Fort Benton, Montana

Finally, we did some serious cycling today.  The first 30 miles were a gentle upgrade in elevation but with a tail wind.  For the next 20 miles we continued to gain elevation but at a slightly steeper grade; but not really hill climbing.  However, the winds shifted and we were buffeted by a head wind.  It wasn’t all bad.  About 20 miles out of Fort Benton we enjoyed a 2 mile down hill.  Yes, a real down hill with a 5 percent decline that lasted over 2 miles before leveling off.  Near the end of our day’s journey, we had another great down hill as we dropped to the Missouri River.  The bottom line for us is that we are exhausted from our 73 mile, first day’s ride.

Along the way we did see several pronghorn antelope racing across the fields.  We also saw a pheasant but mostly the ride was uneventful.  The topography changed as we got closer to Fort Benton when it went from the plains to bluffs and a view of the Bear Paw Mountain range.  Finally, when we arrived in Fort Benton we got our first glimpse of the Missouri River that is right across the street from our hotel.

Fort Benton was one of the most important early trading posts built along the Missouri River.  Steamboats brought supplies upriver to here but could go no farther because of the rapids. Today the town is a national historic landmark.

  

Today’s photos

Map of today’s ride