Day 1 - June 19, 2021. The start of stringing together many day trips: Roosville, MT to Red Meadow Lake Campground

Aug 11

72 miles, 5799 ft climbed

We both woke up well before our alarms with butterflies in our stomachs a bit anxious to get the ride started. We stayed at our friends in Whitefish, Jody and Hilary, and enjoyed beers and their view. Sarah had a bright night with the tent illuminated by the street light. Justin made morning coffee in the van and we picked up pastries in Eureka, 10 miles from the border and discussed a bear action plan as we drove up. We are in grizzly country after all - riding with bear spray strapped to our bikes.

After packing our bikes and pictures at the border, we finally started pedaling close to 10 am. We had so much built up anticipation. We both carefully listened and worried about every potential squeak coming from our bikes. In a couple stops we tightened the wheels and valve cores, double checked the brakes and pumped them. After a while we settled into a good rhythm and just rode. Paved road and nice gravel we rode into the Ten Lakes area.

Appreciated the ten degree temp drop as we tackled the first climb over Whitefish Divide. Several avalanche paths knocked trees over as if they were matches. It felt like we were far from civilization but no sooner did we come across cabins in the woods and many trucks hauling fishing boats and kayaks.

Met a fellow rider Brett from Indianapolis.

And Christian camped with us, arriving shortly after us at the Red Meadow lake campground. It was a big climb to get there.

We were quick to setup tents as the rain started and mosquitoes swarmed. We had quick chats as we all scarfed down our individual dinners. All food and toiletries were carefully stored away in the metal bear boxes.

A big thank you to our hubbies for helping to get us to the start line and Justin driving across three states!

Random stats:

4L of water consumed each

2 Great Divide riders

Things we pondered:

How do mosquitoes find us so quickly? How long do they live?

How long is a mamma bear pregnant and do cubs hibernate?

Our brains relaxing and no longer thinking about planning for this.

We are finding our rhythm!