Well, today was just delightful. It was much harder than I expected it to be - 46 miles, 4:24 on bike time, 6:30 total time, but I got to camp around 3pm and had a good nap at the halfway part.
There was lots of climbing and dirt etc. We had our first bit of single track as well - and for the most part today was very remote and rugged. It made for pretty hard riding.
Did you notice that I said "we?" I made friends! Partway through today I met Richard and (insert name here) from Colorado riding the Divide from that town south of Whitefish back into Butte. They are doing the ride with Bob trailers, and do a lot of rides like this, and have section ridden much of The Divide and other trails. I think we may end up camping in similar areas for a few days.
They leapfrogged with me much of the day. They also saw a mamma black bear and three cubs crossing the road, and the black bear stood up and was angry at them for a moment. This was when I was in front of them, so... I just missed my first bear experience.
Camp tonight is at Holland Lake campground near Holland Lake Lodge on ... wait for it.... Holland Lake. I went to the lodge first before securing a campground to inquire about food, but it was $30+ a plate so I declined - but I did play their piano for a bit. I miss music. I also went back later to buy a beer and mooch some power. Guess how much the beer was? $8.50. Oops. They must know the are in the middle of nowhere.
I went back to the campground later to secure a spot, and was told that two other cyclists were also looking. I figured it was Richard and his buddy so I rode over to see if they wanted to share a spot and cost. But, it wasn't them, it was Steve and Barb, the baggers I met yesterday!
Steven, Barb, and I shared the campsite, and Richard and his buddy arrived later and took a campsite next door. I had a great night talking to Steven and Barb, and we may even know some of the same people in Eugene. They treated me to the campsite and fed me snacks as well. Unfortunately I think we're are pacing differently, so this is likely our only night together.
They've ridden all over the world, including across the country with their two-year-old (who is now starting college). They had tons of great stories. They've even done this section of the divide before, and apparently tomorrow will have some rough, hard-earned, beautiful miles.
Speaking of hard-earned, my hands are killing me when riding. I'm used to drop bars, and these flat bars combined with the rocky roads are rough. I'm hoping my hands just need to toughen up to the new positions and it will get better rather than dehabilitating.
I'm also running pretty low on food, as the last two nights I didn't end up camping where food was available like I expected. I cooked last night, but tonight dinner was peanut butter bagels, cheese and crackers, and snickers. That's not satisfying when it's also all your lunches. It may require a detour tomorrow to restock before my end destination, which will make what will likely be a really hard day even harder. Road touring does not have these kinds of problems. ;)
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