We saw some of the most beautiful scenery in western Montana today. Some areas I remembered from camping trips in the 60s and 70s, but a lot of it was new. Names such as Drummond, Anaconda, Phillipsburg, and Ramsay were familiar, but I had never actually been to these places - just saw the signs for them as I was driving on I-90 in years past. You really get to experience more of America when touring on a bike.
There were a couple of sections that we actually got on I-90 for several miles using the shoulder (no other road was available). Montana's interstate speed limit is 80 (70 for trucks), but with a wide shoulder and a relatively low volume of traffic (compared to I-40 in NC), we felt safe, much safer than on some two lane highways with minimal shoulder. Overall, drivers have been patient and courteous. This is a popular state for cross country bike tourists, so I suppose drivers are getting used to seeing them.
The toughest section today was a 4 mile climb near Phillipsburg (in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest) that came a few minutes after the lunch stop. I still had two unused lower gears, and they will likely be necessary on the Big Horn Mountains coming up in Wyoming in a few days.
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| Along Montana Rt. 1 south of Drummond |
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| Montana is known as the Big Sky Country for good reason |
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| Another peaceful scene in western Montana |
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| Looking back on the climb up Rt. 1 to the Deerlodge Campground |
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| Barry pulled over to this turnout. Usually he is faster but today finished with Jack and I |
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| Rock wall on one side of the climb |
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| Still have about 2 miles to go on the climb from this point |
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| The water in Silver Lake is a very deep blue |
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| Silver Lake |
Bringing back memories for me, too. Glad things are going well so far
ReplyDeleteBob, you have many of us along for your ride ! Enjoying it with you and Deab.
ReplyDeletePeggy