Day 10: Lincoln to Townsend

Today, we had a wonderful ride for first half of the day from Lincoln to Helena.  First up was crossing the continental divide at Flesher Pass (elevation 6,131 feet). It was a 3 mile climb to the summit with grades between 5-8%.  So, I am either getting into really good shape or this pass was much easier.  I felt good on the climb. I don't know if I have ever said that!  

After the climb, we had a screaming decent for at least 12 miles. Then we made our way to our second water stop of the day at this cute little general store and post office called Canyon Creek in the middle of nowhere!  From there we made our way to Helena for lunch and a quick stop  at the bike shop to replace my rear light.  

It was after lunch when the ride took a turn for the worst.  We picked up US 287 and stayed on that road all the way to Townsend.  It is a heavily traveled road but the worst part was the there was about 4 miles of the worst construction I have ever ridden through!  It was the roughest gravel road with unavoidable potholes!  We we totally bounced around and jarred for 4 long miles!  On top of that we had to ride through a cloud dirt from all the traffic and into a stiff headwind!  By the end of it we were covered in dirt and felt like we ate a bunch too!  The rest of the trip was not pleasant either because of rough shoulders and traffic.  

Well, we made it to Townsend, set up a tent and a huge storm hit the campground!  Lighting, hail, incredibly high winds that downed trees and overturned porta-potties!  Thankfully it only lasted about 10 minutes.   I was so thankful my tent held up and all stayed dry!  

Stats for the day:  91 miles, 3,451 feet of climbing


Terri, Yvonne, Kim, Dawn showing our parched and blistered lips

LeAnne, Terri and I on the climb

At the summit




Historic Capital Building in Helena

After the storm


 







Comments

  1. DaveJune 29, 2022 at 6:46 AM

    Always interesting to see your progression as the first week is done and second is started. GO GO CROSS COUNTRY BIKER WIFE!

    ReplyDelete

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