- Missoula to Lincoln, MT
- 79.4 miles
- 39.2 top speed
- Headwinds and HOT – 89 degrees
Today we started our journey anew. About 17 new riders have joined us and a half dozen have left. We number about 80 this week. Our first stage of week two takes us further east in Montana. We got a leisurely start because the course went right by our motel. The early morning was lovely with great scenery and gentle roads. Greg from the UK tagged onto our tail and followed us for almost 10 miles. That was fun.
We were rolling along the Blackfoot River most of the morning. Small scrub forests traded places with tall stands of pines. The river meandered alongside whispering its stories of exploration. When we got to our lunch stop, we were able to walk down and wade in a ways. Alex and William actually brought their swim suits and floated along in the current. Lots of rafts were putting in for the fisherfolk to do their thing. It was quite idyllic.
After we left lunch (about 11 AM) the day turned more challenging. The landscape opened up which meant the winds had more room to blow. And they blew right in our faces most of the time. So even when we were on the flat, we were no longer speeding along.
To make matters more difficult, the sun was beating on us. We stopped twice to reapply sunscreen. Even though we were in our sandals and sleeveless tops, we were roasting. At one point Sheila tried to be nice and spray water on my feet. Unfortunately, she didn’t warn me and I was scared to death. After that, she always asked first before applying water.
We still had to take regular breaks for taking in and getting rid of water. That allowed us to rest our weary butt muscles. They are doing better, though. And my quads, at least, are also much less sore. Maybe it’s our careful eating, but I think we are probably adjusting to the routines of breaking camp, riding, eating, riding, drinking, riding, setting up camp, sleep, repeat. It sounds boring that way, but we’re enjoying it tremendously. People we talk to are universally thrilled and excited for us. And the support we feel from all of you helps a lot too. See you tomorrow in Townsend, Montana.
More pictures of shirtless men please! 🙂 Kidding.? Excellent job on the blog. I look forward to reading your posts every day.
Week 2, bring it on! The road looks great from over your shoulder, Spen!
xo
Hats off to you all…or in this case helmets off to you all. What an amazing journey….seeing the USA not in a Chevrolet but from a bike…..a ride that you will never forget. Wishing you all a safe journey and looking forward to see you ride into Lake Placid.
Love the “truck on cheese” reference. What an adventure. I check in everyday. Be well.
We are loving your posts and pics and wish we could be there with you! Although we don’t envy the saddle soreness. :). Glad that is improving. Hard to believe you’re already into your second week already. Stay well and keep the blogs coming!
Awesome! thanks for taking the time to give these updates. Everyone at camp wanted to know the details. BTW, the wettest camp in history but we still all had fun. I’m passing your site along to several camp pals! May the wind be at your backs! Philip
Phil, I’m happy to know you passed on the blog address to the camp folks. Feel free to share it as you see fit. This is a very tough tour. Three people have had to drop out due to medical conditions already. We’re doing pretty well. It’s as much a mental challenge as a physical one. It’s also weird to be so out of touch with the regular world. Keep posting. It helps us to know we’re supported.
spencer