S0, what’s a Hibernian?

Anaconda had copper mining. There is a giant tower looming over the town that's left over from the mining. We can give Highways 93 and 43 strong recommendations. Faye from the motel says the road to Drummond (through Phillipsburg) is also excellent. There is climbing on this route, but there's also a nice amount of downhill. Wind has been largely favorable, from the south. Of course, if you are riding a loop, at some point you have to make the turn south.

I've never been to Anaconda. I should go there someday. In that area the main philanthropy for public art, etc. comes from mining companies.

Next month I plan to pedal through the southern Montana river towns of Livingston, Bozeman, and Three Forks (headwaters of the Missouri river). The river towns had less mining than the mountain towns like Butte, Anaconda, and Helena. The river towns are more built for farms, railroads, and Yellowstone tourism.

Maybe someday I can figure out a route of the mining region of western Montana. Every time I study the map, it seems like you can't go anywhere without riding on an Interstate or climbing 5000 feet on forest roads.

Have you been to Anaconda? It is your kind of town - lots of historic buildings to photograph. Public art, etc. They must have public money to spend, the downtown is very inviting. Faye at the motel really talked up Phillipsburg, to the degree that I told Jacinto we should give up our day off and ride there instead. Except I had already paid for two nights. From the description Faye gave, and the tourist magazine, Phillipsburg looks similar to Virginia City. I didn't see anything about Wayne Estes right in the center of town. They have a nice park with a pavilion. I didn't walk over to the pavilion. Maybe something in that area?

Keep an eye out for murals or signs about the famous electrocuted basketball player named Wayne Estes who grew up in Anaconda.

I've already warned Jacinto multiple times about the giant climb near Harpster/Grangeville, ID. I did that decades ago, and still remember thinking I would never summit the top. Probably it is built up too much in my mind. We are stopping at Harpster and renting a yurt, to break up the climb. The reviews aren't good, but I feel it's necessary. I'm trying to ride smarter, and minimize the aching legs. Some people like that feeling (Jacinto!), but I prefer my fun to be in the fun zone, and not over the top!

"The amount of climbing we've done doesn't seem commiserate to the downhill."

You're on a loop ride, so every foot you shed now will have to paid for eventually.

Hence the title of the journal. :)

Very nice!

That’s really funny!

Congratulations on making it up the climb!

I love seeing marmots!

That’s great you got some pie alamode! That’s much better than beer!

What a great day in spite of some rain!

Great photo!