Week Three

After a great rest day in Missoula on Sunday 7/14 we road 80 miles to Lincoln, MT where we stayed in The Historic Lincoln Hotel, a large log structure filled with character and lovely "innkeepers." With woods and stream in back we had a relaxing evening. I had never observed fly fishing until this day and was mesmerized by the rivers and the numbers of people we passed gracefully casting their lines. I certainly understood why this area was selected for "A River Runs Through It." By Tuesday we knew this would be another week of climbing, including a climb up Flesher's Pass (best views in Montana we were told by the locals) and crossing the Continental Divide, spending the night in Helena. Wednesday we had the pleasure of another long climbing day, including a 12 mile intense climb before heading down to White Sulphur Springs. The highlight of the evening was a magnificent rainbow Sharon captured on camera which quickly sent many of us outside. Thursday's ride brought us to Harlowton; riding included more heat, more climbing, similar expansive vistas, and many ranches. Friday was full of rollers; what a relief to have a little assistance on the hills. Cows, horses, dogs and cowboys broke up our day. Following this hot 70 miles we were in Round Up, only to discover our reservations were at the Big Sky Motel in Superior MT, a 7 hour car drive. Donna, friendly owner helped find lodging between her Big Sky and another motel down the street. Saturday was a longer ride - 103 miles, mostly through the Montana Desert with the scenery slowly losing it's appeal. Jimmy's Tonto character and friendly, although exhausting sprint competitions with me the last 10 miles brought us to the unanticipated climb into Forsyth. All but one day this week gifted us in temps in the 90's, several close to 100. Today is  a shorter 45 mile "recovery" ride with Miles City our destination and a day off tomorrow. I rode the first 22 and am now the driver for the second half. This week we rode over 500 miles (plus or minus a few for some SAG responsibilities). Montana is definitely a long state with varied terrain, desert, hot sun, beautiful National Forests, much history (Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe) and most noticeably.....a vast big blue sky! We are already one third of the way on this great adventure. Photos for week 3 below:

Downtown Missoula attracts many to enjoy the Clark Fork River - 7/15

Missoula Day off includes cleaning bike, laundry and rest - 7/15

Riding to Lincoln, MT - 7/15

East of Missoula - 7/15

My room at The Historic Lincoln Hotel - built 1920 - 7/15

Not atypical of the dilapidated log structures seen throughout Montana-7/16

Climbing - 7/16

6 mile climb - road in distance - 7/16

Continental Divide 7/16

Riding to Helena -7/16

 Rest stop at small cafe with only out houses - 7/16

The sky seems to be getting bigger every day! 7/16

 Frequently seen passing us (or is it us passing them?) 7/16

7/16

7/17/2013 Hwy 12 outskirts of Helena