Day 4: Our Favorite Day So Far

Today was amazing! Our day started with the 18 mile climb toward and then up Richmond Peak. The climb was hot and exposed but we were rewarded with stunning views at the top and then an epic long descent that wound along the mountain’s flank overlooking the valley below and adjacent mountains - first on swoopy flowy single track then fast rolling gravel. Just as we were marveling at how much fun we were having, the route took us off the road and onto a trail through a washout that had been reconstructed with snags in very oddly linear ways (see pic) and with strange drainage channels requiring us to dismount every few minutes to get through them. Not the speedy descent we’d been enjoying moments prior! It’s another reminder that for better or worse, things are ever-changing.

We ate lunch in Seeley Lake which was an adventure on its own as Sarah watched with amazement while Irena put away a fried chicken sandwich, fries, lemonade, a huge cinnamon bun, and an ice cream sandwich. We restocked snacks from a gas station before moving onward to Ovando. It was a very hot day, with our Wahoo showing a high of 100 at one point. So imagine our delight when just 4 miles outside of Ovando, a generous trail angel pulled over and offered us cold beers! We happily accepted and enjoyed them during the final few miles into town.

Ovando is adorable. A tiny town that is especially friendly to cyclists, with lodging for $5 per night in a teepee, sheep wagon, or the old county Hoosgow!

Today was epic. The kind of day that fills our souls with happiness. It was the favorite day so far for both of us.

PS. The Dirt Bandit (Irena’s Salsa Fargo) is a solid ride! Thanks Zara for the awesome name!

Mileage: 63.47

Feet climbed: 5,190

Cumulative mileage: 287.8