GDMBR Day 49
Start: Helena, MT
Finish: Ranch in Lincoln, MT
Miles: 66.2 miles
Odometer: 2,235.9 miles
Ascent: 7,200 feet
Descent: 6,600 feet
Location: https://share.garmin.com/Judice
Today was all about the kindness of strangers. A woman named Barbara built a cabin behind her house and stocks it with beer, sandwiches, and coffee for cyclists riding the GDMBR. I have been hearing about her hospitality for a couple of weeks from southbound racers and casual tourists alike. I arrived at her place around 1 PM, a little too early to shut things down for the day. I did have a chance to visit with Barbara. She is a vibrant, kind soul who enjoys meeting new people and helping others out. I thanked her for her generosity but shared that I had accommodations waiting for me over near Lincoln.
I met Cliff up at Mount Bachelor skiing this winter. We became friends. His friends, Doug and Nicole, own a ranch in Lincoln, MT. Just yesterday, Cliff texted me to find out what I was up to, and when I told him where I was he connected me with Doug and Nicole and that’s where I landed this evening. Fortuitous, wouldn’t you say? Doug and Nicole welcomed me with a first class ribeye dinner and a side order of first class conversation. Doug is a four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. He’s athlete royalty in my book. I could tell that his sense of adventure and dedication has spilled over into all aspects of his life. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with them, and especially Doug’s homemade cinnamon rolls.
Today had a couple of notable climbs. The first climb was marked by another hailstorm. I love hailstorms! They make my day! The second and final climb of the day was over Stemple Pass which gets very steep at the top. As I was cresting the top I was in a foul mood. And then I met Stinky. Stinky was an exuberant, friendly large, long-haired dog whose owner is working up at the summit to rehab an old wildfire area. I asked the owner the dogs name and he said “Winston, but I call him Stinky.” I was so tired but Stinky’s enthusiasm felt like he was celebrating my successful climb.
As I am flying down the other side of the pass I see some of the tour divide racers walking their bikes up (that’s how steep Stemple Pass was).