Day’s distance: 303 miles
Total trip distance so far: 1,194
The weather started off in the low 60’s and finished with a high of 101 in Glasgow. It was a bit cooler in Fort Peck. It was sunny all day. I expected thunderstorms given the red sky at sunrise, but I was dry all day.
I left the motel about 9am and traveled along Hwy 2. The landscape has changed since leaving Glacier. There is no doubt I’m in the Plains now.
To see the above in the original 360 format, click here.
Two challenges faced me today. I heard back from the second BMW dealership I contacted about performing an upcoming scheduled maintenance. They could not give me an appointment but would “work on the bike throughout the day”. I called another dealer in Pennsylvania and they did schedule me for September 9th. So I know for sure I can get that service, but this is out of my way and another option would be great.
My housemate, Carson, he suggested I try to stay on my planned route and try to get a service scheduled for early the following week. This made a lot of sense to me and I have reached out to the Essex Junction BMW dealer to see if they can fit me in the following Tuesday. If they can, I can keep or extend my relaxed pace and stay closer to my planned route.
The other challenge had to do with the heat. I stayed well hydrated throughout the day. Tomorrow is also predicted to be hot but after that comes cooler temperatures.
There were far fewer other bikers on the road today. I did meet on rider from Saskatchewan who was heading to Colorado for a rally. This guy talked non-stop for about 10 minutes. Either he was over-caffeinated or hadn’t talked to anyone for a few days 🙂
I had to travel along one gravel road, but it was only about half a mile heading into Fort Peck. No challenge there (but I still don’t like it).
Some days I don’t take a lot of photos while on the bike. Today was one of those days.
The Fort Peck Hotel where I’m staying tonight was built in the 1930’s. It is not fully restored like the La Posada Hotel in Winslow, but it feels comfortable and people congregate in the common space, making it a very social experience.
Tomorrow is also supposed to be pretty hot. I will likely detour off my planned route to visit the Theodore Rosevelt National Park. I will check out the camping options and play my lodging by ear.