Cycle Montana Day Four- Part 2

Wise River to Butte, MT- about 55 miles

This was one of the best cycling days ever. Leaving Wise River my legs were very tired at first but a relatively level ten-mile ride along the Big Hole River loosened them up just fine. It was some of the nicest scenery you could ask for.

At mile 10.9 we turned north onto little-used County Road 539 and climbed slowly for about ten miles up a picturesque valley to a water stop at a place called the Mule Ranch Overlook. Wow! (Note: you can click to enlarge pictures in this post... try it here!)

About five miles of periodic climbing followed, ending with the steepest climb of the entire ride- about 3/4 mile at 7 to 10 percent grade to the top of the Continental Divide. That hurt a lot but the result was worth it! For the next eight miles the road pitched downward, and very steeply for the first mile or two, which had very bumpy pavement.

Daredevils in the group started ripping down that valley from the very top, but I took it slowly until the pavement smoothed out. Then I did not turn a pedal stroke (except to stretch my legs or shift balance) and barely touched the brakes for the next six miles. My average speed was about 30 mph and it was a huge thrill. It just kept going and going with gentle curves and good vision ahead all the way. I have never ridden so fast for so long.... amazing! GARMIN LINK CLICK HERE

The rest of the ride in to Butte was less than thrilling and included about 6 miles on I-90 and about 3 miles on an unpaved path finishing at the Montana Tech campus in Butte.I quicky headed off to the Hotel Finlen and arrived there just in time to avoid a pretty severe thunderstorm.

A day of rest in Butte is very welcome. Lots of Victorian architecture to view here...I am going to try some video going down Pipestone Pass tomorrow.