I got a late start but the ride ended before dark which was good. I sit here getting ready for a 6 hour ride today but first better show you all photos from yesterdays grand loop [map]. I got started around 2PM but had numerous bail out plans in place to come back down route 12 to my car. I set out and promptly got lost. The good thing about getting lost is seeing unbelievable beauty out here.
Once I got back on track it was up Granite Creek to Granite Pass on the Montana Idaho border.
Climbing from Granite Pass I headed to Lolo Pass. The climb was a surprise which included more sudden vertical but once on top the views were spectacular.
The open ridges going to Lolo Pass had me stopping every 5 minutes to take in the view and get some snapshots.
At around 3 hours I knew I better put thee move on and get to Lolo Pass to re-water and do the second half of the loop.
Suddenly Lolo Pass comes into view. Time to get water around 5:30 PM.
The second half of the loop started with a ride on Elk Meadows Road.
Elk Meadows Road was the longest section as I rode around 17 miles back to the Montana State border. I went by waterfalls and beautiful views from the backside of the Bitterroots.
I started to hammer up the valley because the time was nearing 7PM and was afraid my 6 hour ride would turn into a epic all nighter. Still was not in familiar territory.
Once I realized it was hammer time I didn’t stop for any more photos. I ended my ride just a tad past the 6 hour mark at around 8:20(ish). Now it is time for another 6 hour round
Boneshakerbike 
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