Countdown to cross-country biking: 10 days
Mileage: 42 miles
Over the next five days, I’ll be riding a section of the cross-country route. Why? Because Brian and I will be flying back to PA in mid-August to help Brynn get set up in her new apartment. During that time, Anita and Mark will continue on the route, and I’ll miss these five days of riding. So, I’m riding them now. Then, I can say I rode the entire route.
Today I rode from just above Lake Henry, where we’ll be staying on the return trip, to Ennis, MT. This is a popular route for cyclist who ride cross-country because it links Yellowstone and Missoula, MT, headquarters of Adventure Cycling.
This is day one of the five-day trek, and it was definitely the easiest. Only 42 miles, mostly downhill, and with a tailwind (and some light rain showers). If only the entire route could look like today, I’d be thrilled. But, tomorrow’s section (73 miles) has a 5-mile climb, and the following day has two big climbs. I’m about to find out if I’m ready for this trip!
Today’s route followed a highway with a 70-mph speed limit, meaning every time a tractor trailer flew by, I was pushed a bit to the side of the road. I’ve been riding for a long time, so it wasn’t an issue for me until the berm narrowed with a small drop-off. That made riding a bit dicey, but, fortunately, the narrow berm only lasted about 15 miles, and the traffic was spotty. Fingers crossed that tomorrow’s route will be a little quieter.
Because I’m riding alone, Brian plans to meet me at the halfway point every day in case I’m running low on water or have another problem. It’s good to have a supportive partner!
The sun eventually came out. It wasn’t a particularly exciting day of riding, but it’s good to get a day under my belt. Tomorrow promises to a bit more challenging.
Keep the Wheels Turning 
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