July 11, 2023
The Last Day - Tailwind and Navigational Buffoonery
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Lisa, Sarah, and the Spokaners and I left the comfort of the Llama Ranch together, and soon they continued on the proper route while I split off to ride the highway to Helena. If I remember correctly, every time I choose the highway, or works out exceptionally well.
At Zack's recommendation I stopped at the Canyon Creek store, which I think is also the post office. Friendly people and a friendly dog, and a delicious Starbucks Double Shot.
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I felt the glory of a tailwind pushing me, and before long I was cruising along at 20mph without even trying! I felt like Lance Armstrong, but much less assholey than Lance Armstrong. I was flying.
I enjoyed this serendipitous push for 25 miles or so until I hit Helena Dam road, which wasn't on my route. Shit. I checked the map, and sure enough, the turn to the hotel was about 6 miles back. Against the wind, like Bob Seger. And, as I turned my trusty LHT around, the benevolent 20 mph tailwind turned into an evil 20 mph headwind from the pit of hell. Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. The once-friendly gusts sucked the happy out of me, and I quickly lost my cherub-like demeanor.
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I trudged along, cursing my idiocy, but encouraged by the fact that I had a comfortable room ahead of me. The 6 miles took a little over an hour, and then I headed south towards the hotel, another 6 miles with a strong crosswind. But finally I reached the hotel, a Wingate that was undergoing major renovations. My room was brand new and so enormous that I could have played racquetball in there, if I had a racquetball.
I cleaned up, made a couple of calls, and then walked over to a little pub where I had a massive hunk of chicken fried steak and a delicious IPA. On the way back I got a chocolate shake from the diner across the street, then went back to nap.
July 12- Uhauling to Stevensville
I took an Uber to the U-Haul, picked up the truck and drive to Stevensville, Montana to meet my neighbor Oregon Mike, who drove out to see a friend in Spokane and to pick me up. We stayed at my Uncle Chuck's house, although he was gone fishing, and had dinner with Cuzzin Charlie and his wife Oriana.
We left the morning of the 13th, stopped halfway, and, suddenly, I was back home in Silverton. I was happy to be home to be with friends and family, and sad to be off of the trail for now.
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I'll post a wrap up next. Thanks for reading!
Today's ride: 49 miles (79 km)
Total: 604 miles (972 km)
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