Scott Junker Rides the Great Divide
Journal # 4
BACK IN THE USA
OK, So yesterday I was in Fernie, BC, Canada and had gotten sick the previous day and didn't particularly feel like doing anything at all. So I didn't do anything at all. I just ambled around Fernie, an old coal mining town which had been falling into despair until a ski resort opened there and now it's a year round tourist destination. It doesn't hurt that it happens to be a very pretty area. In Fernie I ran out of Canadian money (good timing) so I figure I had to make a run for the border.
I left Fernie a little late this morning, around 9:30, after a leisurely breakfast of grapes, toast, world cup soccer and a pot of coffee (which I have resolved to drink as much of as possible for it makes my day so much nicer. On the road from Fernie I saw a couple of deer and a Buddhist monk.
Upon arrival at the border the guard was curt and didn't even say "welcome home" as I had expected He then refused to pause for a photograph, but he told me to take a picture of the 'Welcome to the USA' sign around the corner which must have been a joke since there was no such sign only a belated "Welcome to Montana" sign a half-mile down the highway. The first town had a Subway at which I had to stop in deference to the judgement of my younger sister, The BMT was as bland as always and absolutely wonderful. I stopped in the town of Elko to check for mail after finding out that the post office for Roosville was gone. There was no mail so if you sent me something you'll get it back in a month or so, but I should e home soon by then so just hang on to it.
As I pulled out of the post office parking lot I could see two cyclists on the roadside ahead, one of whom clearly had a BOB trailer in tow. As I pulled over to say hello it was readily apparent that they had a major issue of a mechanical nature. Indeed it turned out that one of them, Dustin, had shifted into his spokes and ripped his derailleur hanger in two as well as completely destroyed the rear derailleur which tweaked the rear wheel way out of true. A genuine explodeo (technical term). I asked if I could help and was given a surly "Only if you have a spare derailleur" to which I replied with a cheery "Nope, but I can make it a single speeder!" after a few incredulous glances and brief introductions I went to work and within twenty minutes we had a serviceable single speed touring bike.
It turned out that they, Dustin and Biff, were Eastbound on the Northern Tier Route and had started from Seattle 10 days ago, and that we would be following a very similar route for the day (southeasterly). My 'official' route would have taken me around the mountains to the east but I was itching for some riding partners which would be a welcome change from my bear bell (which makes me wonder how long it will take bears to recognize as the dinner bell).
We rode the remaining 50 miles or so into Whitefish, Montana, I flatted and had a chain issue (both of which were quickly rectified.) The last 10 miles of were vicious rollers but it was all made up for by the final, mile-long descent into downtown. Upon our arrival in town Biff inquired as to the whereabouts of a "good steak restaurant" and was told that no such place existed but that the Italian place we had just passed, Mambo Italiano, had great food and good looking waitresses. Was there really a choice? The referrer was dead-on in every aspect, the joint even brews it's own beer. Had a great salad and gnocchi (which, while tasty, couldn't hold a candle to Nurse Julie's) followed by deep fried chocolate.
They even put me up in their hotel room and I'm using Biff's laptop at this very moment, a couple of top notch fellas.
My only plan for tomorrow is "Ride Bike"
Sated, stuffed and sleepy,
Scott
Overview of Scott Junker's Adventure
Other Events from Sundance Cycles
Serotta Demo Bikes Visited Sundance
The two Serotta Demo rides this past weekend were excellent. Many pictures from these rides will be displayed soon. Read the great review and see more images from the Serotta Demo day and Sundance Cycles, LLC Saturday Ride.
The 2006 Serotta demo fleet represented a wide cross-section of Serotta's product offerings. From the new, all-carbon MeiVici to the updated and refreshed Fierte line. Serotta
Shimano 06 Dura Ace 7801-SL Wheel Set - Shimano recently invited a select few “vip” retailers to Solvang for a three-day focus group to test their new 2006 Dura Ace SL wheels. More about Aj's adventure
AMGEN Tour of California Photos
Classic Climbs of the Giro - Article by Steve Dozier appeared in Roadie International
Trek Travel Party
Sorry you missed it. Check out the photos and information about Trek Travel.
