Day 26, Hamilton to Sula, MT,

Miles – 36

Ave Riding Speed – 9-14 mph

Hours Start to Finish – 4

Weather – Rain to overcast and 70

Kim and I slept well in the room adjoining the kitchen on the first floor of the 120 plus years old house in Hamilton with our generous new friends Art and Jane. We had slept a little late in the quiet house as they had walked to the Catholic church a couple blocks away for Sunday service. We took a very quick shower, as the water heater was acting up, and packed up our gear. We were carrying our gear out to the front porch as Jane and Art were coming from through the front door, returning from church, in the Sunday wardrobe. Unknown to us, Jane had set out a thermos of coffee and the fixings for oatmeal. We stood in the kitchen and had a cup of coffee while Jane an Art fixed up some oatmeal with fruit and yogurt. We chatted for quite a while and learned that we were their first guests to enter their home in 18 months. We loaded our gear onto our bikes and did what we’ve call, “the Minnesota goodbye.” Goodbye, hug, see you later, oh we need to take a picture, hug and a waving goodbye as we rode away. They were very generous with their home and their time. It was a great experience and we appreciated them reaching a hand out and saying, “you are welcome at our house.”

About the time we finally rolled away from the house it was past 10am and it started to rain. We rode a few blocks and pulled over to a gas station, with a good roof overhang, to get out of the rain. It was a good time to get another cup of coffee and call our fathers and wish them a Happy Father’s Day. We also knew if would probably be the last time we’d have cell service for a few days. 

I called my dad and told him how much I loved him and made sure he knew he was a great dad. Kim called her dad and told her dad that he inspires her and the love of maps. I asked the store attendants if it would be okay to hang out until the rain blew past. They were super cool and we did just that. Once the rain let up, we mounted our bikes for a short ride across the street to meet some fellow cross country riders, Frozen, her husband John and George, who they met back a couple states. George wanted to tag along for a bit and then he would be going in another direction.

It would be another late “get out of town” day, but the conversations are awesome. After jumping back onto the paved bike path next to Hwy 93 heading south, the light drizzle was letting up. A couple miles out of Hamilton the bile path discontinued and we were riding the paved shoulder of the 4-lane highway as the soiled mist from the passing cars lightly covered us. We stopped at a fishing store in Darby to see if they had any bear spray. Bingo! We finally scored. I feel better having it and hope to never use it.

The days have been wearing on Kim, and in the back of my head I figured we need a rest day. I’m sure Kim was of the same mindset. The short goal for the day was about 1,000 feet climb over 35 miles and a layover in Sula. It was a great ride strolling along the Bitterroot River and others. The road turned to 2-lanes after a while, with no shoulder, but the traffic was light.

We were able to rent a little cabin with a bathroom, shower, stove and small fridge for well under any motel we’ve stayed in, so we are going to take a rest day near the bottom of the Chief Joseph Pass.  It’s about a 2,500 feet climb, to 7,241 feet, from here and we should be well adjusted, in a couple of days, to tackle it.

We arrived at Camp Sula about 2:30pm and found the place very hospitable. We checked in, they knew who we were when we arrived and asked us what we needed. After checking in we walked our bikes, and a 6-pack of cider, to our little cabin, and met a couple guys on their own, separate, biking adventures and got some quick updates.

Kim and I grabbed a quick shower, then Kim went to do a pile of laundry at the basement entrance of the small store/restaurant. It was $2 a wash and on your honor. I started the spaghetti sauce and noodles. I also needed to tend to our bikes and clean our bike chains and re-lube them with the products I purchased back a few towns.

I had some extra chain cleaner and walked over to the biking guy camping a few spots over, to over it to him. He accepted and I met Mike. I said we are having noodles and spaghetti sauce if he would join us. He accepted. We sat on the picnic table next to our cabin and ate dinner with a cider. Mike is from Michigan and is a college math teacher and like to do a bike trip here and there to get away. He started in Texas and is finishing this trip in Missoula. He gave us some pointers about what we’ll be encountering through Yellowstone. Great guy and fun to talk about real life stuff, versus what your job and how big is your house.

As I was finishing up my bike maintenance behind the cabin, due to the oily spray. We met Dave and Lori. They are familiar with the area and decided to work from home and camp here for a month. They offered us the cellular hotspot and we’ll probably take them up on using it tomorrow, as we have no wi-fi service or cellphone.

All in all, a very pleasant day and happy to relax and give the mind and body a rest tomorrow.