Day 2 Longview to Lundbreck

73 miles (117 km) – Total so far: 139 miles (224 km)

Old Mitch runs the campsite in Longview from his trailer home. A solitary fellow, just him and his small dog. On arrival yesterday he invited me to have a glass of wine. It was the last thing I wanted, but it would have been rude to say no, so I joined him. From a family that knows wine (at least one of my brothers does) this was not good wine. Wine for avoiding. I mention this as he told me today’s ride was easy, no hills he said. I doubt though that he has ridden it himself, and certainly not into a southerly head wind.

I was up early and in breakfast in the hotel just after it opened at 7:30 am. Partly cloudy. I met a guy a few years older than me just returning on motorbike from a trip up around Alaska having left in May. It materialised he worked for Outward Bound after the British company set up in Colorado in the 70s. It took a while for us to get talking, but one more cup of coffee became several. I didn’t mind at all, a great guy to meet, but it meant I wasn’t away until 9 am. Just as the wind got up.

This was a tough ride, the rolling hills became one big one to 1600 meters in the middle of the journey. The wind was the problem. I had thought I might get to Pincher Creek, another 15 or so miles on, but more to happy to finish here at the small village of Lundbreck.

The are no services at all on route 22 between Longview and Lundbreck, 115 kms the sign tells you. I had a patch gas station lunch of blueberry muffins and bananas, and not really enough water. It is however a very scenic road, used by plenty of trucks and RVs, but a good shoulder. The morning was cool and cloudy, and it rained for about an hour just before clearing in late afternoon, and is now mid 20s.

Mileage wise, I don’t plan to do this many in a day very often, but roadside camping is not an attractive option around here, and the little towns certainly are.

There is a cam site just down the hill at the Creek, but about 3 miles out of town. Instead, as I was about to check out the school (often in the summer the schools are good places) I asked in the pub, and I am in their garden. Really doubt they will have any interesting beers.

Distance 73 miles Average Speed 10.5 mph Time riding 6 hrs 45 minutes Departed 9 am arrived 5:20 pm Max Speed 36.6 mph Elevation 1199 metres

Book update

I read two on the plane.

If anyone is travelling to the USA and particularly the northwestern mountains then read “Train Dreams” by Denis Johnson. It is short, you will read it in a couple of hours, and it is tremendous. One of the best books I have read in the last 10 years.

The other was also set in the Montana mountains, and a thriller about an Outdoor Instructor looking after some problem boys on an expedition. It is well-written and fast-paced reading. Michael Koryta “Those Who Wish Me Dead”.