Today's ride to Winnet should not be hard. There was a climb going out of Lewistown, for 8 miles, then a downhill grade for the balance of the ride. The climb might take a couple of hours but the rest will make up for it.

At 7:45 AM, I left Lewistown.

The climbing started soon, but it was a gentle climb, one that could be made in a higher gear for an extra couple of miles per hour. Occasionally, I would have to gear way down, but not often. There were several "chain up" areas, indicating that the climb to the summit was about to begin.

Suddenly, I was over the top, and going downhill...fast! Only an hour had passed, and I was already over the harder part. And, man, was I flying. I was averaging 18-20 mph. When I took a break 25 miles into the 53 mile ride, I understood. I had a tailwind assisting me. A 10-15 mph tailwind is significant.

I arrived in Winnet before noon, and not feeling tired. Hmm, what if I went further? What lodging possibilities were there? Every extra mile ridden today was one less mile for tomorrow. Aha! There was a Bed and Breakfast/campground 23 miles further. It was a mile off the road, but if they were too expensive, I would camp. The only problem was that I only got a recording when I called, but I was determined to land there and likely camp.

Several miles from the B&B was a rest area. I refilled my water bottle, just in case. The constant hills were tiring, but I was surprised how good I felt. Finally I reached the driveway. An old faded sign, barely legible, announced it. The drive was gravel, and was okay until it went up steeply. Too steeply. I would have to walk the bike up that hill, so I checked my map, and found another place to camp up the road. Turning around, I went back to the highway, heading further east.

The trouble is that I had ridden over 70 miles, and this new location would put me over 90 miles. The map said they offered food, which I am sure would be welcome.

The rest of the ride seemed interminable. Every time I crested a hill, there was another one or two. Just when I thought I must be getting close to my destination, a highway sign announced it was another 7 miles. I was getting dangerously close to 100 miles.

Finally, I saw it down the hill on the left. Sand Springs was really just one builing, and it was closed. Now what? I am out of water and the next place to stay is 32 miles up the road, too far in my weakened condition.

First of all, it did not look like the store was closed petmanently. I had arrived after it closed for the day. Secondly, my bicycle map said that camping would be behind the building. I walked behind, picked a spot, set up set up the tent, left a not for the proprietor that I would settle up in the morning, drank several bottles of water, and retired into the tent.

Strange as it may sound, I was not hungry. I had several freeze dried meals along with a backpacking stove, but I did not want to chance a fire in the stiff wind , especially when I was unsure if it was okay to even be there. Besides the idea of food did not appeal to me.

So I ate two Power Bars, and settled in for the night. During devotions, I pondered how God had strengthened me, and enabled me to ride for 99 miles today, 40 of which was a grind. Thank you, Lord.