Day 14- Basin

Andy and Javier were planning to take a rest day in Helena, but I foolishly felt I needed to hit the dirt road again. I have not taken a rest day yet, and it has been two weeks on the trip so far. I tried to pack up as quietly as possible as not to wake Javier.

Today would not be the longest, but possibly one of the hardest days on the trip. It involves a notorious climb called Lava mountain, that is guaranteed to be lots of hike-a-biking. There is an official alternate route, but I had to experience this Lava mountain thing first hard (again foolishl). There are three fairly steep climbs on this section to the town of Basin, Lava mountain being the last and steepest one.

The first two climbs were on relatively smooth gravel roads, but the descent of the second hill gave me a preview of what was up ahead. It was very rocky with large ruts and lots of loose stuff. You really had to concentrate to pick a line and had to be on your brakes most of the time. The Lava Mountain ascent was the same surface but even steeper going up. I found myself walking and pushing my bike on most sections. That was physically demanding as well, so I took lots of breaks. I had not seen one other cyclist all day since leaving Helena until I finished in Basin. I was physically and mentally spent.

Basin is a very small, and somewhat deteriorating town that only has a bar and cafe. I camped in the empty lot next to the Community center, which they called their town park. They let you sleep in the center, but I was longing for the privacy of my tent and fresh air. There were three other cyclists that had done the alternate route to Basin, which they said was still pretty tough. I had a good burger at the bar for dinner and climbed into my sleeping bag right afterwards.

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