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Day 23: Riding to Glendive, my last stop in Montana!

After another great nights sleep in a one star hotel, I walked to the Cenex gas station, the only place serving breakfast in town. I took my breakfast sandwich and coffee to the one table in the place and spent the next hour or so discussing the best and worst trucks, harvestors and outboard boat motors with 4 nice men. At one point, I laughed so unexpectedly that coffee came out my nose- the guys really enjoyed that… With wishes for a safe ride, I walked back to the hotel and saddled up- I didn’t need to depart early because my hostess in Glendive, Cindy, said she was going to a rodeo and wouldn’t be home until around 6:00 pm. I had a new email from Cindy and she said she would just leave her house open and leave me some instructions so I could arrive whenever and make myself at home. How cool is that- leaving her house open for a complete stranger! So, off I rode feeling all warm and fuzzy… Leaving Circle involves about a 1,000′ climb over 16 miles, in this case, directly into a 15 mph wind. Into the wind again… After the climb, I rode 5 or 10 miles on top- where it was really windy- before starting a very gradual descent. It was dang windy but the scenery was a definite improvement over yesterday. I am getting more comfortable with riding into wind- it is just a mind game. So, I finally arrived in Glendive, let myself in, showered, handwashed my riding clothes and then found a local watering hole (with 36 beers on tap!) to rehydrate. Daily mileage: 50, trip miles: 1,303- about 1/3 of the way!

A view of my popular hotel from the Cenex gas station. Note all the cars in the parking lot:


The road to Glendive- not as mind-numbing straight as yesterday nor did it have the distressing sinusoidal hills:


The scenery, while not spectacular, was not unpleasant: 


Wait, are these sunflowers? My third crop! I tried staring into this field but didn’t see any hidden arrangements.


Not quite bad enough to be badlands but they make you think you’re getting close to the Dakotas:

 

9 thoughts on “Day 23: Riding to Glendive, my last stop in Montana!”

  3. Dave- whenever you feel like your having a tough day, just think of me sitting in YPO with only a window to enjoy the great outdoors. I really admire your adventurous spirit and thank you for sharing. Thinking of you a lot so take care!
    Richard

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    1. Thanks Richard-at least you have the better view on your side of the building. I rode through more badlands type topography today and really enjoyed it. I’m in North Dakota now- my 4th state! Take care my friend-

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  4. Hey Dave,
    We finally caught up with you, Anacortes to Glendive in a few hours, and my legs don’t even hurt! We’ve enjoyed the trip so far, both commentary and pictures. It brings back a few memories. Just a couple of thoughts – Day 17: the mystery crop? Well, look at one of the main ingredients of those crafty beers you are enjoying – barley! At least that’s what’s in the close up picture (along with a few timothy stems). The full field does look like buckwheat however. Are the two pictures of the same stuff? Day 21: add another crop to your count – that field full of yellow wild flowers is probably canola. You’ll see a lot more of both of these as you continue East.

    Straight roads? Just wait! Keep cranking Dave, we’re route-ing for you!

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