Farewell Montana, Hello ND

Day 23, Thursday, Sept. 14th Circle, MT – Wibaux, MT. 78 miles, Total 1,505, elevation gain 2,159’

Eastern Montana known for all its dinosaur fossils. In background is my fancy Motel.

I cleaned my sunglasses a couple times this morning before I realized the haze was smoke in the air from the Canadian Wild fires. I have been very fortunate that the air has been pretty good. I was told a week ago in this area it was so bad people could not be outside.

My legs, especially my thighs are asking for a little break, but my feet are clicking into pedals and telling legs to ‘suck it up and start pedaling!’

Legs kicked in and it actually felt like I was on an e-bike (disclaimer, I have never been on one) Had a slight tail wind and slight downhill and for a few miles was cruising at 21-22mph. Where are the hills and climbs I am so use to?

I am camping in Wibaux tonight. Set up my tent and took a shower. Pedaled back in to town to watch the Viking game at the Beaver Creek Brewery. Sandy, the owner, tried for quite awhile to find it, but no luck, had to settle for the Twins game. Had a great lasagna dinner with my beers. Sandy opened this brewery 14 years ago when their were 300 open in the country. He is the brewer too Met two students from Netherlands, doing geological studies and samples for 5 weeks, he said he had the same Kona touring bike as me.

Fun Brewery. Just as well couldn’t get the Thursday night Viking game. Another early loss.

Had a front row seat at bar watching Twins win.

Rode my bike back to my camping area in the dark and was surprised by a long horn cow grazing near my tent. He was on the loose! A couple guys came by later and tried to harness him, but he ran off down the road.

Day 24, Friday, Sept. 15th, 77 miles Total 1,582. Elevation gain 2,713

One more state to go! It’s a long one, but then back on Minnesota!!!

Was a good night sleep in my tent. I think I actually sleep better in my tent and sleeping bag than I do in a motel. Weird! So cool and comfortable in my tent.

Woke up to a cool morning 40 degrees. Packed up and rode down to small local grocery store. Waited for the butcher to open store at 8am. He asked me ‘why do you guys ride your bike such long distances?’ I had to think about that… I responded, ‘it’s a great way to see the country, a slow pace, sense of freedom, being out in the elements, everyday and weather conditions are different, road conditions, etc. You see, smell, feel, so much more than wizzing by in an enclosed car at 70mph. You feel alive and I like the challenge of propelling myself forward under my own power. It’s very rewarding and I feel blessed that I am able to do it.’

Had another great big breakfast at Beach, ND. Had to celebrate making it into a new state! Then on to Medora where I brought my bike into a bike shop and had the chain replaced, derailleur and brakes adjusted.

Love my ice cream! In Medora and bike shop next door. New chain has me not thinking about it busting on me.

The grasshoppers in Montana have now been replaced with butterflies on the shoulder of the roads in ND. Nice ride today on Old highway 10 next to I-94. No trucks or traffic. Was a pleasant easy day of riding. Had some rolling hills but no big climbs. I am going to like ND! Treating myself to a chain Hotel, La Quinta and walked across street to a Mexican restaurant, was so tasty. Life is good!