Day 7: Anaconda to Wisdom

June 18, 2025

Today is a long day but I can't get an early start because breakfast is served at 8:30. I was the only guest for breakfast. Eggs Benedict and a fruit bowl. Away from Hickory House at 9:30, but made a short stop at the Albertson's supermarket on the way out of town. Today is a long day with no services. Finally left Anaconda at 9:50.

After 4 miles gently downhill I turned off busy MT 1 onto quiet MT 269 which wraps around the smelter site with unobstructed views of the smokestack. It was completed in 1919 and is the world's tallest surviving brick structure at 585 feet (178m) tall. Still quite far away in this photo, so it's hard to comprehend the size. They say the Washington Monument could fit inside.

MT 269 is continuous uphill to the Continental Divide. About a 1600 foot climb. As usual, the grade was gentle at first. But I could clearly see the mountains I will cross ahead. The road has no shoulder but traffic is very light. Mostly recreational traffic, few big trucks.

The chance of drifting show is minimal today.

I started to see insects again as I gained elevation. I swatted insects and got a few more bites. By noon the headwind was strong enough that insects were less of a problem.

Wild roses are common on Montana roadsides.

I felt pretty good during the climb. It helps to start well rested. The final 1000 feet of climbing was the steepest. 5-8% grade. It was the only big 8% grade of the tour. I stopped to rest a few times but had no trouble.

Steepest near the top. 6-8 percent grade.

Near the summit I stopped a few times to enjoy the view behind me. Multiple big mountain ridges were visible in the distance to the north.

The view to the north wasn't as good from the actual summit. I was disappointed that the summit had no signs at all. No sign announcing the 6772 foot (2065m) summit and no sign announcing the Continental Divide.

Looking north from the Continental Divide. Water flows to the Pacific Ocean.

The view looking south from the divide was more open.

Looking south from the Continental Divide. Water flows to the Gulf of Mexico.

Lupine in a road cut at 6000 feet elevation.

I felt pretty good when I got to the summit. But I still have a long day ahead and the strong headwind is now a significant factor. I was looking forward to the gentle 900 foot descent to the Big Hole river, but it wasn't very fun. I had to pedal ALL THE TIME. No rest at all.

Pedal all the time 900 foot descent into a strong headwind.

The mountain views were excellent, but mostly behind me.

California Creek flows 5000 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Overlook of a 56,500 acre reserve owned by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

I had many great mountain views in the afternoon. Deep Creek visible below.

Most of the descent to the Big Hole river was alongside Deep Creek. I was thankful for the strong headwind to minimize the number of insects, but still got at least one new bite each time I stopped to take a photo.

Looking back while following Deep Creek downstream to the Big Hole River.

After the tediously slow descent I finally reached the Big Hole river at 3:15 PM. Still another 28 miles upstream into a strong headwind.

MT 43 and Big Hole river. A tributary of the Missouri/Mississippi river.

MT 43 does not stay super close to the river. It has many hills to slow me down. Views were good and the traffic was light.

Near Wisdom I started to have views of the Beaverhead mountains to the south.

MT 43 and Big Hole river. Beaverhead mountains to the south.

I finally arrived at the Nez Perce Motel in Wisdom at 7:10 PM. It took me 9 hours and 20 minutes to get from Anaconda to Wisdom. Check in was easy. I received the door code via text message. My room has a microwave and fridge but no air conditioning. I should be okay without A/C because today's high was 78F and tomorrow will be cooler.

I walked 500 feet to have dinner at Fetty's. Same name since 1937. There aren't many choices in tiny Wisdom. Same as in Anaconda, I drank Road to Wisdom IPA with dinner. Made by Smelter City Brewing in Anaconda. After the difficult ride from Anaconda to Wisdom I deserve Road to Wisdom IPA tonight.

Tonight I deserve Road to Wisdom IPA more than anybody.

Wisdom is 6063 feet elevation, the highest overnight destination of the Montana portion of the tour. Mosquitoes swarmed outside my motel room in the evening. Wisdom is notorious for mosquitoes during the early summer snowmelt season.

Today's ride was challenging in many ways. Long distance, much climbing, steep grades, strong headwind, and annoying insects. At least the pavement was decent, traffic was light, and there was no rain. I did reasonably well considering all the challenges. But I have many insect bites now.

Distance: 55.8 miles
Average Speed: 7.8 mph
Ascent/Descent: +2514/-1716 feet

Today's ride: 55 miles (89 km)
Total: 220 miles (354 km)

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Rich FrasierYou may have lots of bug bites but you've also attained wisdom.

(Someone had to make the obvious pun)

Seriously, congrats on a big day on the bike. Loved the pictures!
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4 hours ago

Wayne EstesTo Rich FrasierThe brewery in Anaconda chose Road to Wisdom as their real-world version of a famous phrase. I pedaled the actual road to Wisdom, so I deserve to embrace the phrase and the beer.
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1 hour ago