May 27, Day 21, Dillon Montana-67 miles

For the second day in row, breakfast was not available in the town where I was staying. The lady who ran the local cafe in Wisdom decided not to open until 11 AM this day and I found myself wandering into the bar at 7 AM because I saw people sitting inside. The bar called "Antlers," where I ate twice the day before was open for coffee only and when I walked in I got the "what the hell?' stare from about 8 or 9 senior citizens who were drinking their coffee and rolling dice. Nobody in this part of Montana wears dry fit, whisk away poly anything clothing and I felt like Mork from Ork when I straddled in and begged for coffee. Two cups later and a 50 cent tab paid in full, I mounted Silver and galloped south for the town of Jackson, 18 miles down the road and the nearest place to get something to eat.

Cattle ranches in Big Hole Valley

Rosie was her name and Rosie's Cantina was the name of her cafe in Jackson. I was the day's first customer and I was hungry. Rosie's beagle dog came over and laid by my feet in the booth where I sat. Yes, dogs are a common sight inside bars, cafes and even restaurants round these parts. The 18 mile ride into Jackson gave me forewarning about the what I could expect from the remaining 48 miles ahead of me today. The legs were heavy and cold and my breathing was somewhat labored. Sleeping at 6,200 feet last did not come easy for me and my heart rate was higher then normal. I pushed hard the day before and stayed at altitude that maybe I was not sufficiently acclimatized to yet. A good breeze was developing and the forecast called for thunderstorms throughout the day.

I would be riding through the Big Hole Valley today before climbing one of two passes that sit in the path of Dillon, my day's destination. Like everywhere else in Montana so far, the views were stunning, the air was crisp and cold and the cattle ranches were everywhere. I know where the beef is now!

Climbing out of Big Hole Valley

The climbs today were not all that difficult but with tired legs and a decent headwind I found myself huffing and puffing my way up to 7,400 feet and Big Hole Pass. I took a picture and sat down to recover for a couple minutes. I was on the last day of a 10 day run and I was feeling the fatigue that accumulates after that long. I checked my cell phone and saw a few text messages. I must have ridden into cell phone service range. One of the messages was from a friend named Vikki. Her message to me was powerfully generous and very complimentary and her timing could not have been better. It was just the jolt I needed to pull myself out of the fatigue funk and get going. Thank you Vikki!

Pooped at Big Hole!

I muscled my way up the second pass(Badger Pass) and then enjoyed a 20 mile downhill all the way into Dillon by about 2:15 PM and a much needed rest day. Dillon is the home of the University of Montana Northwest and sits just off Interstate 15, the first Interstate Hwy I've seen since Interstate 5 in Oregon.

I dined at a restaurant/lounge called the Supper Club where I enjoyed a couple of Shocktops and a big plate of Spaghetti while trying to match intellect with the reigning Jeopardy champion on the monitor overhead. It did not go well for me.

Nice Kitty

lest you forget that Montana is a hunter's paradise, this little feline was sitting right over my head in the bar area. I have seen just about every conceivable animal stuffed and mounted in bars, taverns, dining establishments, stores and motel lobbies since entering Idaho and Montana. All except one that is.....................