7/1 (for real) I Thought It Was Going to be a Boring Day

Part of it was, but then things got a little spicy!

Since it rained last night, my tent was wet again (but not muddy…thank you grass). I dried it off as much as possible with the Swedish dish cloth. I was on the road just after 7:30. To get back to the route, I just rode Main St to the frontage road that I would be riding for many miles today. I went by the Farm Prison (now a museum).

Looks a bit like a castle

Of course, the frontage road parallels I-90, so you get all of the noise, but not so much traffic. The speed limit on the frontage road is less too. It’s only 70mph!

Miles and miles of frontage road

I came to Anaconda, hole of the historic Anaconda Smelter Tower. 

Can’t miss it. 

I got off the frontage road to wiggle through Anaconda over to MT 1. This is the hwy I was on yesterday. The reason for this was to get to the Rest Area because the Copperway Regional Trail started there. 

Smooth!

I was only on it for a few miles to Crackerville Rd. The trail continued. Apparently, now it does go all the way to Butte, but it’s not all paved yet. That will be a great update for the GAWR. 

I, however, had to do a bit of road riding before coming back to the trail. There was just a little bit of gravel, but it was very washboarded. The trailhead had a restroom. 

Washboarded gravel

Notice the very dark clouds

As I came to the trailhead, the wi d was really starting to pick up. It was also colder. I had put my rain jacket on just for warmth (and it looked like it was going to rain any moment). I pulled into the parking lot of the trailhead because it was starting to rain, and I needed to put the rest of my rain gear on. I was at the other end of the building, sheltered from the wind and rain that was blowing sideways.  I had my rain gear on, but realized I would be riding right into the wind. Then there was thunder. I checked out the restroom. Ah, one big room! I wheeled Wanda in. I looked on my phone to see how long this was going to last. Only about an hour, then it dropped off significantly. I pulled out my chair, and a snack. 

A delicious pecan pie bar. 

About 40 minutes later I opened the door. The rain had stopped! I quickly packed up my chair, and exited the restroom. The wind had mostly died down too. I figured I only had a brief window before the next storm rolled in. I rode like a bat outta hell! I had one final climb for the day on the trail. I powered up that sucker like I had nothing on my bike! The trail snaked around. It also had big cracks which were very annoying. 

Go fast!

I popped out onto Santa Claus Rd (Ho Ho Ho), rode onto Centennial Rd, and then to Montana Rd. Here I departed from the route because I had to go to the post office to pick up my Brooks saddle. It was several blocks uphill. I finally had to walk. I picked up the box (thank you Makaela) and immediately put the saddle on outside the post office so I could mail the other one home. I also sent my frying pan and my spatula home too (just not using them). Once that task was done, I headed to the nearest bike shop (conveniently one block away) to get a new headlight. My other one died in the storm. The guy only had one option. It’s only 300 lumens, but I just need it for a couple of tunnels. 

Then it was all the back downhill to the KOA. I told the people in the office that this was the third time I’ve stayed at this KOA, and on three different bike routes! They have a discount for cyclists. The tent site was $32 which is pretty cheap for a KOA. They even have full size towels for cyclists to use (no charge)! I set everything up (careful eye on the weather), and took my shower. This KOA has pizza, so I got a cheese pizza for dinner. 

I needed a few groceries, so I rode over to Safeway (5 minutes away). When I came out, there was another big black cloud. I hurried back to my tent. Made it in time to get everything put away. When I came out from brushing my teeth, it was raining. I dove in the tent, but then the sun came out, and it was roasting in there. The rain had stopped. 

Rainbow from my tent

I’m looking forward to riding on the Brooks tomorrow. I realize it might take a moment for my butt bones to stop feeling bruised, but it will be okay, I’m sure!

Wanda with the Brooks saddle from Billy.