Jul 3, Billings, MT

Last week was one of highs & lows: four days of riding in a row, including two centuries & one 90+ miler.  We crossed over the continental divide at 6,300 feet - the highest altitude on the Big Ride - on a beautiful century through country reminiscent of Bonanza and High Plains Drifter with most of the day spent at mile-high altitudes.

We had fabulous dinner in Harlowton at the home the owners of a soon-to-open restaurant in town -- I had the buffalo burger.

Yesterday the ride started fast and strong, as riders rode to beat forecast PM head winds & high temps.  The road in the AM was slightly downhill, and Noel I m made the lunch stop at mile 47 averaging 18.6 mph!    But, the next 45 miles was composed of many long uphills, temps rising to 90 deg and a slight headwind.  And, I bonked badly about 20 miles out of Billings, only able to pedal at 10 - 12 mph.  Our average fell to 15 - still our fastest day yet.

Our dinner was catered by "Beyond Basil" and was the BEST food yet: three great salads, yellow tomato gaspacho, the tenderest steak I've ever had (Montana organic raised beef), cupcakes, and homemade ice cream.  They will also be catering our dinner in Hardin!

MacDonald Pass - 6,325' - the 

Continental Divide 

The descent to Helena

Crossing the Missouri above 

Townsend & Three Forks, where the Galatin, Jefferson& Madison merge to form the Missouri

A "Big Sky" scene

We've crossed the Rockies, done three centuries in four days, rested today in Billings, and will ride to Hardin on the Crow Indian Reservation tomorrow.