Jackson to Dillon, MT

Via Hwy 278. 49 miles.

It was a good day, although we had to climb over two more passes (Big Hole and Badger at 7,360 and 6.760 feet), but they were relatively short climbs. The only real problem we had all day was with the *#!@ bugs. When ascending passes we are normally moving at 4-5 mph. Today we discovered that is slow enough to allow flies and mosquitos to land and bite us while riding. The little bastards seemed to realize that we were nearly defenseless. They repeatedly nailed our ankles, which are our body parts that are the most difficult to protect. Also, it is difficult to control the tandem at slow speeds, which requires that I keep both hands on the handlebars. So it is very difficult for me to effectively slap at the critters. Penny can, but even she had a fly bite her RIGHT THROUGH HER SHORTS as we crawled up one of the steep sections today. That was a truly low blow (no pun intended). We finally had to stop and put on some repellent, despite the fact it was generally sunny and there was a pretty good breeze blowing. Another good reason one should not ride at dusk.

Once over the second pass, we left the green valley of the Big Hole river and dropped down into a very arid moonscape nearly devoid of trees or surface water. It looked a lot like much of Wyoming. But on the positive side, the lack of water meant we were free from the insect hordes. While stopped by the roadside for a lunch of cheese and crackers, an 18-wheeler went by with a friendly honk of the horn and wave from the driver. We've received a lot of that sort of attention from motorists and motorcycle riders, but to get it from a trucker was pretty unusual.

Aided by a strong tail wind, we completed the ride by flying into the Beaverhead River valley and the town of Dillon. Once again the scenery changed as the moonscape was replaced by lush green fields on which cattle and horses grazed. We've decided to take an unscheduled rest day here tomorrow. Despite doing well and feeling good today, we are still pretty tired from yesterday's marathon ride. And there is a Patagonia outlet store here in Dillon that we want to visit. We foolishly left all of our warm clothes home, forgetting that it is cold in the morning at altitude - even in August.

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