Exergy Tour Dispatch: Pump Hill Road + Rain

The crowd at the top of Pump Hill was impressive, despite cold temperatures and rain. Most of us spent our time looking toward the spectacular Snake River while we waited for the arrival of the peleton, which could be seen in the valley ten minutes before the first riders crested the hill. This was a so-called sprinter’s stage: code for flat. But pump hill, like most hills, was not flat. And the riders had to climb it twice.

Sunday’s Idaho City Stage is going to separate the climbers from the chaff. The climbs from Lowman to Idaho City are difficult for cars. Good thing these gals aren’t driving cars.