Though Helena is a sprawling city spread over many square miles, the attractive downtown part is small (similar size to Newcastle-under-Lyme or Rugby). Beyond are a mass of streets mixed with churches, dwellings & small businesses serving your every need: finance, feet, personal wellbeing & fulfilment, shooting lessons, finding God or your perfect home, etc. Interestingly-didn’t come across any travel agents. Could be because Montanans believe this to be the best place on earth. Quiet & community focused with & sense of freedom you don’t get many other places. Not forgetting, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling – all here, just outside their door!
The existence of Helena is very recent (1864) so locals have a huge interest in their local history, especially pre 1900. Even the city graveyard is a National Monument since it’s where many of the gold-rush miners ended up – Poor sods! Probably dying from hunger or the cold.
The ride out passed by Helena’s oldest building, a simple cabin 1864, & beyond that a quaint street built shortly afterwards.
The tv news last night reported on a bear attacking someone on the Divide route, further north. Luckily, people were close by & came to the rescue. The person survived but not without injury. So heading out today on a dirt road called Grizzly Gulch made me a little more vigilant. 12 miles on & the route was closed due to land slippage so had need to take the “Boulder Alternate” which worked out to be fine. Cycling in Montana will never disappoint – it just gets better & better so took a few pics.
Pioneers Cabin & info
I arrived at Basin MT at 8pm & located Sandra (Randy) a sprightly 81 year old lady who owns a cycle lodge.
Tired from my ride, Randy took exceptional care of me – we even drove to high point to watch the moon rise through the trees & up over the mountains. Only in Montana!
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 