GDMBR 2025: Day 19- Lima

I woke up early because of the long day ahead, and packed up my tent quietly to not disturb the sleeping geologists. While yesterday was fairly tame, today’s ride would be more challenging in that there was really nothing until I got to the town of Lima, 80+ miles away.

Essential creams for the day. Just don’t get them mixed up! 🤣

Lewis, Clark, and Pocahontas were here too.

The only trees I would see the whole day were the ones around the Bannack campground. The route mainly went through ranch country, mostly growing and harvesting hay. I one big field that must have had over 100 of those large rolls of hay on the ground. I guess it all must be in support of the other cattle ranches.

I did eventually find a tree with shade right at the entrance to a large ranch. It was perfect as a large Cottonwood with a large branch that was a perfect seat Lunch time!

Lunch time.

I was a bit concerned about the amount of water I took with me, since it was full sun exposure all day. I did see a small, fresh looking stream on the side of the road that didn’t look like cattle would have contaminated it. I would still filter to make sure. I rode on and realized after about a mile that my iPhone was not in its cradle on the handlebar. I searched other parts of the bike and couldn’t find it. It was quite important since I write and publish my blog on it, besides “minor” things like navigation and talking with Linda ❤️. I rode back to the little stream hoping it might have slipped out when getting water. Sure enough, it was submerged in the stream. Phew! 😮‍💨

The “lost IPhone” stream

At the same time a cowboy on his horse, with his dog came up the road. I talked to him for a while, and gave his dog some belly rubs. He looked fairly young and was very nice. He lives in a small house just above that stream and said that it is really fresh water. Really nice guy and dog too. His horse was a bit leery of me though. I guess I didn’t look like the other cowboys with my helmet and bike shorts on. 😂

Matt the cowboy

And his dog “Rowdy”.

I rode on relieved that I found my phone, and that it was still working! Thanks Apple! The route started to climb up to another Divide summit. There was less cattle and more sagebrush around. The road surface would vary between chunky gravel, to sandy parts, to what would seem like the cobblestones of old Roman roads. Regardless, I only saw a couple vehicles all day and those were mainly working pickup trucks. No tourist would dare to bring their expensive RV on these roads!

Peter was the first one to catch up to me after about 50 miles. He is a strong rider. We both looked up at the last few miles of the climb and it looked pretty steep. He went ahead and I was somewhat relieved to see him get off his bike after a while and push it uphill. I did the same, but took lots of breaks on the way up. It was a slog! The good part of it all is that it was about a 20 mile downhill to Lima. I sure do enjoy those parts, but you have to pick your line down the road carefully to not get rattled to death on the rocks or pot holes.

Ciaran eventually caught up to me as well, and we rode together for a little while. We were coming through a very scenic canyon with a small river, and I stopped several times to take pictures. The light was good for it as well.

Ciaran pulling ahead

We did have to ride te last 7 miles along an access road to interstate I15, and there was a pretty stiff headwind. Any small downhill was quickly negated by that. Nothing as boring as riding next to a highway in the open. Good at least I didn’t have to ride on the shoulder of that road.

I was pretty spent when we got to Lima 82 miles later. There was a combination RV/campground near the highway exit with a small motel. I opted for a motel room, while Peter and Ciaran went looking for a place to setup their tents. I really needed a shower, which they wouldn’t have. I guess I am more picky about those things in my old age. The hotel was in pretty poor shape, and I debated about using my own sleeping bag on the bed. I have stayed in 4 star hotels in Europe for that rate, that included breakfast. Near a highway, so it must be highway robbery 😠. At least I got a decent shower.

A northbound GDMBR’er a while ago did tell me that the town had a good steakhouse in Lima. It was 45 minutes before it closed after my shower, so I texted Ciaran and Peter to hurry and get there quickly. I did a speed walk (I didn’t want to get on the bike) over to the restaurant. It was what once must have been the center of town. All buildings looked abandoned, with the exception of Jonny Peat’s steak house and bar. I walked in and the waitress said that I had only a few minutes left to order before they started closing. I sent another “hurry up” text to Ciaran and Peter otherwise they would end up hungry. Not long after they came into the bar, still wearing their dusty bike clothes (there was no shower for campers). They immediately ordered beers which were quickly chugged down. Another round and we ordered our food. I noted to not go out for just drinks with an Irishman and Scotsman! 🥴I got a decent sized ribeye with a loaded baked potato. You can’t get enough carbs and protein on this trip. We finally closed down the place and walked back to our respective “homes” for the night. A tough long day, but rewarding..