Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Day 9 - Butte, MT - Bozeman, MT


On rides this long, we have lots of time to think and talk about anything and everything.  Today, one of the things that came up while we were riding was why everyone here is doing the ride.  We know that one gentleman, Gary Duvall, is raising money for a cause.  Others are doing this ride as a personal challenge. What are the reasons that people do this?  We've received emails from people who've heard we're riding half way across the country that say, "wow, how romantic and relaxing."  This is truly a romantic experience for us, but that's because we're doing it together.  The ride itself is sometimes grueling and tests ones capacity, both physically and mentally.  At the same time, there is such beauty and serenity in the experience.  We'd recommend it to many.

The route today was shorter than yesterday, for which we were grateful.  Temperatures have remained moderate and we were blessed with some great cloud cover during the warmer parts of the day.  As you'll see from the photos, it was another spectacularly lovely and scenic route.  It truly is 'big sky' country out here.  We spend some time during the days riding in small groups - either to get into pace lines and make the ride more comfortable, or to socialize.  There are also times during the day, especially climbing, that the groups disperse and we find ourselves riding alone together.  Joel has always said that climbing is a very personal thing, and it's true.  One can really only climb at their own pace and, as such, everyone drifts into their rhythm and goes along.  It's been wonderful to do these miles together.  More than we can express.

Today's lunch was literally on the bank of the Madison River.  Shuli was feeling warm, so she took off her shoes and waded in a bit.  It felt so good, she ended up literally splashing water on her head, her arms, etcetera.  Joel got in, too, but we don't have a photo of that!  It felt great to get back on the bike and feel the wind on our wet selves, cooling us off during the heat of the day.

The sun sets here very late, but because we're in bed so early (8:30 is the goal), we don't know exactly when it gets dark.  We close the curtains, prepare our stuff for the morning and then do our best to get long nights' rest.  We're thinking about putting together a short movie of a day on PAC Tour.  We shall see.

101 Miles
4186 ft. of climbing

After crossing the Continental Divide (which was unmarked), we enjoyed a wonderful, long descent.

Shuli chatting it up with John Lake




Ah... the Madison River.

Cooling off :)



Almost to Bozeman



2 comments:

  1. Sounds relaxing, meditative and exhausting! :).

    Matt K.

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  2. Day 9 - How do you feel? What have your learned so far Mr. and Mrs. Lovely (if I may) :) ? Victoria

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