We got a nice early start, found a bagel shop so we could fuel up and then hit the road. Leaving Ennis we spook two good sized deer with big racks, at least eight points each, but it happens so fast we can’t get pictures. Fairly quick ride the 11 miles to Cameron and sure enough is has everything we would have needed for an overnight stay, but everything I closed up and shuttered. Good thing we caught that before counting on it. For a while the ride is pleasant, nice weather and temperature, etc. We see pronghorn antelopes for the first time on the trip (where the deer and the antelope play). They have a very funny way of running, they almost seem to bounce along from the ankles like a cartoon character. Our elevation map has shown that we’ll gain a 1000 ft over the course of the day but it should be a steady pull with no steep climbs. We’re counting on that (warning, warning). The first 20 miles are pretty easy but also become very boring, very little change of scenery and the horizon doesn’t budge. Sure enough it gets hot and we also pick up a head wind as the ride turns into one of those where we check our mileage every ¼ mile or so. Not good. We ride into some change of scenery at least with the river picking up palisades to our east which our actually quite pretty. But the miles grind on and we are all getting beat too quickly. Our path takes us towards Earthquake Lake (which was formed abruptly in 1959 when a 7.5 richter scale earthquake hit the Yellowstone area, killed a couple dozen people and created rock slides which dammed the Madison River) and we’re targeting the Rangers Visitor Center there as someplace to take a break. When we turn towards the Lake (oh no), the road goes straight up. By the time we get to the visitors center it is time for some serious reconsideration of plans. We’ve ridden 48 miles, most against a headwind and are tired. Judith is totally out of gas. After a break and some discussion we decide that Judith will wait here, we’ll leave all our gear with her so we can ride unencumbered and Leah and I will ride the rest of the way into West Yellowstone, get the car and come back to get her. We have 27 more to go but without the gear it will be easier. The first third is easy, despite a couple of climbs, the middle third just grinds. About 11 miles from our destination I have a little trouble with a soft back tire but pump it up and hope not to have to change it out. The last 8 miles turn into a direct headwind and take forever, but we finally find the motel, call the rental car folks, etc. Stash our bikes in our room and notice that my rear tire is totally flat. Drive back to pick up Judith who has survived her 3 hour wait and bring her into town. Late dinner by the time we get cleaned up and out but finally and fed and crash for the night.
What a day. Tomorrow – Yellowstone Park. Should be fascinating.
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