Stage 14 - Gallatin Gateway to West Yellowstone - Friday, June 7

PICTURES ADDED!

TODAY’S RIDE ...

No cycling today. The weather is terrible. Rain. Cold in the low 40s. Continued rain, dropping temperatures, and snow tonight and Saturday are forecast.

All is not lost. David, Jonah and I go horseback riding at 320 Ranch where we stayed last night. My only prior experience was terrible, which occurred, I believe, when I was nearly a teenager. I recall being horribly afraid and things not working out. Yet I eagerly signed up when David inquired months ago in hopes of a better time. Little boys don’t dream of being a cowboy without possessing great horse riding skills.

Today’s horseback ride turns out to be great fun even with the rain and cold. I felt very comfortable. The horse Champ followed my lead. I enjoyed the scenery and views. We saw a herd of elk numbering between 30 and 50. Wow!

A brief aside: my brain and it’s workings has long mystified me. Today provides another example: I recall specific lessons learned from that bad experience decades ago; something I haven’t thought about in some time. How is that possible? Why do I remember those specific long term memories when I can’t recall so many others. My brain’s storage and retrieval process fascinates me (and no doubt annoys my wife!).

We drive towards Yellowstone following the cycling route David designed. At least we will see what was planned. I imagine the experience as a cyclist and regret the weather‘s inhospitably.

We drive past one then another and then a third unsupported cross country cyclist. Brave folks enduring the climate with no other option. I think of the Maine cyclist two days ago and her look askance at our bikes with minimal gear. They are hardy souls enduring every challenge thrown their way. I’m happy to be warm and dry and feel more empathy for my fellow long distance cyclists. I hope for their safety and good health.

We pass from Montana into Idaho. The landscape teases: aspen trees in abundance. A beautiful lake. Distant and near mountains. This would have been an even more beautiful experience on bike. Back into Montana.

We arrive in West Yellowstone. We are staying at Under Canvas, a collection of 60 soon to be 100 canvas covered dwellings combining an outdoorsy experience in a comfortable setting. No WiFi. 25 yards to the restrooms. Heat by wood stove. No Electricity. From hostel to cabin to glamping ...never routine, never boring!

We visit the town of Yellowstone. Have lunch. See the movie Yellowstone (on IMAX; interesting kinda, definitely outdated). Back to Under Canvas. Damn it is cold, windy, and rainy. We hang out in reception Tipi tent. Play UNO. Suddenly the game has gone on for over 90 minutes with no winner in sight. We declare a draw.

The cold and rain win. We wonder how our unsupported brethren are doing and hope all is well.

ODDS & ENDS …

I feel bad for Vik. His time with us is fast coming to a close. He heads home Sunday. With today’s ride canceled and tomorrow’s unlikely given the weather, Vik May have cycled his last ride with us. The premature end is a loss for all of us. Maybe tomorrow’s weather will surprise us. I’m hoping.