Day 34, Monday, August 20, 2012, Sheridan to Ennis, MT

Day 34, Monday, August 20, 2012, Sheridan to Ennis, MT

After a restless night at a very nice motel and a decent, but slow breakfast we lit out for Ennis. Mike touted stops at Nevada City and Virginia City encouraging us to take it easy today. Mileage wasn't far but we had a climb before we got a long descent.

Below is a picture of Robber's Roost. During 1863 the local sheriff and his deputies decided to take advantage of the weak and rob them. They hung out at the rest stop when not robbing thus the name Robber's Roost. Vigilantes shot them dead in 1864.

This building served as the travelers' rest site, but was built after the robbers had been killed by the Vigilantes.

A separate building that may have been the original building.

Nevada City, MT is an interesting restored and transported historical town. Many of the buildings in the pictures below are from other parts of Montana. They were transported to Nevada City and restored. Mike, Geno, Herb and I stopped for treats at the bakery.

 

The first building one sees entering Nevada City, MT. It appears to be a ramshackle sort of building with the left connecting to the main house, a Victorian, below.

Victorian not clear yet.

Better light to see the Victorian on right.

From the other side.

To the right of the above picture. Seems to be a large storage place for stuff.

Close up of the building on the right of the Victorian.

The filagee and a copper coated weather vane. 

Nothing is happening with this building.

Imported railroad cars.

Wash hung out to dry.

 

A shot down a side street.

  

A shot down main street.

In Virginia City, MT just a mile or so up the road we stopped for food again. Bob and Geno split a sandwich and I had a milkshake. On our way out of town I saw the sign for the church below.

 

 

 

The road tilted up directly out of Virginia City and stayed tilted up for the next four miles.  It wasn't steep, i.e. low gear and barely turning the crank. It was just a steady 6% give or take. The descent, on the other hand, was probably the best, most fun, of our descents so far. Relatively straight with big sweeping corners. The only problem for me was gusty winds up near the top. Traffic was light so I felt OK using the whole lane. Once I had dropped a few hundred feet the gusty winds subsided and I felt OK letting the bike roll. Check my maximum speed for the day, and remember I am doing this with loaded panniers and a great bike.

The next day is supposed to be a relatively flat, steady ascent, over fifty miles. Bob and I are electing to sleep in. 

Stats: T= 2:52, Mx= 42.4, Av= 11.7, El Gain= 1744, Mx Alt= 6644(a little over 7000 per map), ODO= 4186, D= 33.5