Lewistown, Montana to Mosby, Montana - August 6, 2021

Pet Cemetery “Home on the Range”

I woke at Judith’s place at six o’clock. I had set my alarm for 6:45 AM, but my internal clock got the better of me. I wrote a little before heading down to breakfast.

When I arrived, there was a young couple from Virginia just finishing up. I had a quick chat with them before they got up to leave. The two had come to Montana for a friend’s wedding. They appeared Amish, but I didn’t ask.

I had a pleasant conversation with Judith over the meal. We shared our views on current topics. It’s always interesting to hear a person’s perspective on life, especially if they live a distance from home. Judith volunteers for an organization that helps less privileged people in Lewistown. She begins with improving their self esteem. The conversation was the highlight of my stay in town.

I rolled away from her house at nine o’clock after drinking 24+ ounces of coffee. The day started with a climb over, of all things, the Judith Mountains. These were really hills.

Meeting of the Minds

Lone Tree

After the reasonable up came an incredible down. I FLEW through the first thirty miles well before noon. I love the feeling of flow on a tour. Today was one of those days. I’ve officially been riding for two weeks. My body is in cycling shape now, and movement is a pleasure.

I stopped for a roadside lunch outside of Grass Range, then took off to Winnet, my initial goal for the day (about 55 miles from Lewistown).

I pulled in and, with a little help from a young man, found the library (it was actually part of the school). They were closed, and the WiFi wasn’t working. I headed up to the Winnet General Store, bought food and took a break, drinking coconut water, on an outside bench. I made up my mind to push further.

Note: The general store clerk allowed me to fill water bottles from the jug dispenser.

In Mosby, I swung into an RV park just off the road. There were “No Trespassing” signs up, and not a soul around. It felt a touch eerie, so I moved on down the road, knowing that there was a rest stop close.

Wheeling into the rest area, I knew that I had struck gold. It had everything but showers - super nice.

I grabbed my 1.5 liter water bottle, soap and flip flops and took a shower, over a drain, in one of the restrooms.

Rest Stop

Rest Stop (Interior)

Tent Scene

Showering in a restroom is a legitimate option in busy areas. I’ve taken bottle showers in the past, but having the privacy of a restroom stall works well. I realize that this isn’t for everyone, or for very few, in fact. Just something to consider, in a pinch…

I set up my tent behind one of the picnic areas. As there was no cell service, I went to sleep early.

My only wish was to get a call out to loved ones. I know that they worry about me.

Note: There were two RVs and a long haul trucker who also stayed the night at the rest area. One RV owner ran a generator all night.

Note: The wind came up fairly strong, waking me several times throughout the night.

Rest Stop Map (No WiFi)