More highs and lows

Hello Everyone, 

I'm like a goldfish in many ways. I'm shiny, an exceptional swimmer, and I have a terrible memory it seems. Whenever I'm in a place that's not quite ideal, I am burdened with thoughts that I'm wasting my time, what am I even doing here, etc. Then when I'm in a great location and riding epic trails, I'm high on life, things couldn't be better, this is an amazing trip, etc. There doesn't seem to be much retention of either. It's like I reset in each new place. 

Today was of the latter, but I'll start at the beginning of the present cycle. Helena is a nice enough town, and the trails we rode there were again, nice enough. But it was very hot, very dry, and very rocky. The place where we camped was also nice enough, near a lake and free, but wasn't level and had minimal shade. Thoughts of 'what am I even doing here?' started to creep up. 

But then we drove to Bozeman, which is a smaller but nicer town. We found an awesome camping spot in a national forest south of town, and today we rode an epic trail. Literally, like the Seven Summits, the trail today, the Bangtail Divide, is an IMBA Epic. And just like the Summits, Arthur and I only rode the first section, but it was the best section. 

We climbed up through forest and alpine meadows, to a spot with views of the whole valley. We met a few other bikers and hikers on the trail, and even a group of cattle at high elevation. It was the kind of trail that puts you in a good mood, even when you are grinding uphill. 

I knew I'd have great days in Montana, never doubted it for a minute. 

Wes

Photos 

The first is of the amazing Bozeman public library. It's gorgeous and it's got wifi and charging ports available outside. Libraries - the way of the future.

The next three are all from the trail today. What a ride.