June 9, 2024
To Ovando, MT
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I have been looking forward to our ride to Ovando. I read that it's the friendliest little town on the Great Divide Trail. The two days from Wisdom-Anaconda-Ovando were anticipated trip highlights for me. So far all of the roads have been a cyclist's dream. Someone needs to pinch me!
Wind was not forecast to be a factor today. We had one big climb. It seems to be a matter of fact sort of day. I woke up at 6 AM when a train went by. Jacinto said he got up when another one passed at 4 AM. I slept through that one. There were quite a few in the evening. I don't know if the frequency decreases through the night.
I was out the door at 8:30 AM. Two miles from town, I took a left onto 271. This is my current favorite road of the trip. That's a honor, as the roads have been a delight. I knew there was a six mile climb, once I took the turn. I was happy it was gentle for several miles. Then I could see I was entering a twisty canyon, marked by a number of yellow arrows. This might be that 10% section Jacinto was showing me? I'm not sure what the grade was. I was too busy trying to balance the bike at low speeds! I ended up stopping once, and walking a short distance. Then I decided I was tougher than that, and got back on the bike.
What is the female equivalent of studly? The climb was just steep enough to be difficult but not so horrible that I felt defeated. Instead I felt studly! I was also pleased when I arrived at the top. I am capable of climbing, but I certainly don't enjoy it the way Jacinto does.
The very little bit of traffic on 271 seemed to be farm trucks pulling empty trailers. I wonder if they were going to/from a sale? There was little enough traffic I thought I might have trouble getting help if I needed it. See - I like SOME car traffic!
Mile 22 was the turn onto 141. That was a shocker. Here's the real world. There was a significant amount of fast moving traffic and no shoulder. Five miles on this road. I can do it. I did it.
Who would think I'd be happy to ride busy 200? We've ridden 200 several times before, into/out of Missoula. At least it has a shoulder. At least there wasn't a rumble strip. I had a big, black pick up honk at me 'toot, toot' after he passed (respectful distance). I am giving him the benefit of the credit, that he was being friendly, but he had a modified horn that sound deep and angry. Later I had a motorcycle pull up too close next to me and rev his engine. That didn't feel friendly at all. I've never ever had a negative experience with a motorcycle. Perhaps he was challenging me to race. I don't know. But it didn't feel good. I heaved a mental sign. We are going to be on busy roads for awhile. This past week has been so delightful.
But - I still had the overnight in Ovando to look forward to. I took a left into town. Here was Trixie's Saloon. I knew that's where we get dinner. Besides that, where is town? I see nothing. I consulted RWPGS. Yes, this is the correct turn. It ended up being much further than the half mile I thought it was to town. I'm going to whine about walking back for dinner. I arrived to town before the Stay Bullet's 2 PM closing. What the heck - I'm going to have lunch! Except, after looking over the menu, I ordered an omelet. It was excellent. I was going to get a couple of burritos to go. Then I gave myself a mental slap on the forehead. We have a short day tomorrow - we can have a restaurant breakfast. Look at us live large!
By the time I finished, I was pushing their 2 PM closing hour. I had been using their wi-fi, so I sat outside using it for awhile. Then I walked across the dirt street to the Ovando Inn. Craig showed me my room, and said I could put my bike on the covered porch. I didn't want to block a doorway at the end. Craig said that was no problem, the room wasn't being used tonight. I asked if we could have that room, it would be easier to bring our bags in. Yes, except it wasn't clean yet. I sat on the bench outside and waited. Jacinto rode up while I was out there. He had seen the traffic on 141 and taken the dirt road at Helmville. It was approximately 12 miles of good dirt and four miles of pavement. Distance and climbing worked out to be very similar.
Craig let me know to take all bags and food off of my bike. A woman was killed here by a grizzly just two years ago. He was also concerned that I didn't travel with bear spray. I've never considered it an issue, as we don't travel back country. Craig wasn't so sure.
Room six was ready. It was even larger. Plenty large for two bikes. Then we didn't have to worry about odors, and I didn't have to take the little bags off of my bike. Craig said he would have to ask John, the owner. John first said no bikes inside, then he asked if that was my bike outside of the window. He allowed that it was so clean it looked brand new, and yes we could bring those bikes in. Being polite (and having a clean bike!) pays off.
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Just imagine if this were a camping trip. Jacinto would have to leave the coffee pot home. Horrors!
5 months ago
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Today's ride: 39 miles (63 km)
Total: 283 miles (455 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 9 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 6 |
Me too. I consider them "cousins" of a sort, unified in our shared hatred of aggressive/distracted/stupid car and truck drivers.
5 months ago
Jeanna
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My memory of the Seeley Lake-Swan Lake leg is 'got to get it done' - which is a shame because it really is pretty, but everyone else thinks it's pretty and they are in cars! Today ended up being better than expected. I'd love to report the same again tomorrow. Let's see how it goes. Certainly the trip up to this point has been grand.
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