Brian Richardson
The towns in Eastern Montana are few and far between so we have had to really plan ahead and research where we can stop for food, water, and camping. The two towns ahead of Glasgow are Wolf Point (58 miles) and Wibaux (116 miles). It was a little tempting to try and make it all the way to Wibaux today, but I think we were wise to split the journey up over today and tomorrowand not push our luck. My legs definitely aren’t complaining about having two short-ish days.
Our route today took us off of Highway 2 and onto the older, quieter, Highway 1 (they’re pretty creative with naming the roads out here) for about 40 miles. To our left were the train tracks of the Great Northern Railway. To our right was the headwaters of the Missouri River. During our time on HW 1, we saw a total of three cars and one combine.
Tonight we are camped out at a biker hostel behind Steamboat Dry Goods Store. We had some extra time this afternoon so we washed our bikes and put on fresh chain lube. My Long Haul Trucker feels clean and fast and ready for some more big miles.
Spending long hours on a bike everyday has given me a lot of time to think. During the past few days, I’ve been reflecting on how much I have to be thankful for. For starters, we’ve been incredibly fortunate with the fair weather and pleasant roads so far. We have found safe places to stay every night and met a lot of generous people who have helped make this trip successful and enjoyable.
More importantly though, I am thankful that I am able to be out here at all. I am lucky enough to be young and healthy and to have grown up in a community that allowed and encouraged me to pursue my passions. It is not a given that I can do something like this and I should not forget that.
The mission of the Be Loud! Sophie Foundation is to help young people battling with cancer to pursue their passions as I have been lucky enough to do. Lauren Lux, the coordinator for all of the AYA patients at UNC hospitals does amazing work to give adolescents and young-adults the experiences that every young person deserves, but doesn’t always get to have. The money we’re raising for this trip goes directly towards achieving that goal. I am thankful for the generosity of everyone who has contributed so far; we’ve raised $6,635 as of today!