One mile out of town, it started straight up for four miles. This was the infamous Norris Hill I kept hearing about. Why it is not called a pass, I don’t know. The other side was two miles of 7% down, shorter but steeper than what I went up. But a pass, nonetheless. I had a plan of how I was going to get to Bozeman, but some local yesterday talked me out of it because I would have had to “crawl out of a hole”. It could not have been worse than Norris Hill. But, I took his advice and ended up here in Three Forks, a really cute town but 30 miles out of my way. I could have gone another 10, but there was no indication of a place to stay. However, 20 miles further would have been ok. But, I was tired after lots of up and down after the hill. I know when one is tired, accidents can happen, so here I am.

I’ve walked 1.5 miles, going to lunch, finding the library and post office, and visiting an antique store. So I accomplished a lot. Even though I’ve only ridden 40+ miles a day since I started, it has not been easy. Lots and lots of hills. Five passes and Norris Hill in 9 days. I think the worst hills are the long 2% grades that go on forever. Yes. I have an e-bike, but if you stop pedaling you stop and go backwards. It is easier but it is not easy.

The last 10 miles or so had no shoulder today, and only 2-3 inches of gravel off the edge. And lots of hills with no where for two vehicles and a bike to pass at the same time. So once again, I am cranking like a mad woman up every hill where there is no way to know what’s coming. I always made sure the coast was clear behind me and didn’t stop pedaling til I was over the crest. That’s one reason I’m tired. That is really hard on the legs and my psyche. Especially with so many trucks on that road.

Yesterday and today, when there were shoulders, there was usually rumble strips with only 12 inches of pavement on the outside and then a drop-off. One had the 12 inches sloping off to the side. Very hard to ride fully loaded. Most rumble strips are 40+ feet long with an 8 ft space between them where I can go back and forth somewhat easily, but lately, there hasn’t been that friendly space which means I have to cross the strip. Not my favorite thing to do. I’m sure Eby doesn’t like it either.

Not complaining, just telling it like it is.

Just remembered, when I went to the library, I met a lady whose sister married a valley resident. Her name is Evelyn Jardine, and is a nurse in Driggs. Used to be one of Moe’s nurses. I’m sure she has been my nurse at some point. What are the chances. The librarian said, when she overheard us, “the world is too small.”