Western Biking

New Biking State—MONTANA: 42.27 miles
TANDEM Pedal Time: 3 hours 13 minutes, average speed 13.0

Our plan today was to get some biking miles on in Montana so we headed to Bozeman, MT where we knew a bike shop could be found. We entered the Bangtail Bike Store and inquired about road biking routes in the area. We thought a bike store would be willing to help fellow bikers out but not so here at the Bangtail—we were on our own. I did bring a route map of a possible route near Livingston, MT so we left the Bozeman for the quieter village of Livingston, 26 miles east, to begin our first Montana biking miles. The route took us from Livingston to Emigrant between the Gallatin and Absaroka mountain ranges and beside the Yellowstone River. Stopping at the Livingston Visitor's Center proved very beneficial. We were assured the route was sound and parking could be found near our start.

We started pedaling in the heat of the day but only planned on putting on a total of 24 miles. We climbed for the first 5 miles and then the road leveled with a few ups and downs but the heat was killing us. Kathi and John called to check on us and we asked for their support and prayers that we would get through this torturous ride.

Once we were 12 miles into the route, we realized that the predicted total of 24 miles was only a half-way point and when done with this route we would have closer to 40 miles on the bike. A kind minister watched us struggle as we passed his church. He got in his truck and followed us to a bridge where we were stopped looking at a map as if lost. Before I could even ask him for area information, he began an inquiry about our bike. He did finally inform us that a pub with good food and cold drinks could be found in Emigrant just 5 miles down the road. His suggestion was a life saver—5 minutes after entering the River's Edge Bar & Grill, hail hit.

We waited out the storm in Emigrant enjoying the local company. The food here was fabulous—my first elk burger was mouth-watering. We learned that Montana storms like to sneak up on unsuspecting visitors and as quick as the storm came upon us, it was just as quick to dissipate. We were back on the bike and totally refreshed; ready to bike the remaining 20 miles back to the van waiting at the Carter’s Bridge landing. This Montana route was beautiful but seeing our van at route’s end was an awfully beautiful sight as well.

This was our last bike ride for this western vacation. We were able to add 4 new biking states during this trip to give us a total of 22 biked in since 2005. The 95 miles we added to the bike on this vacation were some of the most scenic and adventurous we have pedaled. The rock formations and wildlife kept us entertained throughout our travels in these western states. Our next adventure will be to coax our old van to get us back to Minnesota.