Red Hawk Lodge to Lima
Strava: 67.2 km, 415m, 3:53, 141 shifts, 37.3 kph max, all in rain
The somewhat unseasonably cold weather continues. Montana is giving us a “tough love” welcome. We had a relaxing big breakfast at the Red Hawk Lodge, eggs and unlimited pancakes. It was raining so no one was in a hurry but somehow by 10 am we were packed and heading out.
The wind was from the side and as soon as we hit the main road, the light rain increased to more serious. The road seemed just as muddy and crappy as yesterday. The first 28 km was pretty constant, a little up or down, some parts very muddy, a few parts relatively less so. We passed the guy who didn’t make it to the lodge the night before, he had camped and was pretending to be cheerful.
At the junction we easily chose the “shortcut route”, after hearing from multiple riders the main route had a long section of unrideable peanut butter mud. We had 17 more km of mud to the highway and passed a cyclist who confirmed this was the way and riding the Interstate is basically required. Now after more than two hours of rain, cold water was seeping through my shoes, down my legs, etc. We had a climb, then coasted down to the Interstate 15 on-ramp.
We headed onto the highway and traffic was generally polite. A guy I talked to later who drove past us said we looked great, all in a group with high-viz colors. He said he knew that desperate times called for desperate measures. We were joined by a Brit, Neill, for the 24 km on the highway to Lima (LeyeMuh, not like the Peruvian city). No close calls, just mentally challenging I would say. And wet and cold. Andrew said today was the worst conditions he’s ever ridden in, and that’s saying a lot.
I was very very happy when the Lima exit finally appeared. We stopped at the gas station and wandered around in the store but didn’t buy anything. I got my phone dried and working and found the Beaverhead Inn I had booked two nights in was right across the street. I guess that’s not surprising since Lima is very small (population 212).
We checked in and our host made us coffee and chocolate and we ate a couple of apple pies. We washed our bikes and bags off with the hose, then worked on our clothes. They have laundry service here but we had to first scrape off as much mud as possible then wash the outer clothes in the shower. The hot shower felt amazing. My legs were so pink. All day it was 2-4°C.
When I went to Wytze and Daniel’s room to collect their laundry, they were already in bed. What a day! I’m so glad to be not riding tomorrow since the forecast is for more rain, although a little warmer. I cranked the heater in our room and sprayed the mud off my shoes with the hose. Chores are done ✅
Naps were definitely taken then it was time for dinner. Unfortunately in the beginning of the week there is only one option in town. But luckily it’s a very nice lady with her food truck in the Beaverhead Inn parking lot! We picked up dinner there while Daniel and Wytze bought drinks and snacks and dessert at the gas station store.
We retired to their suite and ate while watching an inspiring movie based on a true story, The Bank of Dave.
Another milestone today: we have ridden 3000.06 km in our 34 stages since Antelope Wells! Approx 1400 km remain to Banff.
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