June 8, 2005

A Ranchers Rescue Story

We started on the road around 10:30. It was a late start but we slept later and it takes longer to break down and store gear away when we camp. Today’s ride to Malta was on very flat terrain with a light tail wind until around 4:00 when it turned to tail to cross which seems to be how it changes each day. I only took two pictures today: one after Nick’s tire blew out so he could cherish the moment when the effects of the I-84 minefield finally took its toll. He had to toss the tire and the tube. At the next bike shop we come across he will be buying a new spare. The other was when we were on an overpass and a train went under. The terrain was just like yesterday but today the skies were overcast all day with a light rain beginning about ten miles before Malta. We made good time and finished riding around 5:30.

Nicks blown tire and tube

Freight Train From The Overpass

We saw some young boys taking target practice with rifles about 50 yards away from the road. One section of road was incredibly smooth for about three or four miles. Lunch was uneventful except one rancher told another how a friend of theirs saved a small boy who fell in a drainage ditch and was floating face down when he jumped in. Apparently the new baby sitter was watching TV instead of the two children she was supposed to be watching. The man saw the boy’s sister running and screaming “my brother” and went to investigate. The boy vomited after he was pulled from the water, began breathing and all was fine.

This section of Montana is usually sunny and in the 80’s and 90’s and full of mosquitoes this time of year, but the locals say it has been rainy and cool for the past few weeks, thus the high water in the drainage ditch. Today it was in the 50’s all day. Fortunately with the light tail winds there was little wind chill and the riding was cool and comfortable, also no mosquitoes. Unless the weather breaks in the next two days it is unlikely that we will see a star filled night in Big Sky country.

My wife Joan asked me this morning when I called if I saw any hawks or turkey vultures. In fact I have not seen one of either. What I have been seeing the last couple of days are sea gulls. Yes, sea gulls in the middle of Montana: go figure.

Since it was raining when we reached Malta, we decided to get a motel instead of setting up and cooking in the rain. A good decision as it is still raining. Tomorrow morning’s forecast calls for the same.

Jim

Cycledog (Ride the extra mile!!)

© 2005 - JNS

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