UNBEARABLE FREEDOM OF NOTHINGNESS

9/1. Rode 92 miles in 6.5 hours from Havre Mt (pr. Hayvrr) to Malta Mt

Ever since we left the Izaak Walton Lodge in Essex, MT. The Railroad has been a daily highlight. Every 10 miles there is a small town along the track with a grain silo, bar/café, and/or C-Store.   

JJ Hill bought the land so he could make the Great Northern Railroad efficient. Fastest route from Chicago to the West Coast. Our route along transcontinental Hwy 2 runs parallel to the rail line and is unwaveringly straight and flat. 

Early start with a “B-” corned beef hash breakfast at Char’s. We were on the road before 7:00pm the route crossed the Nez Percé & Assiniboine Reservation hence we had no services for the final 45miles.   

After a long, hot, fast ride…getting off the bike and stepping into a room is somewhat disorienting. But this was more so than usual. We crossed a large hall to find Bethany, grand daughter of the hotel owner, working the desk. Kevin asked, and she confirmed, that the hotel was previously an Assisted Living Facility. Perfect resting spot for recently retired Mr. Shriver.  

All this started for me; last February in spin class at the YWCA in Mpls. I complained I had nothing to train for, Kevin responded “how about joining me on a ride across America.” 

Like the entering the BWCA, a journey of this nature is like walking through the looking glass. It is less about the biking and more about self-discovery and the adventure.  Moreover traveling at 10mph. Arguably the best possible manner to visit the Pacific NorthWest of these United States. 

Each encounter offers opportunity to learn and share a moment with a local resident or fellow traveler.  

Curiously, we have encountered a Minnesotan nearly each day. Serving coffee (Roseau) in Cut Bank, resting in the shade (Stillwater) on the curb of a C-Store in Browning, ringing up groceries (White Bear Lake) in Havre and again today competently tending bar, preparing and serving food at the local golf club bar dubbed The Tin Cup.  

Kevin has been terrific. He told me from the start I simply needed to get my bike and body in shape. He would plan the rest. True to his word this trip has been virtually flawless. Moreover our temperament and biking ability have been well matched resulting in an unforgettable Epic Ride experience.  

Tomorrow is my last day in the saddle on the bike journey. I will pass the bâton to John Farrel. 

Au revoir Kevin and good luck John. 

May the shoulders be wide, road surface smooth and a strong breeze from the West.  

This has truly been as advertised an Epic Journey.  

Thanks tons pb
Sent from my iPhone