8/13/15
Last night’s thunderstorm didn’t amount to much and the morning was looking good. After having my breakfast and breaking down camp I bid farewell to Bruce and wished him luck on his fishing adventures. Even though today’s ride would be nearly all highway I still had to start right out off with a hefty climb.
Once I made the pass it rewarded me with a very pleasant and fast downhill run. The map showed some amenities ahead such as a couple of restaurants and groceries. Was certainly making better time than anticipated because before I knew it I was upon the Polaris MT post office. Making it to that benchmark making that benchmark made me realize I had ridden right past the amenities that I had hoped to take advantage of. Shopping for supplies was absolutely necessary because the next couple of days supplies were going to be scarce.
Stopped alongside the road analyzing map, and dispiritedly concluded that my best case scenario would be to peddle back uphill about 2.5 miles. Just about then a guy pulls up on a quad and asked if I was lost. Told him my dilemma and he offered to give me a ride back up the hill, his house was just around the corner and he would take me in his truck. I took him up on his offer. His name was Robert and a ‘real’ Montana cowboy. During our little ride, I learned that Robert grew up in the valley and ranches cattle. About two miles into the ride he points over to the left and says, “those are some of my cattle, and will be on somebody’s dinner table someday.” Was surreal to be riding in a vehicle after nearly three weeks of traveling a biking speed.
After thanking Robert for his help I went to have lunch at the Grasshopper Inn. When I was done with lunch I was heading out the door and noticed that posted on the bulletin board was a picture of my new friend. It included a little story about Robert and his family. I got a ride from a legend in the valley.
Robert, The Montana Rancher that gave me and my bike a ride in his truck.
My destination for the day was Bannack State Park and upon arrival, I checked in at the office where I learned it would be $28 to camp for the night. All that gave me was a plot of ground to park my tent, a picnic table, fire ring and the use of a concrete shitter. No shower or anything. Hell no was I going to pay nearly $30 for the same thing I had been using for free in the National Forest. It was a no-brainer to press on.
About 10 miles into today’s extended ride a thunderstorm would overtake me. Fortunately, it was just a whole lot of wind and very little rain. After a quick stop alongside the road to pull out the rain gear to ride out the storm in the middle of open Montana country and have a snack, I was soon back to peddling and on the lookout for a spot to camp. About 10 miles later and right about where I witnessed a couple dozen Antelope run up and over a ridge, I found the best possible option for camping. Far from perfect but it allowed me to make some dinner and rest my head for the night. Was able to set up out of sight from anybody passing down the road in this land of rocks and Sagebrush.
