Final full day in North Dakota. Stayed on interstate 94 as the winds buffered me from the northwest making today's ride a little rocky. Spent some time in the visitors center observing movie props from the movie FARGO. The acual wood chipped used in the movie was the highlight. Tomorrow's ride turns south east into Minnesota.
Another big chunk of North Dakota is behind me. Near perfect conditions from start to finish. 103 miles of a mix of rural and interstate roadways. 50 degrees at the start, 75 degrees at the finish. The northern winds are still doing there part as well.
Another very smooth and wind aided ride. I almost feel like I am cheating a little by taking advantage of the strong western wind catapulting me to complete a full century ride in 6.5 hours. Although I only need to think back to 2024 when I cycled the southern tier through Arizona with 30 mph head winds and 110 degree heat to have it all even out. Yes indeed.
Montana is finally in the rear view mirror. 5 full days and 2 partial days of mostly wind assisted riding. The scenery hasn't changed much as i crossed the state line. Perhaps a little greener, more agriculture and less live stock. 3 solid days in north Dakota. Hopefully the winds remain in my favor. Making very good progress. I continue to take full advantage of a strong westerly wind.
A scheduled 118 ride shortened to 100 due to a major reconstruction project along today's route. The road surface was completely gone leaving only stone and dirt. Luckily before I got no more than a mile into the mess I stopped at a rest area hoping to grab a ride with someone in a pickup. Not 10 minutes in a contractor pulled up offering me a ride through the construction.
77 miles of smooth pavement on a picture perfect cycling day. 50 degrees to start, 75 degrees to finish. Wind added ride always adds to the enjoyment. Going to push the daily mileage up a little in the next couple of days to make good use of favorable weather and wind.
More like a roller coaster ride than a true bicycle ride. The cycling gods were definitely on my side today. A strong steady north westerly wind propelled me to my final destination of 78 miles in a little more than 5 hours. And I hardly needed to pedal. Let's hope the winds hold in there direction. 2 more full days in Montana then on to north Dakota.
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| Fresh finely grooved asphalt courtesy of the Montana department of transportation. |
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| Curious onlookers. |
Hot and windy 109 mile day. Unlike the previous days ride, this days highlight was a southernly with which absolutely destroyed my spirit very early in the day. The heat and the hills didn't help much either.
A shortened day due to the unavailable budget offerings of accommodations. I am just south of the entrance to glacier National Park , which explains the higher cost of rooms. It also puts me a little further away from my next destination of Cut Bank about 118 miles. Need to get an early start. Sunset is 9:20 so there will fortunately be plenty of daylight.
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| Small town in route |
New day ,new state. A quick pass through Idaho on a rainy Monday morning finds me in Montana at days end. Flirting again with the idea of holding out for better weather, I decided to make a dash for the town of Troy 84 miles away. The rain did finally stop at the half way point. The rain itself was not the biggest issue. The huge logging trucks spraying billows of mist has more harrowing.
On a day that was to be a total wash out and possibly a rest day i awoke to clear skies. Hustling my gear i was on my way upward to waconda pass and 3500 feet of climbing at 5:30 am. The anxiety of such a climb soon disappeared due to smooth shoulders, light traffic, light tail wind and an easier than expected grade. Arriving in Republic Washington at 10:30. With clear skies over head i cancelled my room reservation and made a dash for Coville and a bicycle only hostel where hosts Shelley and Barry hosted a delicious meal of Ethiopian lentil soup and dessert. In total 99.25 mile and approximately 6000 feet of climbing.
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