Woke up to clear blue skies and cool. Perfect for climbing, which I did right out of town. The pass from Virginia city to Ennis was long and steep. I think it was harder than Lost Trail Pass. But it had several short passing lanes, which I love. Forgot to mention that Lost Trail Pass had a passing lane all the way from the bottom to the top. That was glorious.

Just over the top, I met two other cyclists. One was 35, the other 62. We chatted for a bit, and they were impressed that I was 75. After going down their side, I was glad I went up mine and not theirs. Mine was long and steep and curved a bit so you didn’t see miles in front of you. When it goes on forever, it feels like you’ll never get to the top. And their side had several really long straight stretches where you could see forever. I could even see the bottom from the top on the other side.

Down a little further, I met two more guys. One was 75 and on an e-bike, the other in his 60’s and still riding a regular touring bike. We had lots to talk about. The 75 yr old looked and acted lots older than me, I thought. And, they were being followed by a sag so not carrying much at all. He said they were cheating, and that’s ok. At least he is out there.

By the time I got down to Ennis, I was a little chilled and really hungry. Bought my first Snickers to get me another 8 miles. That pass just took it out of me. But, I stopped in a small town and the only place to stay for another 30+ miles

Tomorrow, there is a huge hill, and every local to whom I mentioned where I was headed told me about it. You can see it from miles away. Must be several miles long. I’ll know tomorrow after riding it. No way I have the umph to ride that today and then go another 20+ miles to a place to stay. I’m kinda out in a sparsely populated area now that I’ve gone off route after leaving Ennis. Gotta plan ahead. Don’t have Adventure Cycling maps to tell me where I can eat or stay. Have to rely on locals now.

This family of mom and dad and 6 very big teenagers graced my yard in front of my cabin. So cute.

I have to say the locals here in Montana are very bike friendly and respectful of cyclists. Every pickup gets way over. Except for the ones pulling boats or trailers. Most truckers do a very good job and I always give a friendly wave. Of course, there is the exception to the rule. Four cattle trucks passed me empty a couple days ago and then passed me loaded the next day. Three of them, both times, got way over in the other lane and, one, stayed right next to me. Didn’t get over an inch. If he could have heard me, his ears would have been burning. Geez, I had no where to go. But, I have to say, for the most part, Montana is a very bike friendly state. Loving it.

I do believe there is a way to make comments on my blog page, and I would love to hear from you. Especially if you have a suggestion as how I can make my blog better. I’m not lonely, but it would be nice to talk to someone other than myself and Eby. I have lots of time to fill in the afternoons, and for the first time, yesterday there were free paperbacks in the laundromat, so I got to read for a change.

Plan to take a nap and just enjoy my warm bed this afternoon. Rest up for the notorious climb tomorrow.