7.4.17 Lincoln to Great Falls (99 miles)

Waking up this morning was challenging, as we each likely had less than five hours of sleep due to fireworks and loud inebriated campers around us. This wouldn't have been bothersome if it wasn't for the early wake-up, but a 95+ mile ride on a soon-to-be hot day dictated. The first 18 miles were, for the most part, uphill toward Rogers Pass, which rests on the Continental Divide. Once at the top of Rogers Pass, I spotted a backpacker on the opposite side of the highway breaking down his campsite. We both acknowledged one another with a, "good morning" across the roadway. Several minutes later, I approached him and asked if he'd like some water. He thanked me for the offer but said the stream across the highway would suffice (presuming with the use of a water filter). Following Rogers Pass was a winding 5 mile descent that was at a 6 percent grade. In short time, we reached a series of foothills that usually consisted of 3/4 to a mile long climb followed by a gradual descent. By noon, we had climbed the last of the foothills and had hit the flats heading into Great Falls. Prior to reaching Great Falls, I had a flat tire (rear) and was able to fix it rather promptly. Upon arriving in Great Falls, Garrett and I split up so I could get some odds and ends at Wal-Mart while Garrett found a place to eat. We went to Albertsons (recommended by our hosts), which is similar to a Hyvee. We ate outside and then rode on to our host's residence, which was in the countryside by Great Falls. Our hosts were phenomenal! The husband and wife are avid cyclists themselves, and they were really interested in hearing about our trip. They also offered up important route information, which we eventually did act on (we opted not to take MT-200 all the way to North Dakota). We stayed up until 11pm having conversation on a variety of topics. Above all other things that our hosts did to accommodate us, they fed us like we were family, and this was truly a privilege! They even packed is lunch for the road the following day, and it was nourishing along our way down MT-200 toward Stanford, MT.