running as we ride through and the banks are dotted with fisherman. In difference to most states, Idaho allows camping on any open land. Many of the fishermen have pitched tents along the river.

We reached Riggins at lunchtime and decided to stop in a cafe for something to eat. Kelly tried some elk tacos and I had the elk burger. It taste like beef, but demands a higher price. We rode 10 miles further and set up camp on the Little Salmon River. Justin and Joey joined us and we drove back to Riggins for a whitewater rafting trip. We were offered mild or wild, tough choice when you have three daredevils with you. So we donned wetsuits, life jackets and helmets and took off with our guide, an aging hippie with more hair on his shoulders and back than we cared to see. You may remember from previous post I mentioned how fast and furious all the rivers are in this area. Well here we were ready for a fun and fast ride. The guide did his best to spook us reviewing what to do when the raft flips and how to pull yourself from the freezing water. We were ready. After navigating the first set of rapids he informed us the next set was named 911 Rapids.  The TV show 911 filmed an episode in town after a daring rescue of a raft crew which had flipped at the spot had stranded rafters, hence the nickname 911 Rapids. We made it through all the rapids, got wet, but no one ended up in the river. What a fantastic time.

Following the rafting outing we stopped by a wine tasting on a small lawn in the center of town. We quickly ate our share of fresh salmon spread on homemade bread, sampled the wines and left before anyone asked who ate all the salmon. As we walk down the street I noticed a cloud of smoke and smell of steak. The 7 Devil's saloon was holding their Friday night ribeye dinner. We would not be cooking at the campsite tonight. What a perfect way to end a great day, a big steak, Idaho potato and a Fat Tire.