- Townsend to Ennis
- 77 miles
- Strong head and side winds all day
- Another flat!
- 812.2 total miles
In Townsend we were fed at the Wood Family Grill. The folks there did a bang up job. But they underestimated how much a pack of hungry cyclists can eat. The owner came out to apologize and a said, “We’ve served a group of 55 Army Rangers, and we thought those guys could really eat. But you ate much more!” Well fed, we pushed off toward Ennis. We would be on Montana Hwy 278 all day.
One great break came at mile 30 when we arrived at the Montana Wheat Bakery. They had fabulous cinnamon rolls. Giant and well-risen, not slathered in sugary frosting, we split one and could only eat half. We saved the rest for later. Leaving that stop (which attracted just about every cyclist in the group)we picked up Denny from Mukilteo WA. He trailed us for 12 miles until we started up a 4 mile climb. We were half way up when our rear tire flatted again. The replacement wasn’t quick, but it got us up the hill and to the was lunch stop.
Lunch was wonderful, but just delayed our return to the battle with the winds. The problem with the winds from the side is that they require lots of concentration to keep the bike moving in a straight line. With car and truck traffic moving by at 70 mph, you don’t want to be suddenly veering into the traffic lane! When the winds are in your face, you just go slowly.
The toughest part of the ride came at mile 60 when we started a 5 mile climb with bits at 7%. It seemed to go on and on. And on. One of those curvy climbs that teases you with the idea you might be getting to the top, just to trash your dreams as you go around a corner and see miles more of up coming.
A small group of us (6) made it to the top around the same time then flew down 3 miles to Madison Valley. Just 7 more miles straight into the wind got us here to Ennis. In case you didn’t figure it out, the Earth from the title was the big piles of it which we had to climb today.
Thinking of you. I read today there were record heat waves across the country. Hope you are somehow staying cool.
By the way–How do you get enough protein and calories to support so much riding? Especially, on a vegan diet.
This is Stacey (from Ohio, wk 1). I am enjoying reading your blog and sometimes wish I was back out there with you guys! I MIGHT get back on my bike next week 🙂 Take care road warriors!
What a day you all had and you survived it. Headwinds are one thing but fierce headwinds…..WOW…..and then combine them with those damn inverted declines…..kudos to you all. I look forward to and love reading the reports and of course the pictures. What a beautiful country we live in. Thinking of you all everyday and praying that you have a successful ride.
Sounds as though you both are embodying the “Keep on keeping on” philosophy!
Wow. I don’t know how you do it. BTW, I walked in on Linda the other day (she came home from her vacation earlier than expected) and Morrie was lying contentedly on Linda’s lap, looking very cute.
Thanks for all your comments. They really keep us going. I don’t know if you’ll see our responses or not.
@Stephan, we have a chocolate protein and soy milk smoothie with our oatmeal every morning and carry Builder Bars on the bike for more protein. They’ve done surprisingly well with our food. Not perfect but better than expected. Sor far so good on that front.
@Stacey, we miss you. We gained 13 new folks but have had 2 casualties. Julie is leaving the tour with a broken wrist and Joe has been in the hospital but they think he’ll be rejoining us next week.
@Nathalie, thanks for being a support person for Linda. Sounds like Morrie threw up and she might benefit from your experience if you could check in on her. THANKS!
Taking the long view – quite a metaphor for life! Up close, the grasses are pushed down by the wind but in the distance, the mountains are steadfast.