Day 23: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 We rode 70.4 miles and climbed 3,007 feet
The Big Hole Crossing Restaurant opened at 7 a.m. so we had a wonderful breakfast and were able to fill all of our water bottles and bags with their good water. The water at the motel was brown! For a small community of 100 people that restaurant is a real gem. It had a clothing shop connected to it but it was not open the hours we were in town –but those were the most unique I have seen anywhere. Looks as though there are a lot of wealthy ladies around Wisdom or passing through on vacation.
It was another beautiful day for a ride
Great ranch country and Black Angus everywhere – probably why we had such wonderful steaks last night.
Long, long stretches of straight highway – lightly traveled
We never saw the river but we saw plenty of hay, cattle and horses and they are certainly right about the beautiful scenery
Two Westbounders
The Cycle Montana group of about 150 stayed here at Jackson Lodge and Hot Springs last night and were long gone by the time we rode the 18 miles over from Wisdom. We had a second breakfast at the Lodge because it was too early for them to serve lunch – but their cook made the absolute best spinach, scallion, garlic and feta omelet!
Then we headed off into the next 48 miles of absolutely no services.
Looking up toward Bib Hole Pass – the foothills are so high you cannot even see the peaks
Another Westbounder who was trying to find some where to camp and wait out the head winds
Finally at the top – but no summit marker
Even stronger tail winds for the descent and I was using the drum brake as carefully as I could but managed to burn it up even so! It was a much steeper grade on the East side. Bike Friday thinks it may have been a faulty drum but as Dennis said they are shipping a replacement so we will be without for just a couple of days.
getting close to Dillon
coming into Dillon
The University of Montana Western
Very pretty campus
Even though today was about the same miles and climb as yesterday, it was a much easier day and we arrived about 3 p.m. and had time to explore the historic district downtown. Cycle Montana is camping here tonight so lots of cyclists everywhere. We talked to Steve as he is camping here too. Todd and his family went further today as they are trying to get to Yellowstone by Thursday. We won't be there until Friday. I cannot believe how fast the days are going! We will be in Breckenridge in less than 2 weeks!