"The most challenging day so far -- by far." (Attributed to the mileage, elevation, rain, and mud.)It started with the steepest climb to date, on the road from Gardiner, MT to the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. They logged 56 miles through 4 different rain storms and finished in 4 miles of muddy road construction. Through it all the guys maintained great attitudes. Zhenya is always out in front and Sasha keeps up with him very well. Lee says he has yet to find out what it takes to make Z tired!
The wildlife sightings were spectacular today. They saw bull and cow elk, bighorn sheep, antelope, coyote, and as a special treat -- a black bear cub ran across the street in front of Sasha with one mile left to ride. Sasha thought that was pretty cool! As for the roads in Yellowstone, Lee told me that after driving through the park many times over the years he thought he knew the roads well, but he is convinced now that all roads in Yellowstone are uphill!
Our 3 favorite bicyclists got to follow the pilot car for the first mile of the 4 mile stretch of road construction. Lee said that by the time they finished riding they were all covered in mud; bikes and BOBs included. The very nice owner of the motel allowed them to use a hose to clean off their bikes and trailers. Now they are ready for another day!
DAILY STATS:
56 miles from Gardiner, MT to Cooke City, MT
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Started dry, Rain 4X during day
Total elevation gain of 3,000 feet (at 7,7oo feet right now)
265 total miles to date
Tomorrow is another big climb day as they head to "Top of the World". The day after that they will be riding the breath-taking Bear Tooth Highway. (I was in a car on that road last summer and had to close my eyes a few times. Yikes!) There is very poor communication from Top of the World, so I may not have a post until the following day after the Bear Tooth Highway ride. Please pray for safety for them as they ride these next days. They are having a wonderful time together. I feel a need to ask for special protection from the Lord for Thursday as they ride down and around the Bear Tooth Highway. Thanks!
