Terrain Distance (approx): 25.18 miles
Climbing Distance: 5,409 vert feet
Highest Altitude: 7,675 feet
Trip Time: 4 hours 20 mins. (4:07:27 9/12/09 WLM)
Difficulty: Long Hard Climbing.
Map: 2009-09-12-sheep.gpx
Bill mentioned he unfortunately had to work this weekend so I decided Sunday to ride over the Hill. Went to Rattlesnake trail head and met a local bike merchant amigo at 6.45am. I did not expect him to show up!
We headed up Wood’s and rode over numerous fresh berry filled bear piles. Smoke was bad, but we hit an occasional clear spot. Looking down on Missoula was a sad thing. The city was completely socked in (later learned a Stage 1 was in effect). I asked my friend why he only had one water bottle? At the 5 mile mark, he bailed and went down to 3 Pines and probably back to bed! So, I went on up solo and content anyway.
It was quiet all the way up. Trail was dry and loose. No bears or cats. I had pepper spray just in case, though I hate carrying it. 
The smoke at the Hele-Pad was thick. The sky was red/golden. 7600 +/- ft. There was a couple there with their two dogs hanging out who had hiked in from the Mineral Peak / Gold Creek side. I visited briefly, but their dogs did not like my helmet or something? So, I dropped off the back and into those 6 or 7 switchbacks we all love on the descent to the E. Fork. There were two trees across the trail prior to dropping into the E. fork trail. One had an axe quietly hiding next to it with a yellow handle. I could not believe my luck (only two portages so far – 2006 I counted 19+/- to the Franklin Bridge). The E. fork was completely cleared too – an absolute dream descent through the jungle! Thank you Forest Service! Stopped a couple of times on top to see the views and figure out where that couple had hiked in from – so GPS said it was 4hrs. 20mins. getting it done, just over 26 miles. My favorite Missoula ride. ~ MT Rogue
ELEVATIONS:
- Sheep Mt.: 7675; N 46 56.868; W 113 48.403
- Franklin Bridge: 4294
- Rattlesnake Trail Head 3645
- Point 6 (for grins, not this ride) 7917
photos: above, Wisherd Ridge 6/9/07 in fog/snowing (solo); above, Marshall Ski Hill 6/3/06; above Wisherd Ridge 8/19/07; Hele Pad/Heart 6/9/07; Max – Bike Mechanic Extraordinaire /Utah Ski Patroller (8/19/06 Sheep); Lake, N/E of Point 6 on 6/25/06.
*Edited by Bill Martin
Boneshakerbike 
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