Jordan, Montana to Circle, Montana - August 8, 2021

Ranch Sign

I opened my eyes at the Garfield Motel, packed and pedaled back to the Summit Corral for breakfast. I had a voucher for $10.75 (+ Free Coffee) that was burning a hole in my pocket.

I requested the “Everything Omelet” and drank an unquantifiable amount of Joe. When paying, I spoke with the owner; at the same time an employee warned of four miles of road construction on route 200.

The Plains

Construction Time Again

Montana Rest Stop (Escape from the Heat)

I knew that sixty-six miles was going to be a challenge, and, for once,  I wasn’t wrong. The hills were, as a whole, relatively mild. The heat was a touch unfortunate, topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon. Water, bananas and salty trail mix helped. There’s also the mental part. Honestly, the heat doesn’t impact me to any great degree. Today, it was the wind.

Anticipation

For the final ten mile stretch, my route turned north to my destination, Circle. Immediately, a west wind came up strong. I stopped for a moment and wondered if I should wait for it to calm, but knew that I didn’t want to set up my headlight and cycle in the dark.

I pushed through, stopping at every mile marker. I stayed in the moment, but, while reflecting at each of these stops, thanked my past self for giving effort.

On this stretch, I spent 2/3 of the time on the shoulder and 1/3 of the time on the grass; the wind was constantly blowing me off the pavement. The best I could do was take was was offered and keep going.

Bruce Lee talks about flowing, like water. This came to mind.

Many times, I cycled on the grass toward the shoulder, only to be turned further into the weed. An outside observer may have believed that I overspent while sitting on a barstool. At least the temperature dropped dramatically.

Note: I’m glad that I’m touring with mountain bike wheels - better stability for unknown conditions.

My luck changed after pulling into Circle. I was able to get a inexpensive ($65) room at the Travelers Inn. The couple at the desk were kind in word and action.

I was able to connect to WiFi and talk to Mom and Beth before sleep.