Day 4- Ups and downs

Day 4 was a mixed bag!

The day started with a 1700 foot climb up and over A pass just outside of Seeley Lake. Having left around 7:45 in the morning the claim was cool but also very humid. Following that climb was a beautiful dissent into a Ovando, Montana. Ovando is somewhat famous on the tour divide for it’s gracious hospitality in a great place to stop and refuel along the route. In the photo below you can see the proprietor of Blackfoot Anglers who takes a picture of everybody who goes through town and post it.. (trying to find the exact site).

After Ovando we had a beautiful 12 mile rolling route through incredible farmland and country to the base of Huckleberry pass. Huckleberry pass is another 1700 foot climb, the problem was it was over 100° while we were climbing. Tough go.

The backside of Huckleberry passed dropped us into Lincoln Montana where we did our best to refuel and plan our route for the rest of the day. We ended up leaving Lincoln at about 6 PM for the climb up Stempler pass. This was an 18 mile climb that included incredibly steep pitches the last 3 miles. It was a BRUTAL climb!! After reaching the summit around 8 PM, we had a fast 8 mile drop down to one of the jewels of the Tour Divide.

We arrived at John Denver’s (Not that John Denver) place about 8:30. His spirit is simply incredible!! He has 7 or so small cabins he allows cyclists to stay at, beer, food, showers, and camping areas…all FREE!! All he asks is that whatever you would pay for his offerings, you pay forward to an individual that needs it. He told Ray and I that he hosted almost 400 GDMBR riders last year. He restored my faith in humanity. Such a great couple. Ray and I spoke to him (while drinking his beer and eating his sandwiches) until 11:30 in a relaxed conversation we each thoroughly enjoyed.

we camped with 20 other TD cyclists in his field and relished the experience of community this race brings out.

Thanks for riding along!!

We’re Southbound and Down!

Shane and Ray