Day 3 – Circle, MT to Glendive, MT

Distance 51

Total Distance 105

Another Great night.  It cooled down a bit more and made sleeping a bit better.  It was great to wake up and see the wind blowing from the Northwest.  Just like it was supposed to.  I did get a little earlier start since we didn’t have to travel, so breakfast was done and I was on the road at about 8:30.  All the climbing was in the first 20 miles or so and there was not much at that.  There was a decent wind ant my back and I again averaged 15.7 mph for the day. 

It was a different day for scenery.  It was just green rolling hills with cattle all over the place.  It was really pretty, however.  There is something about the landscape here that is quite unique.  The hills look like softer dirt and eroded with the rain and wind and it is just beautiful in its unique way.

As I mentioned, once I climbed all that needed climbing today, it was quite straight and slightly downhill.  When I was just right with the wind, I would easily move at 20 to 22 mph.  I don’t think that I have ever had as much distance with sustained speeds like that.  It was just fun to ride.  I am knocking on wood, because I know the day is coming that the wind will be just that much against me.

I think I rode for 25 miles with train grain cars parked along the road.  It was crazy.  They looked fairly new and all.  I don’t know if it seasonal, this Covid thing or the trade war.  Anyway, they just went on and on.

I was done riding slightly before 12:00 noon.  There really wasn’t anything to stop for along the way so the day went quite fast.  I spent the afternoon working.  That’s crazy, isn’t it?  This Covid thing has put me behind at work and I wasn’t caught up with everything when I left and still feel like I need to get a few things done while I am out here. It was a good afternoon of things.

Crossing the Yellowstone River.  Now just for pedestrians and cyclists.

Yellowstone River.  It looks to be quite high.

Lyle and I took off about 5 to visit Makoshika State Park.  It is a really cool place if you are ever around here.  There have been many dinosaur fossils found there and the formations and geology are fascinating.  It was well worth the $8 to get in and take a look.

The rock on the underside is a softer rock and wears away more quickly, with the harder rocks resting on the tops.  It is crazy looking.  It looks as though people laid those rocks on top.

We went out to a local café that was close.  They were actually allowing sit down seating, which was nice.  Tables were spaced well and you had to ask for everything.  No salt & pepper etc at the tables.  Had chicken fried steak and it was delicious.  Too full now.

Hope you are all well!!