Day 16
Columbus, MT to Lovell, WY
Miles: 90 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,627 ft
Today’s Ride
Day 16 brought us 90 miles and 2,627 feet of climbing as we left Montana behind and rolled into Wyoming — our 5th state🎉🎉🎉! The day started chilly but sunny, with a few small climbs that warmed us up and a smooth road that made the miles enjoyable. By afternoon, it turned into one of those beautiful days of riding where the scenery and rhythm carry you along.
Saying Goodbye to Nick
Yesterday, we said goodbye to our friend Nick, a wonderful rider with a kind heart and the best attitude. Nick had been battling saddle sores and was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and he made the tough decision to step away from the trip. Our whole group feels his absence — he brought so much positivity to every mile. We’re sad to see him go, but grateful for the time we shared together on the road.
Highlights
🚴 Starting the day with crisp air and sunshine
🌄 Smooth roads and wide-open Montana beauty
🌬 A few climbs early on that felt manageable and set the tone
🎉 Crossing into Wyoming, our 5th state of the trip!
🍽 Ending the day with one of the best meals of the trip — a catered dinner right in the parking lot of the Horseshoe Motel. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a long day in the saddle.
Tonight we rest in Lovell, WY, with Big Horn Pass waiting for us tomorrow. It will be a huge challenge, but tonight I’m holding on to gratitude for the beauty of today’s ride, the friendships forming in this group, and the lessons from riders like Nick, who remind me what courage and resilience look like.
