April 25, Tour goes international!
After giving the second lecture in Browning, I realized that the wind was not blowing too hard, and was actually in my favor, coming from the south. It was only about 2:00 PM, and I wanted to get a head start on the next section while I could. So, I said good bye, and peddled 35 miles across beautiful rolling hills.
The ride into Babb
Kim Paul, a science instructor from the college, arranged for me to camp at The Leaning Tree café, which also had a camp area. Kim and her friend met me at the campground, carrying much of my gear, (which made for a very pleasant ride.)
The Leaning Tree Cafe
I had breakfast the next morning at the Leaning Tree (this would be Friday, April 22nd) and got a late start as a result. 10 miles later, crossed the boarder into Canada.
Entering Canada
The next 50 miles took me over green farm lands–my favorite kind of cycling. There was a moderate head wind, but no hills to speak of, so I was able to keep about 8 mph with effort. I hit a major milestone, as the odometer read 1000 miles. Only 14,500 more to go!
Levitating Buffalo
All the while, I had a good view of chief Mountain, a sacred landmark to the Blackfeet people. This has also been described as the “last mountain in the USA.”
Chief Mountain
I rolled into Fort Mcleod, AB and the Daisy May campground, in time to set up camp and update the blog. I ran into an interesting couple at the store across the street who found my trip exciting. Nice to meet you!
New Friends
It rained most of the night, but was dry much of the next day. It was, however, very cold. I was wearing all of my clothing and exercising hard. Still, my toes and fingers were numb. It was hours after getting into my sleeping bag in Nanton, that the feeling returned to my toes. I should have worn two pair of socks!
I departed at about 9:00 AM, now a half day ahead of schedule, heading for the University of Calgary.
Barn humor
My map program put me on highway 2 as I went into Calgary. Imagine heading into the Denver area on I25 North. Staying on the road would have been suicide, so I took the first exit I could find and ran into a fellow cyclist, who directed me to a bike path.
Fellow cyclist
The path would take me to the University, but I managed to get lost anyway. The problem with the apple map app is that it doesn’t give cycling directions. I would ask it for walking directions to the university, figuring that I could probably bike anywhere I could walk. But as soon as I got over about 10 mph it would assume that I couldn’t possibly be walking, and switch to driving instructions–back onto the highway. I eventually installed google maps, which has a biking option and got most of the way to the University. It was getting late, so I called my nephew, Rick Hogan, who was planning to pick me up anyway. I figured a Holiday Inn was as good of a meeting point as any, and I parked my bike inside, and my carcass at the bar. Stephanie served me one of the best tasting Scotch Ales I have ever enjoyed. Stephanie has a 7 year old son who is interested in astronomy.
Mom of future astronomer
My plan is to spend two nights at the Hogan’s and give a lecture at the University the evening of the 26th. More to come!
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1000 miles! Way to go Scott!
It’s been amazing to watch your journey. Miss hearing your voice on the telescons back at work. Continue to stay safe, and come back when you can
1000 miles! Way to go Scott!
It’s been amazing to watch your journey. Miss hearing your voice on the telescons back at work. Continue to stay safe, and post about your trip.
Scott,
I continue to follow your progress and am amazed at your strength and stamina.
Tom Hovestol
1000 miles…one wheel at a time. Keep following the dream.
Congrats on your first 1000! Looks like you have made a lot of new friends. Keep up the good work!
I love your photo captions, Scott! Looks like you saw some beautiful country from Montana upwards. Enjoy your time at Rick’s house and say hello to the Hogans for me! Keep warm and safe:)
This is awesome! It must be great to see the world and spread the word about the telescope.
Hi Scott, I was the red coated (biking jacketed) geophysicist/amateur astronomer at your Calgary (UofC) Talk (Good Talk). Are your biking jerseys in support of your your ride , or ?? I may order one, but do they fit large-ish or small-ish ? I find XL nowdays spans a very very wide range of chests ! When will they be ready ?
Cheers:
bob
Hi Bob, thanks for coming to the talk! I would say the jerseys fit average. I make no money off of the sales, they are available just to allow people to enjoy an aspect of the tour. Cheers, Scott