We take rest stops at around 20 mile intervals. After the first break we reached the Montana line and stopped for pictures. It was a beautiful, clear day, and the north wind, though not particularly cool, was dry. For the past few days we've been starting the ride with additional clothing for the cold, but that was not necessary today.
Riding these distances alone is far different than with a group or just one other rider. It is meditative as I grind the miles away, keeping my cadence at 80 to 90 rpm as much as possible. At lower speed I keep my head up more, taking in the scenery. Lower speed also means more time in the saddle, which can detract from the moment, for the pain can rob me of pleasure. Still, the terrain is gradually changing and I'm looking forward to the scenery to come along our way soon.
I've been meaning to stop and harvest some of the sage which grows so abundantly, so did along the Little Big Horn River. Dried sage is a sacred herb that is burned as incense in traditional Native ceremonies, for purifying living space, and I really like the aroma. Little Big Horn area is the site of Custer's infamous "Last Stand", and the place this happened used to be called Custer's Battlefield. Then the local Natives pointed out you really shouldn't name the battlefield for the loser, so it is now just Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument.
To the winner goes the spoils, so the region is Crow Indian Reservation land. As mentioned prior, the road was a negative slope, long and straight, making for leisurely riding. At one point a rez car (I'll let you look that up) was slowing behind me, almost matching my speed, so raising my level of alert. I ride in Florida- those natives aren't friendly, so I was pleasantly surprised when this gentleman got alongside and said "you're on the reservation- you need music!" He cranked up his stock audio system with blown speakers, which played what seemed to be some modern Native music. I had a special moment. At the next break spot I made mention of this to other riders as they arrived, and apparently he had been going down the road doing this for everyone along the way (at this point we are spread miles apart, so I didn't see anyone else get this treatment). Others shouted and waved as they drove by; it was just a nice ride through the reservation.
We are guests of Hardin Public Schools. We are housed in their wrestling room, with padded floors and walls. Early tomorrow we head 50 miles to Billings for two nights; a short ride followed with a day off. I need rest, and my bike needs work- I'm ready.
I look forward to your blog everyday Mark. some of them have taken me back to when I was a kid as you know my dad was in the Military so when we went some where dad took us tour-sting and also in the boy scouts we had many an adventure. I read your blog as if I am riding with you, as I have been for many a year. in your other life you must have been a reporter or a writer because you do both of your jobs so well. Looking forward to more your Friend Bert.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bert, I'm glad to have you along, and thank you for your support. I like to write and intended to do that out of high school, but fortunately the Navy saw me better fit as an electrician- it's paid the bills.
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