Day 11, 14 August: Ontario, OR to Boise, ID
Day 11 was surprisingly challenging day, although “only” 63 mis and 4280 ft of climb after yesterday’s epic. It started warm for a change, at 67 degrees, and reached 99 in Boise. The climbs were manageable and we all felt pretty good early on. However, a number of events conspired to disrupt the day.
First, there were several cues that just didn’t work – they either led into dead ends or didn’t connect where they were supposed to. And although the course was supposed to be almost all paved, we ran into what someone told us was a mile of gravel. I swapped out the Scattante for the Trek, Dave switched to his gravel tires and we started to try it, but Sally checked and it turned out to be at least 4 miles with climbs. It would have taken us over an hour to get through on gravel bikes and no way anyone else could make it, so we loaded up all the bikes and drove through.
When we got back on pavement we had lost some momentum and the heat was getting to us. We made it to the 42 mile mark where we stopped for ham & cheese sandwiches – thanks, Mark. At 52 miles we met Tom Simmonds in Eagle, and he rode the last 12 miles with us into Boise. It was a very pretty ride along the Boise River Greenbelt, with some great views including a group “surfing” the spillway of a dam. However, parts were in pretty bad shape, with root risers that rattled our teeth. Tom set a leisurely pace which should have been relaxing, but we were getting very dry and going through water fast. We took 2 breaks and finally made it to the hotel around 2:30.
The rest of the day was spent recuperating and doing laundry. We honored Steve Weise at our evening quarters – another good 3rd Co. friend who I went through flight school with and was plowed back as an instructor like me. Tomorrow we carry the tags for three 4th Co. classmates: Paul Carstens, Dwight Handforth, and I will have Greg Pallas.
Tomorrow Tom Simmonds and the local Alumni assn. chapter are hosting us at an early happy hour, then back for a good night’s sleep and on to Stage 2. Forecast is for 103 degrees – we’re now under the “heat dome” so will need to take it very carefully.
Bill Montgomery
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
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