May 25, Day 19, Darby Montana-52 miles

Today my ride took me south along the pristine Bitteroot Valley and a gently undulating 52 mile postcard experience. I gave the ponies the day off today and ordered Silver on easy cruise control. My goal was to recover as much as possible without actually taking a day off in order to be strong for the next days long climb up to Chief Joseph Pass in the Rocky mountains. A 7,300 foot peak.

For the first time on this entire trip I got the opportunity to listen to music while I rode. Safety concerns and common sense precluded me from putting the ear buds in up until today. I was able to access a bike trail that ran the 34 mile length from the town of Lolo to Hamilton. It made my ride that much more enjoyable and I had forgotten how significant a role music played in my exercise mojo.

Bitteroot Valley facing west

Tomorrow is Memorial Day and I cannot think of a better way to show my respect to those who serve this country then to suffer a little for them. If only the discomfort from climbing hard up the mountain pass tomorrow, it is still my small gesture for those who have suffered mightily and for those who have suffered ultimately. I will silently dedicate each pedal stroke for a fallen soldier. The second to last pedal stroke will be for my Father in Law and the last one for my father; both of whom served this country in their youth. Its all I have to give where a am so that's what I will do.

One of several cool creeks I cycled over

I'm staying in the town of Darby, a small western settlement that seems to be a popular stopping and drinking place for motorcycle riders because they are crawling all over the place here! It's hard to look like a tough sucker when your sixty years old and sporting a prominent boiler but there are plenty here trying. I want to mingle with them tonight but I didn't pack any leathers.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day.