Discovering America by Bicycle | PART 9: OVER THE ROCKIES PART 1

From Wallace our Cross-country cycle trip carries us up and over the famed Lookout Pass, which divides Idaho from Montana, and down into the St. Regis Valley, over the last bit of the Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes and the Northern Pacific Railway, or NorPac Trail. Near Saltese, we stumble upon the Route of the Olympian, a rough but passable trail that continues the planned route of the Great American Rail Trail. Through brutal heat, we make it to DeBorgia and the Black Diamond guest Ranch, where the kind host makes room for us and we cool our bodies in the small but adorable cabin they’ve prepared just for us. The next morning finds us enveloped in the smoke from all the fires igniting across the region. The Route of the Olympian proves to be a slog, with deep gravel and slow-going. Temperatures climb to above 100° Fahrenheit, adding to an already tough day. We book a campsite online, which turns out to be a bust. We retreat to the town of Superior, where we camp in the town park. Roland reflects on the passing of his brother Fred to cap off a frustrating and somewhat downcast day.

[@JimmyDenver]

I just came across your series and Im addicted and binge-watching. Thank you for the superb videography and particularly, the audio smoothness and even levels. A gem indeed and so easy to watch. Im inspired now to follow in your footsteps. Be well you both, Jimmy

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I appreciate that so much, Jimmy. I'm glad someone appreciates the audio because that was a huge learning curve, and something that really bothers me when it's not managed. thanks for noticing!

[@randallgd]

You two inspire us! Way to hang in there when its that challenging. We are from Idaho and tour some and sadly to often run into people like you dealt with at that campground. Wise move to keep going. So many great and reasonable people in ID/MT too, as I'm sure you know. Wishing you both smooth trials, less smoke and cooler temps! Thanks for sharing your real journey with us both highs and the lows :)

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you! Our goal was to keep politics out of it, and to reconnect with all of America. And overwhelmingly, all across the country, we were met with positivity and a warm welcome, no matter what people's politics were. This place was an exception. This ride actually made us very optimistic for America and Americans. Thanks for watching, it means a lot!

[@missalanaciera]

Aww man this was a tear jerker, and what a long hard road. I remember talking to my Mom during this and hearing how miserable it was. I’m proud of you guys for pushing through and always seeming to find something to smile about, comedic relief is the only savior sometimes! 💗

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Alana! That was a bleak moment in time for sure. Good to remember that everything passes

[@TheBane1979]

rough days are gonna happen! keep on going!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's always the goal!

[@tracyklensch3259]

Sweet mercy! What a rough leg. My heart went out to you throughout this episode. Some definite challenges! And then, that last minute...wow. I suspect you had either a good laugh...or more of a good cry. But glad you keep pushing through the difficulties. (And grateful for the honest perspective.) I'm inspired every week! : )

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks for the kind comments Tracy. Even when things go awry, it was an amazing experience. The next morning we woke up smiling and ready for more.

[@kelvinfowler6209]

Oh we laughed so much with those sprinklers coming on at the end. We have been there. Chins up guys, keep cycling, we very much so enjoy living your journey through you. and really sorry to hear about Fred. Cheers from New Zealand.

[@kelvinfowler6209]

Oh and btw, I am glad you moved on from that campsite. When we did our transcontinental we saw heaps of nasty anti Hilary signs.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Kelvin! Good times and bad times. All part of life. So glad you're following, it's what we do this for (the videos, not the bike touring!)

[@TheBicycleTourists]

When we went through we saw F*** Biden flags everywhere throughout rural America. Friendly people, but with a lot of anger and very little class.

[@RichardWright3450]

Rough day for sure but what stories! We've been there - but have not done that! Cheers.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I'll take great stories over an easy life any day!

[@lindahowes5949]

Tribulations for sure. Riding through the heat and smoke…grueling! Appreciate you sharing the ups and downs of your adventure. Keeping it real. 💜

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Linda! Hopefully we don't discourage anyone, but, yeah, keeping it real is definitely what we're trying to do. Thanks for noticing. And watching!

[@joanoconnor8552]

Wow!!!!! I was so happy to see you posted again and eagerly watched this episode but what an episode it was! I'm so sorry you had to go through all that but at the same time, I really appreciate hearing about the conditions of the route you were taking. Yeah, these days you have to be careful of the politics in that area. Glad you got out of there ok.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You know, we worked at avoiding politics as we went on our trip. Trying to heal the national wound and all that. And we found that regardless of political stripe, people were very welcoming and friendly and kind. But at times it was hard to deny the fact that there is an incredible amount of animosity going on in this country. It's not a good look. Anyway, thanks for watching and enjoying. It means a lot!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

Wow! Can't wait for part 2!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It's on its way! thanks for watching!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

@@TheBicycleTourists yw, are you guys still doing it, like your in the middle of doing it? Anyhow great video, looking forward to the rest of them.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

No, we're home in Colorado, still editing these videos. This is from last summer. Thanks for following, it means a lot!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

@@TheBicycleTourists no problem, just keep them coming, I guessing would be hard to edit videos while biking across the country.

[@TonyNelsonCamping]

Beautiful scenery all around! You guys surely had lots of fun!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Tony. Even the tough days are fun days!

[@dondonner1095]

Wow, just think though, the remainder of the trip will look great after what you just went through.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Our subtitle in the intro is "Trails, trials and tribulations in the USA" And we did indeed have many trials and tribulations (as you will see if you keep watching!). But as I always say, what's a story without a plot? It's the challenges that make it memorable. Thanks for watching!

[@husainshaikh6981]

Is amazing city

[@TheBicycleTourists]

:-)

[@iangkent]

My wife and I just retired and we are preparing for some cycle touring. Just wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying your videos. You are very talented at video capture and editing. Good job!!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's fabulous. Before I retired I spent a lot of time looking at touring videos, soaking it all in. And was so grateful for all the great info ind inspiration out there! Just wanted to pay it forward! So glad you're enjoying the videos! Where have you planned your first trip?

[@iangkent]

@@TheBicycleTourists eurovelo 6 from Passau to Vienna

[@TheBicycleTourists]

@@iangkent Such a great route! Enjoy!

[@rechuckg]

Oh BOY! That's it it is all I can say.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Haha

[@kelseyleppek]

Nothin like smoke to beat down the spirits :( I'd take rain, wind, or snow over smoke any day.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I agree. Smoke is really demoralizing.

[@atmrtwbike]

Wallace, or Dante's Peak!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

A movie I now need to check out!

[@cecigowin2347]

What month was this? Was it in 2021?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

This was end of July, early August. Of 2021.

[@GolamAhmedTourism]

So very nice. #golamahmedtourism #GolamAhmedTourism

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks!