Category: TransAmerica

  • Trans Am, Day 93: Grangeville, ID to Riggins, ID

    Idaho is full of surprises! Today’s ride started with a relatively gentle ride up “Old Highway 95” or the White Bird Grade. The ascent was easy but offered no amazing sights. The descent was out of this world, though. When you reach the summit, as far as you can see are eroded hills with few trees. Often there are cliffs on one side of the road that drop hundreds of feet. There are multiple switchbacks on the southern side of the pass. And there was virtually no traffic! I loved this pass!

    Then, I joined US 95 for the rest of the day. The pavement is good, and the shoulders are adequate. There are lots of trucks, but they were all respectful. There are many turnouts and recreation areas with meticulously clean bathrooms. And, best of all, there is the Salmon River and the remarkable geology of the canyon. So beautiful!

    My Facebook feed is full of people who love Idaho. I can see why!

    The view from the south side of White Bird Grade.
    The view from the south side of White Bird Grade.
    What the heck? I was so happy to be back in the Pacific time zone!
    What the heck? I was so happy to be back in the Pacific time zone!
    Andy is doing the TransAm eastward, but he started in Vancouver, BC and is continuing to New York, NY! In 90 days! He is certainly faster than I am!
    Andy is doing the TransAm eastward, but he started in Vancouver, BC and is continuing to New York, NY! In 90 days! He is certainly faster than I am!
    Rusty tools are still tools!
    Rusty tools are still tools!
    Roadside flowers on the old road.
    Roadside flowers on the old road.
    Salmon River
    Salmon River
    Impulse buy. No regrets!
    Impulse buy. No regrets!
    Salmon River Canyon
    Salmon River Canyon
    More Salmon River
    More Salmon River
    Dawn over Grangeville. No filter needed!
    Dawn over Grangeville. No filter needed!
    A metric wrench with stucco on one side!
    A metric wrench with stucco on one side!
    Miles and miles of eroded hills from the top of White Bird Grade.
    Miles and miles of eroded hills from the top of White Bird Grade.