Losing the way, finding adventure in Montana
The Amazing Blake Smith!
FCBA cyclist
It was a tremendous morning as I awoke to the cool mountain air of Philipsburg, MT. I was the last one 
to leave the community church and the first one to get lost. My adventure began while I was riding out of Philipsburg for 37 miles when I realized that the turn (Crackerville Rd) was at the 35 mile mark. This came as a genuine surprise to me and the rest of the group, because I never get lost! My instinctive reaction was to turn around; which I did! I rode back about 4 miles looking for the turn. However, after about 6 miles I found myself in a gas station buying a twinkie and a twix, because I needed a moment. After asking for directions and the use of a phone (I decided to leave my phone in the van, because there was a chance of rain) I thanked the clerk, ate my twinkie and headed out!
My next stop was exit 216 on I-90. As I exited the interstate I met up with a group of riders from Adventure Cycling. As I rode with them I talked to a few of the riders, borrowed a phone, and had our pictures taken by their photographer! I then reached mile 62 and noticed a nearby McDonalds that was calling my name. I pulled over and bought two apple pies for a dollar! I ate one apple pie and saved the other for my reserve supply later.
My next dilemma came as the road I was on abruptly ended after crossing a railroad track. On top of that, a train was passing through. I rushed quickly and barely beat the train by 300 yards! I then returned back to the McDonalds for some fries and to ask for directions. I quickly found out that that was indeed the road to Butte, however the road veers off into a dirt path over a steep hill. As I ventured to Butte the thunderstorm nearby also decided to take the dirt path. The hail, rain and wind pounded on my bike as I climbed over the hill. At one point a gust of wind shook my tire so much that I slipped and landed on the ground hard. I unclipped and stood up, seeking shelter under a rock. I met an Adventure Cyclist named Pete, who was also seeking shelter from the storm. We talked a little bit about our rides and where we were going. After a nice little chat the storm had passed and I was on my way again!
I followed the dirt road past Montana University. Finally I arrived at Butte! The excitement of being in a city overcame my tiredness, and my worry of being 18 miles behind the other riders. I took in the scenes and even stopped in at another gas station for some wheaties, more directions and a phone to call the others and let them know where I was.
After about 30 minutes of riding around Butte I found Montana State Route 2. Only 25 more miles until my destination of Whitehall! Somehow my 85 mile trip would end up being a 103 mile adventure! While I was riding up the final pass before Whitehall the thunderstorm from earlier came after me again! I could keep up a fast enough pace to outrun it for a while, however once I started up the pass the rain started to fall. Luckily during this ordeal my best friend Scott came by riding in the van, being driven by Lisa. I gave them the hand on the helmet chicken wing signal (letting them know I needed help) and they came to the rescue! I loaded up the bike and was on my way to Whitehall! It was definitely a fun filled day, full of excitement and wrong turns! …I guess the lesson I learned today was that even though times might be tough, remembering the hardships is the real adventure! … Also don’t give your whoppers to Scott, he’ll just eat them…
We'd love to hear your comments!