Stage 35 - Twin Bridges MT, 114mi (183km)

The ride of 114mi (183km) to Twin Bridges was for the first 71mi to Ennis initially flat then descended gradually. The big hill began soon after leaving Ennis. After an hour and a half of steady grinding in a low gear, I reached the unnamed pass at the summit. It took me only 4.5 hours to ride to Ennis, thanks to a nice tale wind. It was 1.30PM and I decided to extend my ride to Twin Bridges instead of only riding to Virginia City. 

Early on, signs warned of bison and other wildlife on the road but I saw none.

The quake scar on the very back
visible

For a long time the road followed the edge of Hebgen Lake, also known as Earthquake Lake from the manner of its creation in 1959. The quake triggered a landslide that blocked the Madison River, backing it up to form the lake. 28 people were killed. The scar left on the hillside by the landslide is visible today, 53 years after the event. 

View down to Madison River Valley

The road followed the Madison River downstream through a beautiful valley. I saw many people fishing from rowing boats.

Montana Mountain Ridges

I also met Rodge, I fanatic cyclist riding all over the U.S. Today was his 101st day of riding aiming North East and then down the coast and back West - very impressive but also hard for me to imagine doing this by myself....

Outlook from the top of my
 todays climb

After my big climb of today there was a fabulous long 7% descent, which may have been the grade of the uphill too. I encountered a gusty head wind, again, which fortunately turned into my favor of a tale wind after Alder. I cycled through the Ruby Valley, another beautiful stretch of country framed by mountain ranges to left and right. 

I am staying at the King’s Motel in Twin Bridges, a family driven Motel, nicely built and very clean.