Day 28 – Here, fishy fishy
July 20, 2012
Start: Mt. Fleecer
Finish: Montana High Country Lodge, Polaris, MT
Today’s miles: 50.3
Total miles: 784.7
Splats: 0
Divide crossings: 0
Wildlife: pronghorn
As I rode along some of the best trout water in the country today, I couldn’t help but wish that, perhaps, I had chosen to go on a fishing trip instead of a unicycling trip. I rode up the legendary Big Hole River and Wise River for most of the day. Inviting campsites lined nearly the entire stretch of the Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway, which I followed for most of today’s ride. Had I carried more food, I probably would have cut my day short to enjoy the area more thoroughly. Alas, I barely have enough food to make it from Butte to Lima in what will have to be a string of my four longest days yet.
I started this morning later than I’d hoped. My sleep was restless due to the wind making the tent door flap. I had left it open so I could look out at the view. At 3 am, I gave in and ‘fixed’ it. I usually start thinking about getting up around 5:00 or 5:30 when it starts to get light out. I thought my location would cater to an early start since the sun should have risen across the valley and shone in the tent door. When I first opened my eyes, it was 6:40 and overcast. I scrambled to pack, then headed off to John’s Hill, the infamously steep descent from Fleecer Ridge. I rode about 2/3′s of the way down before the grade became steeper. After being thrown off the front of the uni two times, I decided not to risk it anymore and took to my feet.
I soon found myself at the Wise River Mercantile, where I bought and quite quickly consumed a Snickers ice cream bar, a can of Coke, and a coffee. I needed a sugary jump start to get me moving faster after feeling sluggish most of the morning. It worked, and I took off into the headwinds as I began the long, well-graded climb along the Wise River.
Just before the end of the climb, I approached ‘Crystal City.’ Something in the picnic area caught my eye; it was a bike with a handlebar bag. As I got closer, I saw that the bike was a tandem and was excited to see Andy, Betsy, and Sarah taking a break. I joined them for a bit before we all decided it was time to push on. They’re enjoying the Elkhorn Hot Springs tonight and tomorrow before pushing on to Lima. Their trip ends in Lima and I hope to see them again on the way. They pulled away from me on the downhill, but a few miles later, at the Hot Springs, they were waiting for me so they could snap an action shot of me whizzing by at a whopping eight mph. I think I had a grin on my face for the next 3 miles. Something about seeing families going out on adventures like this makes me happy.
A blank, fatigued stare gradually replaced my smile as I wondered how much further I had to go to get to the Montana High Country Lodge, my planned destination for the night (after hearing Kyle rave about his stay here). I was also counting on dinner and breakfast here, so I was a little worried. If I couldn’t get food here, my meals would be spread thin to Lima. But there was no need to worry. I thoroughly enjoyed a meal and conversation with the owners, Russ and Karen, and guests, Sally and Allen. I am now more full of good food than I can remember. After dinner, I tried to walk to the nearby trout pond but had to make a hasty retreat to lie down. My legs couldn’t handle the extra weight of food in my belly.
Great job Gen!!
In the pictures you posted of day 28 it looks like you have a Schlumph geared hub – is that the case? If so, how much do you find yourself in high gear?
Nope, that’s the Nimbus Oregon hub. I have a spare tube wrapped around it so it looks a little weird.