First Ride in Montana

August 07, 2021

Gardiner to Livingston Montana

56 Miles

1368' climbing

17.9 mph average

Last night at dinner we were asked to text our breakfast order for the following morning to our guides as there is only one breakfast spot in town and it was unlikely we'd be able to be seated together. Our orders were delivered to our rooms at the lodge by 8:00 and half of us ate on our 'back porch' overlooking the river. We got our bikes at 9:00 and began the fitting and adjustment process i.e adding pedals from home, lights, adjusting seats, and other fine tuning. after a safety briefing and overview of today's route we were on our way around 10:30.

The route was rather straightforward although the first 20 miles were on a high traffic road with narrow breakdown lanes and often hard to avoid rumble strips. Fortunately, our first SAG stop saw us onto a low traffic road which was just the best rinding a cyclist could ask for: Mild rolling hills with tail winds mostly losing elevation along the way. We traveled the river valley passing farms and fields with the Absaroka mountains just on our right. The air was still noticeably hazy from the fires in Oregon and Idaho.

Lunch was laid out at a fishing launch along the Yellowstone River. The food has been surprisingly good with variety enough for everyone. The guides are making this trip feel like a real vacation. After lunch we continued on our way and I began to notice the heat when the wind moderated. Luckily, there wasn't much moderation so instead of really struggling, I was able to keep a good, enjoyable pace.

Arriving at our destination hotel by 3:30 - a brand new Fairfield Inn - did give me enough time to shower, wash my clothes (sink laundry), and relax a bit before meeting everyone at 5:45 for dinner.

It did involve a 10 minute van ride into the very charming Livingston downtown. Dinner was the best yet and we all chatted over appetizers of Roasted Brussels Sprouts with dried cherries and fried Calamari. After our entrees, most shared servings of Huckleberry Cheasecake, Ice cream, and chocolate mousse.

Tomorrow will be the shortest ride of the trip and will involve a trip to the Museum of Montana in Bozeman to look at Dinosaur exhibit, before checking into our hotel.