101 Great Escapes » Day 17 – Lowman to Ketchum

Such a beautiful ride today. If it wasn’t for the headwind in places (the worst since we left the coast), this would have been one of the best rides ever. Plus, Diane did all the major climbs. I’m just guessing, but I would say we had a 15+ MPH headwind and that’s like climbing a 6% hill. Middle chain ring first gear! The difference is that there’s no descent at the end. We rode along the Salmon River and had constant views of the Sawtooth Range. Over Banner Summit, then Galena Summit, then it was all down hill to Ketchum and Sun Valley. I had a chance to ride with Don,the owner of Galena lodge on the way into Ketchum. He told us where to eat on our day off tomorrow.

We stayed again at the hotel we enjoyed here two years ago, Knob Hill Inn where we got upgraded to a really nice suite with a killer view. Dinner was great here as well as the breakfasts. They need a new bartender though. Everyone here goes above and beyond, but he would be better suited to work at a lower end establishment.

This is it! All 5 rooms…
The hotel grounds in Lohman
Taking off from Lowman towards Ketchum. Streams flowing from the volcanic rock into the Salmon River
Heading out up the Payette. I’m so happy, So very, very happy.
Heading up Banner Pass
Only a century to go
The Salmon River
The Sawtooth Range
First Summit done (notice who’s bike is there?)
More of the Sawthooths
Getting Closer, We’re now on Rte75 heading south
The ascent up Galena Pass
Heading to Galena Summit. You’re not quite there yet
Aah, come on. Can’t you do it any faster?
A well deserved photo. No stealing the downhill
Galena Summit. All downhill from here
See…
Great little lodge just north of Ketchum
We are here!
The view from our room
Outdoor Restaurant on the lawn
Yes, it is a cemetery. But it’s quiet