Gallatin County

Routine. After 21 days on the road, each day, has its own routine, and it’s own little adventure. I rise at around 6am, pack up my sleeping bag, pad and put on my cycling gear. Making my breakfast of oats and coffee on my little jet boil stove. Taking a wash in the local water source or with wet wipes, then packing away the tent and loading up the bike. The first 10 miles back in the saddle is always a challenge, my whole body screaming “not again!” But I soon get used to it. Cycling through some of the most beautiful landscapes on mountain tracks to Lima was a delight. Stopping for a welcome ice pop, meeting up with fellow cyclists on route. Sharing stories (and snacks), the friendships between cyclists and hikers sharing the same route is uniquely beautiful. My “tramily” (trail family) is growing, we are now a 4. Chris, Mike, kari and myself. Many of the towns we pass through have populations of less than 200. For me it’s like being dropped back in time to a 1950’s cowboy movie. I love it! Although the campsite at Lima next to the highway with the gale force winds made for a rough night. Each night I set up the tent again and if I am lucky there is a local place to eat. If not I eat one of my freeze dried meals. Peddling to Island park was a tough couple of days off grid. My body was tired and the roads were unforgiving. In parts the road was so rough, hilly and rocky, with washboard surfaces it sliced Mike’s back tyre. Luckily Chris was a dab hand with glue and a patch! Lacking any shade we set up my tarp to share lunch together. Moments like this make it all worth while. Sitting in absolute beauty with like minded friends sharing peanut butter wraps and skittles! Crossing the boarder from Montana into Idaho felt like a milestone. The weather has taken a turn for the worst. So far we have been lucky with sunshine and blue skies. Today storms hit and it’s raining heavily, three days of bad weather in the local area is forecast with localised flooding. After the rain there will be sun, there is life after the pain. Some people cycle in the rain, others get wet. Decisions are to be made on the next steps. Watch this space!Read more