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Friday August 23         Cycling Day 42

 

     Seeley Lake(Mont) to Lincoln (Mont)

Distance:  (Km). 91

Time:  3:50

Average Speed: (Km/ hr). 23.6

Ascent:  (m).  496

Heart Rate: (beats / min). 114

Cumulative Distance:   (km).  4615

Cumulative Ascent :  (m).  38,990

Punctures so far : 2

Surprisingly we had a dry night in spite of the heavy black clouds on the peaks to the east of us at bedtime. And the clock set for 6 as now breakfast is at 7 in order to get most cycling done before it gets too hot. Still dark as tents were being packed away but bright by the time breakfast was over.

Out on the highway at Seeley shortly after 7 before stores had opened up. Last evening I thought that I had seen all of Seeley but it’s much larger than that. Its businesses stretch for quite a few kilometers along the highway, car dealerships, machine yards, motels etc.

The first few kms were of more interest than yesterday. Occasionally we had glimpses of the lake as we cycled along. There are so many lakes around here it’s difficult to keep track of them and their names, but they all look equally tranquil and calm with beautiful backgrounds.

Those taking the gravel short-cut.

For today’s route there were two options open to us. One involved 20 km on gravel in order to cut off a bit of a corner. The other was just 1.2 km longer, on pavement and in the shape of a capital L. I opted for the second and am glad I did. I’ve had my share of gravel and this gravel section had nothing else to offer.....no fabulous views or sights. Those who opted for gravel said there was very little to recommend it. Nearly half of the group stuck with the pavement.

The early part of this pavement section passed by Salmon Lake and the views alone justified my choice. The road along here (Highway 83 as yesterday) was totally different. Some lovely views and fresh tarmac resulting that the kms passed so quickly. Islands on the lake had some fancy residences. And the water so still and calm.

After 24 km I came to the junction with Highway 200 marked by the ‘Brown Bull of Cooley’  and swung left (at the corner of the L). Just another 67 km on this road to camp. A good shoulder and little traffic. At first I cycled through open rolling farmland with quite a few cattle on view. The road twisted and turned as it proceeded up the valley of the Blackfoot River North Fork. The day had warmed up and skies had cleared for the most part although some darkish clouds lurked about.

Lunch was at 44 km near the turn off for the village of Ovando. I was there with the early group and had my usual bowl of fruit and a sandwich. TDA said the village had some cute little coffee shops and a museum but I passed on these and cycled onwards.

Montana is known as the Big Sky state and at times it lives up to that name. After making a bush stop, I couldn’t but notice those lovely fluffy clouds on the far side of the road. Impressive. But not long after that dark threatening one appeared on my right. Didn’t want those ones to dictate the rest of the day. The days can switch so quickly in the mountains.  They didn’t. At the moment we’re on the Pacific side of the Rockies but that’ll change tomorrow. 

No problems with the chain today. The middle chainring is operating perfectly and I have a full range of options. 

After 85 km I entered Lincoln where our campground for tonight is located. Again Lincoln stretches for 8 or 10 km along the highway with the smaller stores in the centre. It just has a population of 1000 and has a few ‘claims to fame’. The lowest temperature in the USA (outside of Alaska) of -70deg was recorded here in 1954. And in 1996, the Unabomber (disagreed with technical advances and applications, and sent parcel bombs to a number of Universities) was captured near Lincoln. Also Lincoln had an earthquake (5.3) in 2017 but I haven’t  noticed any after-effects.

What I have noticed all along through Montana is the large number of denomination buildings (as already mentioned) and the frequency of casinos even in the smallest of villages.

I was in camp at 11:30 and got the tent erected among the trees in the sunshine. Got the opportunity to charge up Garmin, phone and iPad with the solar panels. Plenty of time to relax and recover and to read my book.

And after dinner:









Oliver (R) and mate.



Oliver Craven.






After dinner I wandered down to the Wilderness Bar where the  Montana State Old Time Fiddlers were holding a competition.....the state feis. A good crowd of fiddlers were gathered there of all ages, kids, ones in their 20s and some old stagers. One of the organizers told me its a 2 day event with umpteen classes. The event started pretty promptly shortly after 7 and judges took their place in front of the stage out in the beer garden. I noted the book of Irish tunes on sale and pleased that ‘Its a long way to Tipperary’ was in there. Almost half of our cycling group had come down to enjoy it. I was particularly impressed with Oliver Craven and his mate and complimented him afterwards for their lovely lovely tune ‘Five miles from town’ . ‘That’s where I live’ I told him.  Later Oliver also played in the individual competition. Hope he wins out his class. I just stayed on till 8:30 but things were still lively.  A lovely way to end the day.

An easy refreshing day in sunshine and a pleasant musical evening.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.