GDT Day 4 - Butte to Beaver Dam CG

Start elv 5760'
High pt 7300'
Lo pt 5700'
End pt 6500'
Climbing approx 2700'

Miles 39
Total time 7;10
Riding time 5:16
Riding days 4, 3 in a row
BOB days. 4
Divide crossing today, #5

Real nice country today, hard to believe this is only a dozen miles from the blasted and the blighted hillsides surrounding Butte.

I get the feeling that Butte (called the Gibraltar of Unionism in the early 20th century) is a liberal town. I ran into road construction  today on my way out of town, and the friendly flag lady directed me to an alternative route that went down Elizabeth Warren Rd.  When I asked if it was a liberal town, she said that "that's just the beginning,  let me tell ya".

I crossed the divide and the CDT Trail again today. As I crossed I left heavy timber and entered into open parkland, with great view of mountains too.
The mountains are getting a bit steeper and more craggy in this country.

Glenda had a good day, found a good spot at Beaver Dam CG, backing in the trailer all by her lonesome to boot.
The CG has some very nice outcrops as well.

GDT Day 5 - Beaver Dam to Little Joe CG

Start elv 6500'
Highpoint 7850'
Low pt. Wise river
End pt 6800'
Climbing approx 2800'

Miles 38.5
Total time 7:15
Ride time 4:40
Divide crossing - none

FREEDOM!!!

Ahh, today started with the much ballyhooed and dreaded Fleecer Ridge climb and descent.
I freed myself from the BOB for the day hoping I could do the ridge with out walking and I am.glad I did. I did ride up the ridge,  but would have certainly would have pushed the bike an BOB up that section. Great views from up there, lonely country on this seldom used ranch 2 track road.
I was hoping that w/o the BOB, that I could ride the descent. It was not to be the case. Perhaps with tires not pumped up to max for touring, but perhaps not.

Stopped at Wise River, hoping to have a cafe lunch with Glenda, and ran into a couple of other bikers. One young solo fellow from Madison, WI was getting ready to stop and head back home due to loneliness  hoping  to pick it up again on a trip with his girlfriend.  Another fellow (named Shrek) was on about a 6000 mile bike trip from WA state, though BC, the divide tour, grand Canyon and the West coast. We had alot in common. Between them, it shows a lot of the range of scenarios.
After Wise River, it was paved on a very pretty scenic byway, the Pioneer Mountains. Again very nice country indeed. Many stops along the way to take in the views and history.  Glenda and I hiked out to an old ghost town of Coolridge as well.
At the campground, we were met by a friendly kiwi/aussie couple, Bruce and Marguerite, which we visited with after dinner and exchange stories and information. He is about 10 years older than us, and had been walking the equator until foot issues sidelined him a few.years ago ( 11000km). They are spending 6 months in the states,  bought an
RV and are living in it, and are planning on doing it again next year. This does spur the imagination for possibilities.....