Day 9 - Bozeman to Columbus, MT

Well, my baby left this morning and I had to soldier on without him. I started out by myself and then hooked up with Paul (Australia) and Susan (Chicago). Today was 105 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing. So, not too bad. By the way, if you want more info on the route and elevation click on the Garmin Link to the right, it has tons of stats for you. If you want to go back into the old ones you'll have to register with Garmin, but my data is available should you be interested.
We climbed early and went over Bozeman Pass at 5,750'. Then we went into Livingston, MT - where there was a historical marker - Lewis and Clark had passed through in 1806! (Again, a great history lesson kiddies - be prepared!)
The second stop had a visitor center where we chatted with the lady there and learned about Charles Russell (the sculpture of him was on their porch) - famous Western Artist. After the second stop we stared cruising along at like 24mph and picked up another pace line. Michelle (my new roomie) is on a recumbent and came cruising passed us - she can cook in a downhill! We kept that pace up and hit lunch (mile 78) pretty quickly. Where we ate lunch was another historic site - a group of 3 traveling to head out to gold in MT in 1865(ish) had been killed by the Sioux, their grave was found by a nephew in 1937 and properly marked.
The rest of the day was downhill and we cruised into town - with a big giant black thunder cloud following us - we had some sprinkles but nothing to crazy. Then I started hearing a strange noise coming from what I thought was my chain, but turns out it was a lovely staple that I had picked up - dang it my 3rd flat tire!! I got the bike flipped, tools out, and tire off and Paul came up and started helping and all I wound up doing was pumping it up - how nice!!
Susan was taking a group down to swim in the Yellowstone River - but since it was raining I didn't think they'd go because of the rain- but guess what?! they did go and I missed it! Darn it, that would have been so cool. We passed the sign to Yellowstone Park at around mile 55 and I thought well - how far is it? I'd love to go!
OH!! We also road with a newbie to the group - he joined today he's one of the guys I'd classify as the 'Old Guys' (again with the deepest respect) - he was on a Bike Friday (a foldable bike) and he can cruise!! Claims he has a cold too - amazing!!
Funny thing happened today that reminded me I forgot to mention in yesterdays blog. We have to ride along I-90 on occasion and today Tom got pulled over - lights and everything - I joked with him - "for speeding?" Not exactly for riding to far from the white line. Michelle got pulled over yesterday for "going darn near into the tire tracks" of the lane. Well, many states have laws that state, "bicycles....ride as far to right side of the roadway as practicable", some even have the 3 foot law - which you are legal up to 3 feet away from the white line. But, even though these are funny happenings, it brings me to questions I get from people like why aren't you on the other side of the white line? Well, if it's safe then we are - but when there are hazards there we just simply can't. Hazards can include surface issues - glass, metal, gravel - blown tire pieces - yes - imagine hitting a piece of a radial tire with wire in it - gets in your tire and you will constantly get flats. Sometimes it's just too narrow. If a cyclist hits any of these things or slips off the edge because it's too narrow, they can be catapulted into the lane in front of an approaching car. Also, it's sometimes safer so cars can see you better too. So, that's my soap box speech, remember most state laws say that bicycles should be subject to the same laws as the driver of any other vehicle. (please no hate mail on this subject - :-) )

I also forgot to mention the fields of golden rod that we passed yesterday - it was so awesome - the smell was incredible! So amazing!!