Day 3: Deep Creek to Three Forks

The riding from Deep Creek to Three Forks is an exercise in extremes -- one one hand, we had wildflowers galore, perfect graded dirt roads that rode like pavement, cheery birds, and stunning views -- one the other hand, we had some of the longest boring bumpy miles between those sections from just past the North Fork campground to the descent into Three Forks. My biggest takeaway is that if I didn't have the threat of a storm coming in, it's worth it to have a full day or two to enjoy the Three Forks area. 

Meadows of mule ears for days.

I love signs!

Cheery flowers greeting us as we descent into our lunch spot at North Fork.

Look at this perfectly and freshly graded road. We literally rode right behind the machine grading it.

That tiny speck is Ani descending into the North Fork campground where we had lunch. Also a good spot to top off water.

Somewhere along here, we bumped into another group of cyclists who mentioned there were two other gals also bikepacking from Bend. Ani and I looked at each other with joy... we knew our friends Marnel and Patti were doing a similar but shorter route than we were around this time, but that our schedules were several days off from each other. But the impending stormy rainy weather had caused BOTH of us to shift our plans towards each other and now we were on the same schedule for the next day or so. 

Ani looking down as she contemplates our crazy steep descent into Three Forks. We saw two other bikepackers hike-a-biking out.

Aaaaand we made it.

And we found Patti and Marnel!

There is something joyful about finding friends in the middle of nowhere. And making new friends. There was a group of older guys that had made it down on motorcycles who helped supplement our happy hour with Tennessee Honey and ice! They were also from Bend, as it happened. 

A few tips for bike tourists:

• There are hot springs at Three Forks about 3 miles from the campground. You can get a bike most of the way and the part of the river you have to cross closer in is totally doable even in the spring. Just know that if you are facing the river, the hot springs are to the left and there are pools on BOTH sides of the river so you don't have to do the more dangerous water crossing.
• We drank the water at Three Forks and were fine... it's not the cleanest water source on this route, but it'll do with a good filter. 
• We dubbed the climb out "Donkey Bitch"... strong climbers will be able to ride 90% of it. Weenies like me will only ride about 50% of it, but really, it wasn't that bad.