masthead-cycle.jpg

Hot and Steamy in White Sulphur Springs

Pedaling northwest from Checkerboard this morning, we met with the promise of downhill, the so far elusive experience whereby the movement of one’s legs is optional. I needed an explanation of what this experience would entail after three continuous days of climbing against a headwind. I am convinced that Checkerboard’s first residents shared my sentiments, saying “good enough!” when they established their unique mountain town. If only they knew of the descent just beyond the next rise, or the hot water waiting 20 miles away, the town may not have taken root.

Boon For Calhoun, Independent Superintendents

Today’s theme: independent thinkers doing awesomely beneficial things. The awesomely beneficial experience began this morning at Sarah Calhoun’s place of business, Red Ants Pants- Work Wear for Women; the only line of work pants designed solely with women’s sizing in mind (over 70 sizes!). Last night, Sarah ever so kindly let us pitch our tents in her backyard and made us some pretty incredible elk burgers.

Crossing The Gap

Today we awoke to partially cloudy skies and a nice breeze. Our day began with fresh air, good food, and good company; we were all excited for our trip to the Judith Gap Wind Farm. I’ve heard about “The Gap” for years in my classes at Montana State University, and jumping on my bike, I felt like I could conquer anything to get up there.

Common Sense Solutions

Today we got acquainted with the powerful Montana wind in our riding and learning. Common Sense solutions both help Montana produce renewable abundant energy and help us ride through these winds without killing ourselves. With a new cyclist and venture capitalist along for the ride our crew got a good insight into small scale micro hydro electrical generation before heading to the Martinsdale Hutterite colony for a lesson on heat exchangers and wind power.

Bicycle Benefits

I woke up this morning to find our host Jeanne had prepared us a pancake breakfast, making her my favorite person of all time right then and there. Pancakes, sausages, and eggs all in portions as generous as last night’s dinner (i.e. very). Jeanne is yet another amazing and generous person we’ve met on this trip.

AERO Dynamics

Sitting in the living room with her husband in their one hundred year old home, Elizabeth Wood firmly stated “when it’s time, it will happen.” After taking in the whirlwind story as presented by the Woods, this is a difficult point to argue. As the self-described “mommy and daddy” of AERO- Alternative Energy Resources Organization- Wilbur and Elizabeth have been committed to promoting a Montana (and more broadly, a world) that relies and thrives on clean renewable energy. However, the work done by this clean energy, as proposed by AERO, does not end at heating homes and running vehicles. This clean energy can be used to forge communities and foster intergenerational connections.

Recovery Day, With Dose of Politics

We awoke this morning to a fresh layer of dew in the Roundup fairgrounds. Despite the fact that it was a relaxed day, I arose with a bum knee and what seemed like the onset of a cold. Yesterday's uphill ride truly took it out of me. It is tough to wake up wondering how you will ride 650 more miles with a bad knee. We also completed our first section essay, which I feel went really well. We all took the full two hours and I think it's safe to say we could have written for five hours easily.

Transition Towns

Before today I would have been content to just pass by the town of Roundup, Montana, dismissing it as just another dying community from the heyday of small-town coal mining. But after spending a day here, I really got to know the town and the story of its people, who, disillusioned by the coal industry, are beginning to look beyond fossil fuels to a more sustainable future.

Shelter From The Storm

We awoke after a long night of raging winds and torrential downpours that nearly flattened my tent. Over breakfast, the Charter family explained why the rain was needed. Springtime moisture is vital for the growth cycle of grasses. Jeanne Charter explained that during this time of year it is important for them to be on top of managing their lands, in time-controlled grazing they move the cattle frequently to prevent them from biting the same fast growing plant twice before it can fully recover.

Graze Like A Buffalo

Today we got up and got out of Dodge…err Billings. After a few minor delays (a Target run and our daily allotment of flat tires) we rolled onto the highway and out of the city. Though I initially knew nothing of Billings but an oil refinery and the KOA, spending a day cycling through the city with Ed, one of its most devoted residents, showed me a much more complete community. Still, after three nights in town I was ready to get moving. Our next destination was a cattle ranch, and I wanted to get in some miles and see this other side of Montana.

Syndicate content