Our guide, Cy, keeps us in stitches each night with her fact (real or imagined)-filled tidbits about the local lore and various historical points. Tonight's performance included 41 "don'ts for women on bicycles" (published in 1895). I was particularly conscious of #11 today as we took on our big climb, into a strong headwind, with grades up to 9%, 55 miles into our day. #11 states: Don't cultivate a "bicycle face". Not sure I was successful.........
We pretty much knew what we were in for today. Seventy miles, lots of headwinds, and the big climb at the end of the day. We also knew it would be chilly to start the day. What we didn't count on was the fact that it didn't warm up nearly as much as what the forecast was predicting. We started the day at 1C and didn't get over 6C all day. In fact, the temperature dropped back down to about 3C at the top of the climb and didn't quite get back up to 6 by the time we reached "home". Thankfully the front desk gal at the Riverside Motel and RV Park had cranked up the heat in each of our cabins before we arrived.
We spent most of the day again today in "big sky country". However, we had heavy cloud cover all day so some of the magic of the views was lost. And - my fingers were not terribly functional for long periods of time due to the cold. The result - not a lot of pictures.
Our first 15 miles were pretty much wind-free. We passed this massive straw maze under construction not too far from town.
Then we came to some historical points of interest - The Beaverhead, after which this entire valley is named.
Now, it was a cold day but I think Frosty is pushing the season a bit............
Lots of ranches and hayfields today. Also lots of irrigation still going on.
There were quite a few historical markers along the way. Always a good reason to stop and shake some feeling back into my hands and feet.
We also had quite a few small towns along the route - Twin Bridges, Sheridan, Laurin, Alder, Nevada City and Virginia City. I had planned to stop in Nevada City, with promises of a bakery on the cue sheet. Alas, everything was closed up tight for the season but it was interesting to see all of the preserved buildings from the gold rush in the late 1800s. Virginia City was just a few more miles down the road. It also was preserved in wild west fashion but also had a few open shops, including a cafe where I stopped for soup and hot chocolate. Once warmed and refueled, I was ready for the climb - about 2000 feet over 4 miles with grades up to 9%. No summit sign at the top, but the downhill truck sign is always a good indicator of time to layer up for the descent.
Some sweeping views down to our destination valley.
I guessed right on the clothing requirements for the day, so other than cold hands and feet the rest of my body was pretty warm and dry all day.
Finally - in to Ennis MT.
We all crammed in to our guides' cabin to eat the lovely turkey dinner that chef Sue had prepared for us. The wind is still howling outside and it's going to be a cold night. The forecast is for cold, wet and windy tomorrow - our last day of riding. We've had such good weather on this trip, it would be a shame to have a yucky last day. Time will tell. I think we will all sleep well tonight. It was a tough day out there today.
Stats for the day:
113 km / 70 miles from Dillon MT to Ennis MT
2917 feet up, 2909 feet down.
Temps: 1C to 6C. Heavy cloud cover all day. Cold & windy. If I were at home and had the choice to ride or not, I would have stayed inside today. Just sayin'
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