Blixen flies!

Blixen, my reindeer ride, flew 66 miles today. He is gender fluid, a combination of Santa’s Blitzen and Vixen, with the preferred pronouns he/him/his. No disrespect intended. Had gender fluidity been acceptable when I was in 7th grade, when I scored high in spatial orientation on a career placement exam that indicated the top career choice was auto mechanic, only to be told that girls weren’t auto mechanics, I would have chosen gender fluidity. But I’m off track……the four of us and our rides, cranked out 66 miles with three variables in our favor: the wind was not off the bow, as we were running downwind some of the day and had it blowing on our port beam part of the day—both better than head on! And the heat finally broke- in the 70’s today. Although still smoky, we only had 2400 feet of elevation gain and no looooong hills. We left our cabin early as we didn’t have to pack tents etc. Had big breakfast and rode 9 miles or so to The town of Lima, as in Lima bean, population 221. The hardware store had dehydrated meals and an epoxy to make a temporary repair to Tara’s wheel. One of the spokes has cracked / broken the rim. She will get a new wheel in Pinedale, which is still 5 days from here. Here’s hoping it holds. Our friend Jon had to get a new wheel in Helena and another person on the trail, Kenny, is waiting for a new wheel. It seems to be a common problem with all the pounding and washboard vibrations. The bikes are a bit miraculous as are our bodies, to take all the pounding day after day. We stocked up at the gas station for 2 days of food and had s great ride. Stopped a few times for snacks and lunch. The scenery was expansive rangeland, mountains and lots of fencing. Also stopped to chat with the ranger at the Red Rocks National Wildlife refuge headquarters. We wanted a fire update as there is s small fire near tomorrow’s route but the trail and roads are open. We are hoping to see trumpeter swans as we are camping at the refuge tonight. Spectacular Red fireball as the sun set due to the smoke. The 4 Spaniards we saw a few days ago are here and they are tired. There are also some bow hunters camping here as it it now season. Zzzzz.