September 14: Townsend to Helena, Montana
I really wish I could tell you that today was a beautiful fall day in Montana. We had a 15-20 mile per hour wind from the north, temperatures in the low 50’s, and grey skies that seemed to be held up by the mountain ranges to the east and west of us. Actually, I haven’t spent that much time in Montana — maybe this IS a beautiful fall day in Montana.
But, whatever. Townsend to Helena is only 32 miles. That 15-20 mile per hour headwind and a 10 mile long uphill grade that started just outside of Townsend made you earn each and every one of those miles.
My left knee was not cooperating today either. Larry and I were taking turns in the lead position where it is much harder because you have to fight the wind. The rider(s) behind can be using up to 35% less energy than the person in the lead. Several long pulls at the front and my knee was complaining. It’s not real bad, but I don’t want it to get any worse. When I mentioned it to Larry, he was the connsummate riding partner. He insisted on taking the lead position, saying “Get as much rest as you can today. You have 2000 miles to ride still; I only have three more days.”
These were some of the most difficult riding conditions I’ve had on The Dream Tour. I have to give Larry credit today for sacrificing himself and allowing me to get through this day unscathed and save my energy for another day.
Now that we’re in Helena, we’re keeping an eye on the weather. The next two days are looking fairly wet and there’s a winter storm warning out for western Montana through tomorrow evening. But, the weather report says there’s a high degree of uncertainty about the exact path of the cold front and the amount of precipitation and cold air in it, so we’re hopeful that we’ll still be able to make progress tomorrow. If the weather is bad enough, I guess we get to do some sightseeing in Helena!
Our big challenge tomorrow is MacDonald Pass. It’s about a 2000 foot climb to the summit at 6320 feet. We’re keeping an eye on the conditions there by way of a web cam at the summit. Here’s a link to the web cams at the MacDonald Pass:
You can watch the conditions there too. With a little luck and patience, you’ll be able to see us pass there tomorrow.
| Total distance: | 32.48 miles |
|---|---|
| Time: | 3:21:08 |
| Average speed: | 9.7 mph |
| Maximum speed: | 21.9 mph |
| Total calories: | 1774 |
| Average heart rate: | 109 bpm |
| Maximum heart rate: | 154 bpm |
| Total ascent: | 983 feet |
| Total descent: | 764 feet |
| Ride profile: |  (click on image to view a larger version) |
| Ride comments: Rode with Larry, a friend from Bozeman, today. Strong headwinds (20+ miles per hour) plus a 10 mile long uphill grade at the start of the ride to Helena. |
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September 14th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
What’s up with Larry’s bike? The geometery looks unusal or perhaps it is an optical illusion. Hope your knee gets better.
Robby
September 14th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
Pete–Best wishes for rthe rest of your tour. Its got to be tough biking in the mountains.
We are glad that Larry is with you for a few days. We are with you all the way and we look forward to your daily blogs. Love to both you and Pat. M&D
September 14th, 2006 at 8:29 pm
Hi Robby,
Yeah, it’s a bit unusual, but he really loves it. It’s an Air Friday by Bike Friday:
http://www.bikefriday.com/bikeMMI.cfm?BF=2
It’s foldable. He travels a lot, and he takes this thing with him nearly everywhere he goes.
Pete
September 14th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Bike Friday makes road, touring, mountain, recumbents, tandems, and triples. They all fold into a suitcase for travel. The Air Friday, as shown in Pete’s photos, has a titanium beam that soaks up the road bumps for a cushy ride. Very appealing to us old guys looking for comfort. Add a Brooks leather saddle, and the ride is about as good as it gets.