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You're going where? September 6, 2008Leave a comment  View More Images The standard question every long distance cyclists gets after someone asks once where you are going. Not a double negative, but close. "You're going where?" Usually, I am on the receiving end of the question. Not today. I had the good fortune of running into a Japanese cyclist named Hiro. Sorry, didn't get the last name because his English was very limited and my Japanese is nearly non-existent. Except for a polite hello, thank you and goodbye, I spoke slowly as we tend to do to someone who doesn't speak English. Like that helps... Hiro was cycling from Prudhoe Bay, AK to Tierra del Fuego in South America. For today's problem, locate both places on a map and calculate how for apart they are. Preferrably not as the crow flies, but as the bicyclist pedals. I thought across the US was far. My ride doesn't hold a candle to Hiro's adventure. "I survived the Arctic Circle" was proudly adhered to his bike. He was fully loaded with everything anyone could want on a long-distance bike ride. Including a trailer and a power kickstand in the form of a pole that lodged up under his seat and stuck to the ground. You might be able to see it in the picture. This is one of those times I wish I could speak another language fluently. I would like to speak a lot of languages fluently. I only know a little of some, but not enough of any! One of the things that I think we could do better in this country is travel overseas more and make an effort to get to know people and the languages they speak. I have been fortunate to travel to many places around the world, but I still wish I had the capability of speaking to others in their native tongue. We would be far better off in this country, politically, if that were the norm. Ignorance of others is not a way to have meaningful relationships and discussions with foreign governments. Ok, off of my soapbox... The morning started out rainy and cold. I lumbered out of the RV fuly decked out for the nasty weather, loaded up my stuff and headed off down the road toward Townsend. The campground was just north of the town by about 5 miles and it was all downhill and with a tailwind again! I crossed the Missouri River and headed straight for Three Rivers. I decided against heading across the state on Hwy 12, thinking I might not be able to find shelter as readily as I would to the south. It turns out that Hwy 191 runs parallel to I-90 for quite a distance and since it runs next to the Yellowstone River, I thought it would be a good option. If I had not gone this way, I would not have bumped into Hiro. Thank goodness for small favors again! The day was relatively uneventful except for my meeting Hiro. I found some humor alongside the road in the form of a huge headlight from some massive vehicle. I thought it would make for an amusing photo, attached to my bike! "Use your headlights for safety!" "How's this one for size?" The skies began to clear and the temps started to come up. I shed a few layers and took advantage of the stops to take some breathtaking photos back across the valley and into the mountains. Once again, the pictures do not do justice to the awesome scenery. The expansive valley was bright golden with the clouds making for a stunning backdrop against the mountains. I always try to catch the road in the picture to give a good perspective on just how vast the valley is. I hope that is apparent in the pictures. After I met Hiro, I hustled down the road trying to outrun a huge rain storm to the west. I was just getting hit by the first few drops when I pulled into the Montana Wheat Bakery along I-90. My folks were waiting with a scrumptous ham and turkey sandwich and cold green tea! I AM GETTING SPOILED! I turned down I-90 for about three miles before jumping on Hwy 205 which ran parallel to the north of the interstate. It was much more pleasant than dealing with the traffic, even though it meandered a bit more and well as having a few hills thrown in for good measure. I rolled through Logan and came across a truck with rather dubious announcement. "We Do Anything." "Really?" Given there was no one around to ask, I guess one thing they don't do is answer questions! I did however see them a ways down the road, slopping muck out of horse stalls, so at least I know of one thing that they do! One thing that is nice about side roads in the country, very few people use them, unless they live nearby. Once you get closer to town, that story changes. The traffic gets heavier and the shoulder stays just as narrow! It gets much more interesting and somewhat of a concern as you near town. Crossing through Belgrade and on into Bozeman it was all I could do to concentrate on the traffic and keep myself as close to the edge of the road as humanly possible without becoming part of the roadside vegetation. I did find a very nice ski glove that I stopped for, hoping I would find it's match further down the road. No such luck, so I left it on a post beside the road in a permanent wave, waiting for the next roadside scavenger! I came into Bozeman, met my folks and then followed them to the KOA campground out on Hwy 191. It was a bit of a back track, but worth it since they have a hot springs here. Once I finish the blog, it is the pool for me. They open at sundown and stay open until midnight! Tomorrow I head toward Billings, hoping I can get to Lodge Grass, MT by Tuesday morning. From there I will head south into WY and cross over the Big Horn mountains. My biggest pass to date! Should be fun! Hills are fun! More Images:               2 Comments
Sep 7, 2008 2:15 am - Dee wrote : John, it looks like you are having a wonderful trip. I am truly enjoying your blog, I read it every day. I have an efriend that is your sisters mother-in-law. She told me about this trek. I won't mention names. I would be a little happier to be able to read the signs in your pictures a little better. It is nice to stop at places when you hear that little voice. Interesting things in this great USA. My love is for the West. I love the mountains. You are doing good things with the children. They will remember you the rest of their lives. Sorry I was so chatty. Keep up the good works, and smell the roses along the way. My prayers are with you. May the wind be at your back. Dee Add a comment: |
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I came out of the big horn mts yesterday and there is blowing snow and 30 degrees and lower temps. dress warm!