June 21, 2016
Day 19 - Billings to Hardin
38F yesterday morning - 60F this morning.. And it’s gonna be 100F by noon, today. Crazy, just crazy.
Jeni and I both got up early and visited some more. She had to get to work and I had to get on the road early. We hugged and said goodbye - and I was off in the early morning, big city traffic.
I was a little worried about the ride to Hardin on Old Highway 87. Very hot today and there is absolutely nothing for almost 50 miles.
The road climbs a steep ridge in a series of switchback just a few miles from Billings. Of course, the climb was a cakewalk for yours truly - got my climbing legs. Then is was a glorious, cool morning, descent to Pryor Creek through bluffs and meadows.
I had climbed the gradual divide to the midway point very easily. And the NOAA forecast had predicted light west winds. So I was expecting a fast, tailwind downhill into Hardin. (Expectations can get you into trouble.)
Instead, the heat kicked up and it was still - with a slight headwind according to the grass. When I would stop, the heat would engulf me like a blanket. So, I guess I should be grateful that I had a little breeze when riding.
I got into Hardin just before noon and went straight to the library. Ahhhhhh! After updating my journal, I went back out under a tree and took a short nap. Then back to the library and air-conditioning. By now the west wind had picked up - 25 mph with 40 mph gusts, maybe more - like a blast furnace.
I called the local Congregational Church and one of the members, Beverly, offered me a placed to camp in her backyard. She had just gotten back from a riverboat cruise of the Danube. So we shared adventures and the issues facing small churches. And solved everything in short order.
Another good day, indeed.
Today's ride: 53 miles (85 km)
Total: 1,077 miles (1,733 km)
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