Wicked Hard
Lodging
Riding is just one aspect of the ride. The other part is the sweet rewards. The prize or prizes at the end of the day. Jumping in a mountain lake to swim and cool off, rinsing off in a river, meeting other bikers and comparing notes, or just sleeping under a million stars sweetens the deal. One night, after a long, hard, hot day the campground was filled and the way out was back up a long hill. I was determined to make it work. I wasn’t going back up that hill. Then, out of nowhere, a kind camper came along and asked if we had a place to stay. I’m sure my bottom lip was quivering when I said no. They not only invited us into their site, but also feed us dinner AND breakfast. Unbelievable! We must have looked really pathetic.
Fundraiser
As crazy as it sounds, when I got involved with the organization Los Buenos Vecinos, I didn’t know that Dave Renfrow, the co-founder was from Columbia Falls. And when he told me he was from Columbia Falls, I didn’t know it was along my route. And, when I met Sam, the woman who volunteered to put together their website and, in turn, link my blog with theirs, I didn’t know she was from Whitefish. Luckily, I’ve gotten to meet both in person. Sam and her partner, Pete graciously hosted us for two nights and Dave and Jane for two nights. And, we got to celebrate Dave’s 70th birthday with his lovely family.
It’s hard to keep on top of a blog and a fundraiser while riding in remote terrain, but I’ll try. The more I ride, the more I learn about the scarcity of water. It is more precious that gold or diamonds because it is our life source. Tippy taps and bio sand filters allow for the basics. They save lives. If you have time, just take a look at what LBV is doing in their community. It’s pretty impressive.
Grizzlies
Grizzlies are for real! Unfortunately, a woman was mauled in her tent at one of our stops. It happened two nights before we arrived. If we hadn’t taken two rest days, we would have been there. This is tragic. The bear was found and killed the day we stayed in this small hamlet. It was apparently sick, undernourished and desperate for food. Bears typically don’t want to be around people as much as we don’t want to be around them. This was a unusual case. Everyone says bear spray works if you do happen to come face to face. This makes me feel better.
Sorry for the lack of photos. I have spent hours trying to upload them. I am ready to pull my hair out. I give up. As I always say, riding a bike is wat easier than writing a blog post. Just as I write this, random photos attached themselves below. Go figure!
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Wild camping along the Cedar Creek River 
Campers at Holland Lake I took us in as their own 
Sleeping in Dave’s new apartment over his garage (with air conditioning!). 
Free cabin at Barbara’s house 
Warmshowers night in Helena 
Hi Denise. When I heard about the grizzly attack and before the details were released, I wondered if it was you! Very sad that it happened. Will keep following your progress. Ron
Thankfully, I wasn’t there, but it weighs heavy on everyone.
Great update, fun to follow you. I was thinking something was wrong with the bear to do what it did.
Thanks Linda, I’m slow on the blog updates this time. No cell service or time.
Yes! You thought the Dempster was fun! Guess you found one better? 😜
This makes the Dempster look “easy.” I just keep chugging away. Luckily my bike is holding up!