Day 31: Dillon to Wisdom MT

68 miles, 3670 ft ascent, 6:25 saddle time, elevations: min 5067, max 7381 ft

We left the bike hostel at about 0700 and headed into town to McDonalds, which was the only place for breakfast open at that time.  I have not eaten in McDonald’s in many years, so this was a change for me.  I bought an egg McMuffin, which I ate right away, and a bacon, egg and cheese bagel, which I saved for my “second breakfast”.  The day started with two major climbs over two passes, Badger Pass (1128 ft ascent in 6 miles to 6760 ft) and Big Hole Pass (1240 ft ascent in 6.32 miles to 7360 ft).  There were awesome downhill runs after each pass.  My bike handled much better without the additional 6 lb tent on the back rack.  I did not take many photos today because it was cold, cloudy and rainy.  Here is a view of the Big Hole valley with overcast skies.

Big Hole Valley

I mentioned in yesterday’s post that this part of the country is one mountain chain after the next, separated by wide open valleys.  This was a revelation to me because I thought of the Rockies as a single chain of mountains.  Across the Big Hole Valley is the  Beaverhead Range.  I passed the Beaverhead rock outcropping yesterday on my way to Dillon.  This rock served as a milestone for east and westbound travelers, and was included in Lewis & Clark’s journal.
Beaverhead Rock
Brian and I stayed at the Nez Perce motel in Wisdom tonight.  We are now a group of 6, Brian, Guy, Erick, Kevin, Bill and I, whose paths have merged on out separate journeys West.  We all met at a Mexican restaurant in Wisdom for dinner.  It was more like eating in someone’s home than a restaurant, and it was good!  

I am posting this journal entry late because I was too tired to write it last night.  You would think I would have plenty of time on a trip like this for leisure, checking e-mails, etc., but that is not the case.  Perhaps if I was alone that would be true, but long days of riding combined with socializing over meals with the group sometime leave me with little time for anything else.  Riding time is typically 5 to 6 hours for 50 to 60 miles, but travel time with meals and breaks is more like 9 hours.  When I finally reach my destination ( and I am usually the last), I take a shower, eat dinner, and then it is about 2100.  If I am not too tired I journal, but other days I just can’t concentrate.  You have probably noticed some days my post is well written, but other days not so much.


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