Day 14: Ennis to West Yellowstone, MT

Distance: 70 miles

Elevation: +3509 / -1704

Temperature: 90 degrees

We left at 6:30AM in hopes of getting out ahead of the predicted high winds and high temperatures. However, the winds picked up quickly, so it was clear we hadn’t left early enough.

While only 70 miles, the winds of 12-15 mph, with gusts to 22mph, meant that we were moving at a snails pace into relentless headwinds and crosswinds. On the flats we were only moving 8/9 mph, and even going down hill, peddling hard, we were scarcely able to get above 11/12 mph.

Montana is called “Big Sky Country” for a reason: there is not much to see but sky. Mountains bordered the plains areas, miles off into the distance, and the cows, horses, deer, and antelope were the primary creatures that broke up the landscape. John was at the ready with food and water support, but we found that we needed frequent short breaks to drink and eat, since it was too dangerous to do those while riding in the wind, and the wind and heat were sapping our energy and hydration faster than we could keep it replenished.

It may be windy, but we're still smiling! (well, at the moment, anyway...)

About halfway through the ride, Carol’s bike had a mechanical issue. She was incredibly fortunate that John was able to drive her ahead to a bike shop in W. Yellowstone, that was able to work her in to check on it. (Web, if you’re reading this, I bent my derailleur hanger, and neglected to buy a replacement hanger before the ride, as you suggested. Insert facepalm 🤦‍♀️ here.) They fixed it temporarily enough to hopefully get to Cody in a few days to get the necessary part to fully fix the issue.

Mary Jo slowly making her way.

Lunch!

Highlights:

1 Views of the lake approaching the lake.

2 Cows, sandhill cranes, and horses.

3 Views of the mountains

Lowlights:

1 Insanely, relentless headwinds