Last night was cold up here at just under 5000 feet. The evening wind died down and sleeping conditions were good except for a few freight trains that seemed to run through out camp. We had our usual breakfast of oatmeal and coffee in the camps mess hall, and headed out to conquer MacDonald Pass. The climb from camp to the top of the pass took 11 miles with the last five being steep. The wind was blowing at the top, but even so, people hung around, taking pictures, and going out to a better lookout.
The ride down the pass all the way into the capital city of Helena seemed to go by quickly. We have the entire range of descenders on this ride. Some go for broke and scream down the mountain as fast as they can. Others feather the brakes and maintain a safe speed or whatever feels safe for them.
Every day, the Trek staff keeps track of the riders as they ride the route. We each have a number, and call it out to Paula, Mark, or Barb so they can mark down that we’ve been through. Often, Jeff, the ride leader, is there as well keeping watch. We are extremely well cared for. In the middle of the day, we have a checkpoint to ensure that everyone made it this far. Today, it was at a bike shop, and many people headed in to find those extras they were missing or for that part that broke 2 days ago.
Scott and I ended up with fake bullet hole decals. Very realistic too!
From Helena to Townsend, we climbed out of the valley, and rode along the Canyon Ferry Lake. There was a gold rush here in the 1830’s. The miners were getting $1000.00 in gold with each pan full.
Today, the gold was replaced by the glitter of custom road bikes ridden by bright spandex clad riders, and spinning wheels reflecting in the sun.