I woke up at 4:00 am, got ready and was biking at 5:00. Main reason for the early start was the weather. The forecast was for strong winds out of the SE, which would be a tailwind for me, but the high temperature was forecast for 95 degrees. I wanted to take full advantage of the tailwind, especially since I would be biking through some desolate areas of eastern Montana. And, I didn’t want to put in too many hours in the heat of the day.
It was 55 degrees to start. I had a 30 minute uphill out of Hulett to keep me warm. Then it was rolling hills as I biked north towards Montana. It was slow going, and the wind was in my face during this stretch of the ride. Lots of cattle ranches in this part of the country. Here is what the scenery looked like.
After a brief downhill, I entered Montana at 7:45. I had put in 30 miles so far.
There was a small town at the border called Alzada, but I didn’t stop. I had fully loaded my bike with water and food the night before. I took a right onto Hwy 212, which put the wind directly behind me. The wind was blowing at 15 to 20 mph. It was 56 miles to the next town (Broadus), and I covered that distance in three and a half hours. It was a nice tailwind!! And, it was flat. Flat ground with a good tailwind made for some good speeds. The scenery changed when I entered Montana, it wasn’t as hilly and there were few trees. Still lots of cattle ranches.
Since it was only 11:30, and the temperature was still comfortable (83 with no humidity), I decided to ride on to the next town (Ashland), which was 45 miles away.
The road between Broadus and Ashland was much hillier. The wind speed also decreased, but was still behind me. I rode those 45 miles in three and a half hours. Here is a couple of pictures of the scenery.
I made it to Ashland at 2:50, and the temperature was 95 degrees. It was too hot, and it had been nine hours of peddling so far. So, I called it a day and got a room in the only hotel in town.
I’m glad I got up extra early to take advantage of the wonderful tailwind that God had blessed me with. I feel good to have biked through those two desolate stretches of eastern Montana. Tomorrow’s ride will have towns with gas stations every 20 miles, or so. So, I won’t need to carry as much on my bike. But, the wind won’t be as favorable either.
But that’s for tomorrow. Today, I biked 134 miles and climbed 4,400 feet. It was a great day for putting some miles behind me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to socialize with anyone. It was just me and my bike all day. Maybe tomorrow?
I didn’t go to church today, but will watch a sermon tonight in my hotel room.
I love reading about your journey. Stay safe and have fun. Love you.
Great, Jim! I’m riding with you in spirit. With the pictures it brings back memories of our vacations. Love Dad.
Wow!!! New personal best at 134 miles? Big day. Good job taking advantage of those “Angel” tail winds.
Pat
By the time you get out of Montana, you will qualify as a resident.
Your distance today was amazing.
I’m amazed you got so far! I’m sure you were glad to get those miles behind you. Hoping for more tail winds all through Montana.