DAY 14 - Finding our Limits

Up & away early today - the weather for the day was looking great - warm & sunny.
We knew today was going to be big as we were trying to do another 2 n' 1 day of riding, but we possibly underestimated just how big it was going to be.
We also underestimated just how tired we were from the day before.
Today we have not 1 ....not 2.....but 3 continental divide crossings to concour!!!
After the 1st 20kms for so we began our 1st divide crossing described on the map as being extremely steep, the 1st 6km were actually quite manageable & lulled us into a false sense of security.
The track was challenging let alone the steepness we meandered our way up (Jo - pushing at times) slowly but steady.
Around the next corner the extremely steep part kicked in, not only that but it was HOT & the track we were on was very rough with big loose rocks making it hard to get traction.
After an hour & an half toil we reached the top - Shattered but happy the worst of the day was over (or so we thought!)
From there we headed down hill on equally as rough terrain, so did not get the pleasure of the downhill reward.
After another 20km we began to climb again this time on a slightly better road & although slightly less steep the cumulative effect of yesterday & the 1st crossing starting to take effect, before the climb proper we stopped & filtered some water before heading up as the temp was approx 28'c & we did not have much shade!
This climb seemed to go on forever & only cows for company the entire way.
We passed some old mine sites & a lovely older couple picking huckleberries who we stopped to chat to ( she wanted to give us a ride to Helena - her hubby did not seem so keen!)
Finally at the top we knew we had bitten of possibly a little more than we could chew! we also knew we had a downhill ahead which we were both looking forward to - this however was a rougher track than the 1st & took alot of concentration which we were struggling with!
Crossing #3 to go this was the lowest of the 3 & in theory the easiest but as we were already chewing more than we should have been this climb nearly finished us off! We were poked & still had 25km to go to get to Helena!
After crossing divide #3 we had a nice downhill all the way into Helena - yet it seemed to take a long time to get there.
Upon arriving we realised the only campground was 8km north of town, way to far for us as it was already 6pm & we were tired & hungry, so we stopped & a laundromat (which had wireless) & booked ourselves into a hotel for the next 2 nights. this is the 1st hotel/ motel we have had since leaving Calgary.
Upon arrival we were greeted with free popcorn? & a wonderful hot shower.... bliss!
We showered & headed out to the nearest restaurant for dinner & a well deserved cold beer (or two).
Our Hotel is extremely luxurious for 2 cycle tourist from NZ - Even getting free Hot cooked breakfast - yum!
Well deserved day off tomorrow to see what Helena has to offer (not to mention a sleep in!)

DISTANCE: 105.7km
RIDE TIME: 7.37hours
AVERAGE: 13.8km
ASCEND: 1595mtrs (biggest day climbing yet!)