The plan is to cycle 3500 miles solo from Seattle to Miami in 29 days to raise funds to care for veterans' mental health and also to help the fight against blood cancers. Wagons roll on September 11th: it would be terrific if you could sponsor me...thank you!
So, clear skies equals almost freezing temps, eh? Got it. Steel-trap mind, me. Another layer it is then. All fine until 10 miles in and another puncture...hurrah!
Mark these words well: if I ever suggest a route that involves Interstates, you have indemnity from prosecution!
2c at kick-off. More layers pronto!
Looks like the bigger brother of yesterday's culprit. You had one job, AutoFocus...
I'm sure they have a ball.
Anyway, twenty minutes later and off we trudge again. Thankfully there is some terrific scenery in this neck of the woods, as well as a few signs to entertain the hard of thinking amongst us...
Dunno why this is in, but there you go.
'Bass' is optional.
I wanted to stop in Drummond for lunch because this was one of my original accommodations that bit the dust: it is the archetypal one horse town too! Great wee cafe...
Definitely approaching Marlboro Man territory...
Should've tethered it up!
Time to bother The 'Shut Up Legs' legend on Twitter again!
Possibly a bigger sky than yesterday.
Post-lunch was most enjoyable as the temps moved to the low 20s...nice! My next stop was Montana's Auto Museum which has about 140 vehicles on display, but it was really only the Muscle Cars that I was there to gawk at.
Imagine some of the MatchBox or Corgi HotWheels toy cars that you had as a kid and you're on the right lines. Dinky, not so much. It was more Morris Minors over that way!
No matter what you looked at, it was in pristine condition...an astounding collection, right in the middle of nowhere. Hence no apology for the ton of photos, hah-hah!
Pretty much everything is in mint condition. Astonishing!
426 Hemi. No arguments!
"I'm a...". Terrific!
'Elanor' from 'Gone In 60 Seconds': beyond mint!
Original 1965 with a 427. Goodnight.
Don't be fooled- this shifts.
"Stingraaaaay...Stingray!"
Some insane prototype/show-car. What on earth?
An absolute monster...
After my quick-time race'n'drool sesh in the museum, it was a case of seeing-out the remaining 40 miles to Butte. No dramas although I would admit that the 1-2% drags were beginning to make themselves known...Butte is at round 5500' above sea level.
Great to get a couple of beeps from passing motorists- it seems that they respond to the 'Combat Stress' jersey more. Much appreciated folks.
Would love to think that's where he ended-up.
Thanks all the same, but I'll pass.
Similar to last night, I set about finding a room with adjacent dining and there was a Super 8 that fitted the bill. So it's wash, rinse, eat, blog, decide on tomorrow's plan and sleeeeeeep. Cheers!
Ok, same old, but thank you so much for the insanely generous donations: anyone reading this and feeling like they can spare a dime, please go top-right to the links...nice one!
It has been brought to one's attention that you had to be a registered Google person if you wanted to comment on the blog: not no more...anyone can slag it off now. Power to The People!
Early doors, 2c. Didn't get warm until after midday. Did get warm though!
Wagons rolled at 6.48am...I really didn't want to leave my comfy and warm hotel, not least because the first business of the day was a climb, hah-hah! What I did feel was just how arse-bitingly brisk the temperature was. No need.
No rhythm found really but on we go until this hoves into view: I seriously considered ignoring it and just getting on with things, not least because
a) I was gonna lose an hour as soon as I crossed into Montana (Pacific into Mountain Time. Hang on- 'Mountain'?), and
b) The Man doesn't tell me what to do, right?
I was going to ignore it but seeing how narrow the one lane got...well, good call!
As I went through the roadworks it was obvious to a blind eejit that it was the only course of action: one lane, no shoulder with trucks galore equals bad outcome. End of.
So I owe you all about 4 miles and perhaps 800 feet. Cheque's in the post etc...
And then down-hill we go. Freezing!
Two down, twelve to go...
I'd love to see that. Actually, on second thoughts...
I had breakfast after about 25 miles in some ropey faux-Western number. The best thing about it was it's temperature. Move on!
I'll lie to you and tell that the movie 'A River Run Throughs It' was filmed here. Haven't seen it either.
Big.
By lunchtime the big yellow fella had come out to play- a welcome sight! I think we got up to about 25 or 26c. Tres bon!
Gentlemen! Luncheon is served.
Result! My very own lane, as smooth as. What could possibly...
After lunch there was another roadworks sign, but this was good news- I'd have a smooth, clean, quiet lane all to myself for 10 miles. Get in! Not 500 yards in and I'm trying to tell myself that my rear tyre isn't deflating...oh yes it is!
You try to pretend that you're imagining that yer tyre is flat. Bollocks!
You sneaky m**********r!
Ok, given some of the horrendous stuff that I've ridden on since Sunday, I cannot slate the tyres at all. Anyway, one new tube later and away we go...now just keep going please...
At long last- someone as daft as I am, hah-hah! And heavier...blimey! Big shout-out!
Today was the first time that I saw someone else on I-90 who wasn't driving. There was a hitch-hiker at Lookout Pass who told me he was from Cork, blah-blah-blah...I reckon no matter where you told him you were from, he would have a connection.
Anyway, the poor sod wanted food so I obliged with a ropey packet of cake. He's probably in ER by now. Sorry man...
"If you ever go to Huson, you better act right..."
No choice at all!
I did promise myself an ice cream of some nature: they didn't have Magnums but this was tickety-boo!
Proprietor: Mr P. Doyle. Now *that* is a film. And I have seen it.
Tribute to the late Prince Buster.
It was a bit strange not having somewhere booked to stay tonight, but in the event it worked-out fine. McDs across the way for breakfast and a great sports bar (no, not 'The French Connection'!) beside it from where I'm typing this drivel.
I'm not staying here tonight but I kinda wish I was. Top name!
At the minute, I'm about 45 miles behind where I should be: the honest answer is that I both over-estimated my abilities and under-estimated how tricky this would be. I'm considering how best to try and make this right: if any wiseacre helpfully suggests pedalling a bit quicker...in the meantime, eastwards go!
Thank you, and goodnight...but before I hand you to these two loons, a word from those in need of your help...
At the time of writing, the sponsorship is getting there but there is a long way to go still. Please see if you can spare a couple of quid or whatever to help Bloodwise and Combat Stress. Here are those links if you are able to donate:
