Llama Ranch - Ovando - Hey Bear! - Counting Wildlife on GDMBR

July 2, 2025

Llama Ranch - Ovando

Knowing we had another, steep and rutted climb to get to Lincoln, I wanted to leave early and get it done before the day warmed up. The first 5k (to Poorman's Pass) was pleasant and gently uphill, then the final section was consistently over 12% with ruts, rocks and scree. A bit more HAB.

At the top I saw 3 snowshoe rabbits, with their distinctive white feet and darker coats. The downhill was quite slow due to the gradient and the surface until I arrived at Stemple Pass Rd, which was freshly watered and rolled. Very nice!

I met Randy on his way up. He was riding Tail End Charlie for TD, making sure any remaining racers were scratched. I asked what % of TD riders get to the Montana / Idaho border - as the attrition rate seemed quite high - and he said it's consistently 47% that don't get out of Montana.

Ray and Kurt were very pleased with their Lincoln omelettes

Ray and Kurt's bikes were parked outside "Lambikins" in Lincoln, so I joined them for a hearty 2nd breakfast.

Feeling as though I'd had plenty of HAB in the past 2 days, I opted to ride HWY 200 to Ovando. This road followed the Blackfoot River gently down and would have been a lovely ride, but for the steady stream of RVs and boats heading for their 4th of July weekend. Some of the drivers of larger RVs have a scarily poor understanding of how wide their vehicles are and have their right side wheels very close to the shoulder - and me.

The other buildings in Ovando - the museum and jail

Ovando is another tiny, biker friendly town, offering free camping and indoor shelter in various buildings. Ray and Kurt nabbed the old jail. I moved into the basement of the church, which offered AC, wifi, shower, washer and dryer. A home away from home!

After the shower and laundry was done I tried to eat more, but only managed to find ice cream at the Inn. Dinner was a short ride up the hill to Trixi's. While we were eating the afternoon monsoon arrived and gave us wet seats to ride home on.

Today's ride: 81 km (50 miles)
Total: 3,793 km (2,355 miles)

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