Monday June 14, 2021
SHORT RIDE - HOT
Hot once again, near 100 degrees. I noticed today the humidity, increasing.
Easy ride from Three Forks to Bozeman. We left Three Forks on a nice bike trail for a few miles before jumping to the I-90 frontage road. The Frontage road got quite busy as we approached Bozeman and thus we moved onto residential streets, in new developments, and wound our way to downtown Bozeman.
I find that my body seems to adjust to the ride - to be almost as tired after a short ride like today as after a hard ride like yesterday. Perhaps it is just cumulative fatigue.
The Three Amigos. Who would have thought, 45 years ago, when were just freshman in college, that we would be doing this! The bonds of friendship run deep - I just wish all of the ‘76 Frosh crew could be with us. (L to R: Gordie Gardiner, me, Paul Templeton)
The trip ends here for all of my traveling companions, unfortunately (Gordie, Karen, Geoff, Hank & Paul). It has been great to have them along, strong moral support! So closes Phase 1 of the trip. I hope that this phase has been the most rigorous for biking, certainly the percentage of elevation gain is ahead of the percent of miles traveled. Now I expect the key will be weather. Will the winds be from the east or west? How many thunderstorms will cross my path? Will this abnormal heat wave continue?
Fortunately for me Jeff Brown, also ‘76 Frosh crew, will be joining me from here to the east end of Montana. Jeff is a long time friend from college and from Seattle. Our kids grew up together, Alee and Lucy Brown are best of friends.
Now for a couple of lay days, leaving Bozeman for points east on Thursday. Bike store tomorrow.
Some pics of our approach to Bozeman.
Paul & I hung out this afternoon on Main Street in Bozeman, drinking ice coffee and watching the world go by. (I am retired after all.) We then went our separate ways, until the celebratory and farewell dinner tonight.
Signing off until Thursday. Stay well!
By the numbers:
Dist today - 35.4 miles Total miles 878 % Miles. 23%
Elev gain today - 941 ft Total Elev Gain 30,098 ft % Elev Gain. 29%
Elev Loss today - 187 ft Total Elev Loss 24,401 ft
Moving time today - 2:52 Total moving Time 72:59 (H:M)
Warren,
ReplyDeleteYou can visit our WWAMI program at MSU while you are in Bozeman. Hope the winds and the weather are favorable!
Paul
Phase 1 -- sounds like the pandemic restrictions. I'm glad you had the company of good friends. The next phase will bring the benefits of solitude.
ReplyDeleteFrom the many times we have driven this basic route to Minnesota, the winds tend blow from the west. As you have found, they can be strong and very helpful. On our route, which was further south, the winds varied more. I hope you have favorable winds.
As you probably have experienced, short afternoon thunderstorms seem to be typical in Montana.
Ride on and make sure you take regular days off to rest. We usually took one a week at the end of one of the Adv Cycle maps. If possible, we would lay over where there was a bike shop. This may not always be possible.
Anyway, persist and enjoy. Remember Satchel Paige: "Start out slow and taper off."... eg
Yes, I like it, "start out slow and taper off". You have come far Warren, but still have a long way to go, so plodding on like Aesop's turtle seems like good advice.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy. We are reading with delight your blog every night.
Nice narrative Wa. I miss you!
ReplyDeleteLookin a straight savage with the beard. Look out Hugh Glass. Will be catching up with these posts!
ReplyDeletethis is willdog, btw
DeleteWarren, I am loving reading your tales of adventure. What an amazing way to experience the country.
ReplyDeleteIf you have not already, please get a fiber spoke at the next bike shop. You probably have one, but if not, it can be used to temporarily replace a broken spoke We did have to use one on my trip, once actually in Montana, and it lasted until the next bike shop. I hope your riding today has favorable winds. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete