Montana Posts
Montana Posts

Montana Posts

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West Yellowstone Montana

Welcome to West Yellowstone, Montana—a charming gateway town that offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty. Situated just outside the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone is the perfect base for exploring one of America’s most iconic landscapes. With its rugged mountain backdrop and picturesque streets, this welcoming town provides easy access to the park’s geothermal wonders, wildlife, and scenic vistas. Beyond the park, visitors can enjoy local attractions such as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, charming shops, and cozy dining spots.

Cycle Touring Montana TransAm2023Leave a comment

June 23 – Day 21- Ennis to West Yellowstone

We are headed to Quake Lake that formed based on a 7.5 earthquake in 1959. I had never heard of it. 28 people died in the Night of Terror. The visitor center had wonderful information. They offered books about the area and events. My brain is so hungry to learn more but for now, I just want to capture enough so I can come back. A quick stop at the ladies room and an ant appeared, rather spent, on the leg of my bike shorts. Did you just drop from the ceiling or have you been a hitchhiker since the road relief stop outside of Cameron? Ant in my pants?? Ant or mosquito? I don’t care! Just stop biting me!!

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June 21st – Day 19 – Wisdom to Dillon (Bike Walk Camp)

We awakened to frost on the tent this morning. It was cold last night.
Lois Volkening stopped by to check on the campsite. She and her husband Larry run this camp and one in Dillon. It is an all volunteer non-profit. After chatting a few minutes, we make plans to met at a local coffee shop, the Hook and Horn. Lois is a fountain of information about the area and has agreed to allow us to video her. Once there, we enjoyed coffee and learned so much from her. We are SO fortunate.

Cycle Touring Cycling Montana TransAm2023Leave a comment

June 20th – Day 18 – Darby to Wisdom

Rested and ready, today we summit two passes- Lost Trail Pass (elevation 7,014) and Chief Joseph Pass (elevation 7,241).
Setting out, the landscape is beautiful with meadows between mountains. We are beginning to see more wildlife, especially deer in pairs. Off to our right, we spotted what appeared to be two adult deer about 1/4 mile away. Drew made a clicking sound hoping to get their attention and boy did it!! They glanced towards us and took off in flight like Santa’s reindeer! White tails on high alert and feet barely touching the ground. And they were gone.

Cycle Touring Cycling Montana TransAm2023Leave a comment

June 19th – Missoula to Darby

It’s Monday morning and time to push on.
We are reminded that we grew up in a much simpler time- no computers or cell phones.
“Be home in time for dinner.”
And truly, what happened in the field, stayed in the field. You were swown to secrecy and if you were a tattle…well, I can’t tell you what would happen!!
Starting the morning with spaghetti westerns on TV brought that all back! And shows like Big Valley, Bonanza, Gun Smoke and Davey Crockett were set in areas that look like the roads we’re traveling. It is so easy to replay scenes in one’s mind while the miles tick off.

Montana Where's Home?Leave a comment

Missoula Montana

Welcome to Missoula, Montana—a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where natural beauty meets urban charm. Known for its lively arts scene, outdoor adventures, and welcoming community, Missoula offers a unique blend of cultural and recreational experiences. Surrounded by lush forests, majestic mountains, and the meandering Clark Fork River, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking and fishing to river rafting and skiing. Explore the city’s historic downtown, where you’ll find eclectic shops, delicious local eateries, and a thriving arts scene.

June 18th – Unplanned day off

While we had hoped to ride today, mail and weather dictated we stay one more night.
I am getting caught up with communication albeit it takes all day.
I slept late this morning. The mosquito bites from Thursday night are tormenting me. They swell and itch so much, it makes it hard to sleep. I took a benedryl last night to help calm the itch. I’m not used to taking medication so it really looped me. But, it did help with the itching. Thankfully, I have one more day to recover in a non-mosquito environment.
 
Being new to cycle touring, I had so much to learn. Thankfully, there’s a ton of information out there to help!
So here’s what we’re using and is working for us.

  • We are both on Salsa Warbird gravel bikes.
  • My frame bag is by Road Panda and Drew’s is by Apidura.
  • Our trunk bags are by Tailfin as are Drew’s rear paniers.
  • My paniers are made by Roswheel.
  • We both have top tube bags by Revelate Designs
  • Our front paniers are by Mountain Laurel Designs and mine are held in place by Dom Gorilla Cages.
 
Today, while cleaning the bikes, Drew noticed the rear cassettes had a little play in them. Not having a cassette socket, we rode a couple miles to the local REI. OMG! Riding the bikes unloaded was a hoot!! So light! We got a glimpse of what RAGBRAI will be like!!
 
  • Our saddles are Selle Anatomica and I’m still breaking mine in.
  • The wheels are DT Swiss CR 1600 and 1800 with Swalbe 45 mm G-One Overland tires.
  • We are running tubeless.
Back at the hotel, we continue to check and prepare. A few minutes outside yields more amazing photos.
Tomorrow we will return to the road. The weather is uncertain. Welcome to life!
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