Short (but tough) Ride from Livingston to Bozeman

August 08, 2021

39.3 miles

2448' elevation

3:07 moving time

12.6 mph average speed

"Challenging" winds

Slept in a bit this morning as it was going to be our shortest ride of the tour. Used the extra time to repack bags and plan clothing for next couple of days before we reach Missoula for our rest day.

Getting bike and bags downstairs to the van I discovered the winds that were coming from the direction we were headed. Not a good omen.

The whole crew really battled with the 20 mph headwinds which shifted to crosswinds. Haven't had such a harrowing white knuckled ride in many years. They did abate somewhat at our first SAG but it really sapped my energy. The early part of the ride did have us on busy highway with rumble strips again but after 4 miles we were able to get on a quiet service road parallel to the highway where we could better focus on the long climb. The pitch wasn't steep but the length made for a long push battling the headwinds uphill.

On the other hand, the Big Sky scenery lived up to its billing. The immensity and sweep of the fields and Bridger mountain range is hard to appreciate without letting it wash over you on a bike. I felt so puny but appreciated the privilege of being able to be here taking it in. At the second SAG at about mile 22, Baerbel (German Manhattanite on tour with us) asked if I would join her for a few bonus climbing miles. So, while the rest of the tour turned left at the net intersection, we went right. I was feeling tired but still a little adventurous and not wanting to disappoint I joined her for an extra 5 and that let us discover the Beluga whale on a pole. Happy I went.

It was just the two of us that then made the last 18 miles together to the Museum of the Rockies where we were scheduled to have lunch and met up with our crew-mates. We had packed a change of street clothes and shoes in our day packs so we could comfortably take in the museum after our boxed lunch consisting of grinder, chips and cookie. While changing, I realized how drained and dehydrated I felt. The feeling of just wanting to get to the hotel and put my feet up was a compelling driver to wrap up the tour of the museum. Still did enjoy it. Really large collection displayed in an attractive format. Since it was a Sunday, there were a lot of parents with their kids. I got a kick out of the younger ones marvel at the large displays while the teenagers with folded arms and sighs of ennui barely tolerating their parents dragging them there.

Once at hotel, a little after 3:00 PM I just crashed. Downed a 20 oz bottle of Dr Pepper and bag of Cheddar chips before being able to drag myself into a shower before the van drove us out to a dinner spot at 5:20. Pretty nice steak and chop house. Back at hotel by 7:45 - Our poor waitress was just not on her game. Everybody had to shuffle their plates and drinks with the one who really ordered it. A lot of eye rolling but we just went with it and had a really nice chatty dinner with all our new friends.

Tomorrow we get an early start - wheels roll at 8:00 for a 65 mile ride to our first camping overnighter.

We'll see if I'm a happy camper or not. There's a chance of rain by the time we set up camp but once that's done we have an opportunity to do a 2 hour tour at cavern nearby.

Don't think campsite has WiFi so next update may have to wait for my arrival in Missoula.