Part of today's plan went well, then it started going downhill faster than a Montana thunderstom. 

Studying today's route last night, I realized that there were no services between Lincoln, where I stayed last night, and tonight's stop, Augusta, MT. That meant I would have to pack lunch, snacks and extra water. Temperatures were supposed to be 6-8 degrees warmer today than yesterday. This put my total bike weight over the 100 pound mark😊.  

Roger's Pass was on my mind. I did not think it would be daunting. Lincoln, my starting point was already at 4,600 feet. The first 13 miles brought me up to over 5,300 feet. The final climb was not steep, and I had descended 500 feet before deciding to have lunch.

The entire trip today was scheduled to be 56 miles, and it looked like today was going to be just as good as yesterday was. Unfortunately that ended up not being the case.

There were several times that the road dropped sharply down into a canyon, then I had to slowly crawl back out again. My map showed two of these, but I am sure there were more. The climbs out of these canyons were longer and steeper than Roger's Pass. After a while, this began to take its toll. I had no more food, and I was going through the water and Gatorade fast.

Partway through the descent off the Pass, the vegetation changed. It probably changed much earlier, but this is when I noticed it. The conifer trees were gone, and the land looked like cattle country. This is the way it wI'll be the rest of the trip through Montana, I expect.

Making a turn to Augusta, I was able to see the mountain range, very majestic and pretty. It was hard to imagine that I had been winding through them for days.

Only 20 miles to Augusta, and I was starting to tire. But 20 miles should't take too long. Then I noticed the darkening clouds, quickly obscuring the mountains, and dropping rain. Lots of it. We appeared to be on a collision course. Oh well, I'd either get rained on or not. It will not be the first time, and will happen often on this sojourn.

Although it was dumping hard to the west, north and northeast, it was sunny overhead, and this lasted all the way into town. Now I just need to get a room.

There were no rooms available. Not anywhere. Apparently farm equipment auctions are big draws in these parts. So, for the first time this trip, I am camping. There is plenty of space behind the motel, and I could use the showers.

Walking back my tent, the heavens opened up with thunder and it finally started to rain. Hmm, stay in tent and wait for the rain to stop, or throw on a rain coat and go find some grub! My stomach prevailed and I was none the worse for walking in the rain.

Tomorrow, is a 49-60 mile day, depending on the source. Then I will have reached Great Falls and a day of rest and recuperation.