Was in the Cycle America mood and got up early...with lots of doubts about todays ride will I make it over the bump of Bozeman Pass and will I make it before it rains. The slight uphiill from the hotel to main street didn't take away my doubts - I can tell I haven't been very active this year ... and ... a year older also! Cannot help the last thing, but I definitely will do something about that first problem.Bozeman is a university town but during summertime one doesn't notice this. My first gas station stop (maybe I should keep count of them) was at the crossing: gaterade and extra water seems like a splendid idea. Crossing the Gallatin river and then up and away over the rolling hills to Norris. On this part of the ride there are two things I look forward to: the farm on the left handside of the road -the shape of it - and the Madison river. Green it is uphere since they had a very wet spring. The sun is just out since beginning july.
The water in the rivers is very high and the current is swift - not too many people on the river yet. Once past the river it's a climb to Norris- passing some hot springs which I do not go in to - the sun is hot enough! Gas station #2 in Norris - I call it the Milky Man stop remembering a guy from CA who drank a gallon of milk there. Boy - I would not make it over the pass with all that milk in my stomach. Listening to my body and my bicycle computer and heart rate monitor I schedule frequent stops on the uphill. At one point I almost decided to wallk...not in shape!Patience is a good thing while cycling and the old fashioned cars passing me (even they have a hard time) take my mind of my doubts. On you go and yeah.... finally reached the top. A scream, new sunscream and then down we roll.
The last 10 miles are the most boring ones - flat and traffic that makes some nasty sounds. The sign of Entering Ennis is a welcome sight - buy food for tomorrows ride and then to the cabin. I made it and feel happy again!
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