Idaho

Montana was very scenic, though I pictured it being much more cowboy and hilly.  The roads were pretty straight and flat...then you could tell you were approaching the border of Idaho.  The highway started curving a lot more, the temp dropped at least five degrees, a winding river appreared, and hills started popping up all over the place.  I had left earlier [than usual] today, around 9am, and just got into my riding mode.  What seemed like an hour was already 180 miles - then 300.  Then after baking in the sun, even with repeated sun block application, I came to a dinky town of Challis, ID.  I had planned on staying here anyways, but didn't see too much.  I whipped out the real map and found Ketchum, but did the math wrong and thought it was only 60 miles or so.  The next sign came and told me it was 117 more miles - this would be my longest day yet.  But I had daylight on my side and went for the home stretch.  Routes 93 and 75 through Idaho were absolutely stunning and fun to ride.  The latter one was through Saw Tooth National Park with elevations in the 7000's and snow still on top.  Ketchum is a seasonal town, and I am definitely out of season - it seems like only 50 people are here! (Population is 6,000 - I'm told they all go out to bars after 10pm)

In 117 miles, I probably had only 8 cars on my side

The snow capped peaks were lurking behind the lush green ones most of the ride

There was snow at my elevation, but thankfully none on the road