I LOVE MONTANA

Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

 We're down to our final week with under 500 miles to go. Is this real life? I don't have much time to type this but here are a few highlights from the last week or so.

Lunch on the way to West Yellowstone, I'm the dot you see in the lake, obviously =)

Our climb into Lincoln, MT

Mountain biking Siegel pass into Plain(ish) MT. We spent the day on gravel roads snaking through the mountains. Amazing.

We have now crossed into Idaho (again) and are officially in PACIFIC TIME

Margo the Moose.

  Today we rode 68 miles. Half was spent on a gorgeous bike path along a river and surrounded by mountains. Lily, Ron and I enjoyed our ride immensely, especially the 30 miles around Lake Couer D'Alene (is that spelled right? maybe). I was reminded of home and incredibly content as we circled bright blue waters, the smell of barbecue and summer-ness in the air. Once in town we swam and napped in the sun. Tomorrow we build, and on Monday roll out to Spokane, Washington. No one really wants to cross this state line, as it marks the beginning of the end. Thus, we plan on staying until at least noon swimming and enjoying the lake before embarking on a grueling 38 miles across a nicely paved bike path (aka heaven). 

 Missoula was incredible, and spending time with my parents, aunt and cousins was such a breath of fresh air.  I love life.

A view of today's ride

The top of Siegel pass

Be Well,
Muffin

Big Sky Country

Bozeman, Montana

 I am completely and utterly content here in Bozeman, Montana. Today we rode 89 miles from West Yellowstone, through the National Park, and into the Gallatin Mountains. Life is good. The morning was incredibly crisp- in fact we couldn't feel our fingers, but that's why I purchased better gloves today..- and gorgeous with fog rising slowly above the river as we coasted by fields and mountains. We gradually regained sensation in our limbs as we began our 65 mile descent into Bozeman. I just can't get over today. We're in MONTANA. I've been looking forward to this since day 1. I love it here. 

This might actually be Idaho..

 A few highlights from the past week:
- August 3rd: Not only my 22nd birthday *Happy birthday to my Mom as well!!* but they day P2S '11 conquered the Grand Tetons. Yup, we climbed a mountain. Not just a little guy. Luckily we were able to take the old pass road, thus didn't have to worry about cars. I took my sweet time and enjoyed the scenerey, stopping at nearly every switchback to take in the view. My amazing friend Alex chalked "Hey Muffin...Mile 23 ...its your birthday!" on the mile, every mile. I feel so loved. I also made a bird/pheasant/have no idea what it was friend right by the "Ithaca was GORGEOUS" chalk. Once a the top we celebrated with fresh strawberries and Cliff bars, and enjoyed the wild ride which was our descent. I maxed out somewhere around 42mph and let's just say I don't want to see that again. Many of the guys on this route enjoy breaking the speed limit on two wheels, but I find it much more enjoyable and safe to tap my breaks..  We  soon crossed into Idaho and more amazing landscape. I swear that generic windows background, the one with the green rolling hills and blue sky, was shot in potato country. Love it.  After miles of rolling hills- and lots of GU shots, climbing a mountain really takes it out of ya- arrived at our church and showered at members' homes.
-Idaho seed potatoes: "Smaller taters'"

Our lunch stop on my birthday

-Wyoming was incredible.

Hell's Half Acre. Our lunch stop on a century ride into..well I just don't remember!

-We had our first homestay! Along with Robin, Danielle, and Caley I stayed with Joel and Diane Lander, WY. Their home was full of Joel's woodworking, we played with a DOG!, took real showers, and ate lots of warm gluten free cookies. Best night's sleep on this trip.
-We ate dinner at a ranch, rode horses, played with baby pigs, and watched one incredible sunset.
-On our way to Dubois, WY, we rode through a Shoshone reservation and were able to detour to Sacajawea's grave. Historians believe she is not actually buried in this cemetery, but it was a rather moving experience. 

-We're constantly riding through land rich with Native American History. This land has such energy. 
-Before Teton pass came the foothills, which were actually really fun to scale. My legs were screaming by the end, but Eliza and I had a jolly time speaking with Austrian accents and singing away the pain. Our team stopped at a designated DP *dance party* spot about halfway up which boosted our spirits.
-EPIC RIDING

Inspirational chalking on our first mountain pass

-That night we camped about 12 miles outside of Jackson, WY. Hey, when else would I bathe in a river beneath the Tetons. SO COOL. And we saw a Moose. 

-We had our last day off in West Yellowstone, incredible. We rented two vans to compliment Herman, who can only hold 15, thus I rode with a very chill crew. We stopped at Old Faithful, watched the old man go, and chatted with two dudes touring WY via Tandem. Bison were everywhere, and my favorite was the guy with half a tree just sort of attached to his back. Unfortunately I only got a picture of his butt. We spend a great deal of time by the water, and it was so nice just to stand and feel the waves against my legs..surrounded by mountains. I am so thankful for this experience.

Getting ready to climb our first pass!

-I'm not sure how to sum up this experience other than I was in freakin' Yellowstone and now I'm in Bozeman and I'm headed to Missoula and I'll get to see my family and holy crap we're only 12 more riding days until Seattle and its already August 6th and what?? I just have a lot of feelings...

 

Be well, and thanks for following..

Cheers,

Muffin