June 27, 2023
47 miles
Today’s route included eight climbs, two of which were the mountain passes, Big Hole and Badger. Just as we got started, we hit the first climb which woke up our legs and our lungs! It was just a warm up though.
We did manage to get out early today and succeeded in beating the afternoon thunderstorms over the mountain passes. As we were riding into Dillon, I turned around to see very dark clouds behind us. We were also happy to leave the mosquitoes behind - I think it was a combination of the higher ground and maybe the 42 degree temperature when we set out.
As we were having our breakfast, packing our things and loading our bikes, we had an opportunity to talk more with John, the cyclist we had met the day before. He had shared with us that he had cancer, perhaps incurable, had been hospitalized twice with COVID, and finally showed us the scar and misformed collar bone from when he hit a deer (or it hit him) when cycling at home. He broke eighteen bones and punctured his lungs. He was proud of the tattooed deer running across his shoulder. He seems indestructible, as he was close to completing a 1,000 mile ride competing in the off-road Continental Divide race. He told us he had climbed 6,000 feet one day and faced 16% grades. We rode out together this morning, and when we hit the first climb that was the last we saw of John!
We had lunch at a great Asian restaurant in town called Asian Mix, did a little laundry, had burgers at the Blacktail Station Steakhouse bar for dinner, then rode our bikes to the grocery store. Sharon insisted that we leave our bikes outside unlocked - if they’re gone it’ll be a sign!
They were still there when we came out. I guess we will have to ride again tomorrow.
The pictures are amazing! Beautiful country.