Despite the heavy winds today, it was time to get out on the skinny tire and get a ride in. I figured the Cardwell loop was a good option because it is early enough in the year that there is not a ton of turista traffic on it yet and it was something different than the options out of the house.
Cardwell is about 30 minutes away and the loop I occasionally do is going by Lewis & Clark caverns on Hwy 2, then to the junction with 287 and head south. up a hill and then take 359 back into Cardwell. It is right around 34 miles and usually has great views of the Lewis & Clark cavern area as you head west on Hwy 2. The closer you get to the junction, you can sneak a peak at the Bridgier range due east and also occasional peaks at the Tobacco Root range. Once you crest the hill on 287, the view of the Tobacco Roots really open up and you can see them in their full splendor.
The Cardwell triangle loop usually entails some heavy and hard headwinds on the final leg back to the car. Today, the winds were all mixed up and they were blowing from East to West which meant the beginning of the ride was straight into a bad headwind that will crush your spirit if you look down at your speedometer to see how fast you are going. On days like today, I just try to focus on cadence and wattage and try to avoid the trap of watching speed. I was fully anticipating headwinds in every direction (as per usual) but was pleasantly surprised with a nice tailwind on the last leg back to Cardwell. It was the first time I ever had a tailwind on that piece of road - sweet. sweet nectar!
The views did not disappoint:
sneaked a view of the Tobaccos as I headed east on Hwy 2
looking east on Hwy 2, you could see the Bridgiers
rode through farm land with sweet views of the Tobaccy's
Once I got through getting beat up by the headwinds, it turned into a nice ride. You had to be careful not get blown over by the sneak attack wind gusts that could easily knock you over at some points. Light traffic, great views, sun, bike...not too shabby of a way to spend Sunday a.m...now to get some chores done!
Cardwell is about 30 minutes away and the loop I occasionally do is going by Lewis & Clark caverns on Hwy 2, then to the junction with 287 and head south. up a hill and then take 359 back into Cardwell. It is right around 34 miles and usually has great views of the Lewis & Clark cavern area as you head west on Hwy 2. The closer you get to the junction, you can sneak a peak at the Bridgier range due east and also occasional peaks at the Tobacco Root range. Once you crest the hill on 287, the view of the Tobacco Roots really open up and you can see them in their full splendor.
The Cardwell triangle loop usually entails some heavy and hard headwinds on the final leg back to the car. Today, the winds were all mixed up and they were blowing from East to West which meant the beginning of the ride was straight into a bad headwind that will crush your spirit if you look down at your speedometer to see how fast you are going. On days like today, I just try to focus on cadence and wattage and try to avoid the trap of watching speed. I was fully anticipating headwinds in every direction (as per usual) but was pleasantly surprised with a nice tailwind on the last leg back to Cardwell. It was the first time I ever had a tailwind on that piece of road - sweet. sweet nectar!
The views did not disappoint:
Once I got through getting beat up by the headwinds, it turned into a nice ride. You had to be careful not get blown over by the sneak attack wind gusts that could easily knock you over at some points. Light traffic, great views, sun, bike...not too shabby of a way to spend Sunday a.m...now to get some chores done!
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