Basin is small, 200 people; & high, 5,364 ft- so takes a while for the day to warm up. Last night Randy informed me that Jefferson County Fair was taking place in nearby Boulder. It would be like Shrewsbury Flower Show but with more pizzaz plus a rodeo. So I’d be stopping over. Randy dive me there & I would cycle back later on.
My morning was spent walking Basin’s Creek Road & it’s offshoots, absorbing the place. Even from the road, mines, kilns & dilapidated shells of buildings were visible, In the background, the hum of the I-15.
Basin – Main Road & 19th C Building with False Top Floor
USA are preparing for mid-term elections & Randy is actively supporting local democrat Bryer Herak. During the drive to Boulder, I agreed to help. My job – to walk next to the float handing out promotion stickers & sweets. It was great fun though had to keep explaining why an Englishman was in this remote place promoting Herak for Jefferson County. I’m pretty sure I was a hit & remembered as the Brit who flew over for the event. Republican float could not match that!
Our Float
Before entering the rodeo, I wandered the fair, listened to the Night Crawlers at the Gazebo (bandstand)
25c Ride for kids of all ages
The Rodeo starting ceremony was quite something. The brightly dressed Rambling Rose riders entered & trotted round the ring each – carrying the national flag whilst the compare delighting the audience with a speech as to why this beloved Montana is the very best state in the Union. Then John Wayne’s rendition -Why I Love Her (America) – check it out!! A standing ovation was given to all who had served in the armed forces ending with a beautifully sung National Anthem. The whole time, the audience loved every part and not many dry eyes!
For the next two hours I watched cattle lassoing, 16 stone men fall off horses, men & women racing around barrels against the clock. All good fun. I left before the end, exhausted by the day & I still had a 19 mile cycle, uphill back to Basin.
Hey Barrie, except for the cycle part, I think this day would have been just up your street!
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 