Great Divide Stage 39

Helena to Lincoln

Strava: 104 km, 1899m, 7:08, 251 shifts, 47 kph max

I didn’t sleep well again, I guess not enough exercise! We got up at 6:30, same hotel breakfast at 7, then headed out. Our first stop was a bakery/coffee shop for a little more breakfast with drinks.

We rolled out of Helena on route 12 to the west, mellow traffic to the turnoff onto Priest Pass gravel road at 18 km. It was much cooler today, with clouds. We took a break and a local drove up to check on his nice looking mule that was all alone in the field. But first he presented us each with a bag of hard candy and gave us advice about the route. Nice!

It was a steep climb, over 500m up, with I think the guy called it “tank tracks”. Deep eroded slippery ruts. All rideable though. On top we regrouped and had first lunch.

Next up was a long section of up and down, some very steep and strenuous. We had more lunch on the top, then headed down about 20 km to the famous Llama Ranch. The descent was fun and we were welcomed by one of the owners of the ranch. There is free lodging, food and beer. After partaking, we asked if we could make a donation, but absolutely not. “Just pay it forward.” He tried to get us to stay but it was only 2:15 and we had a reservation in Lincoln.

So up the final hill we went. This climb was about 700m and had some steep parts at the top. To make it harder the clouds parted letting the sun shine at full strength for a while. But if you start, and keep going, you get to the top. I was really sweaty but made it up. After regrouping, we started the 26 km descent. The first part was very rough and slow but after a while the gravel became smooth and fast. I caught up to Wytze and we rode to Lincoln together.

We checked in at the Three Bears Motel, then the others arrived. I was so salty! The shower felt great and we did hand washed laundry too. We walked to dinner, checking out some better but closed places and eventually ate next door at the Wheel Inn Tavern. All they had was fried food but we were starving and that was the option. At least they had decent draft IPA. The waitress was funny and kind. We had cheese curds, fried pickles and fried everything else. Lots of lemonade too. We watched the US lose to Belgium in the World Cup, then headed home. Wytze got us Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for dessert and we worked on the route more. Then time for sleep! 💤