This afternoon I saw Melissa L, Michael C. & Tyson F riding on the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway when returning from dropping Michael A off at the Outdoorsman.  Also bumped into Mark ? on the Wise River side of the Pioneers.  Later this evening these 4 TD riders dropped into the Grasshopper valley after riding through a wicked rain/snowstorm up on the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway.  They are overnighting at the Montana High Country Lodge near Polaris and are planning a 7 AM start.  

 

We had several TD riders pass through the Grasshopper Valley on Father's day.  When Michael A stopped he was having difficulty breathing.  He contacted his sister who is a doctor and she advised him to head home.  So this morning I shuttled Michael back to the Outdoorsman in Butte.  On the way to Butte we bumped into Steven M and Gary B so Michael told them he was dropping out.  Adam H. also stayed at our lodge on Fathers day evening and was off for Lima early on Monday.  Later in the morning Sara D stopped for breakfast and a lunch to go...she camped last night and noted it was the coldest night since the beginning of the race. After warming up and refueling she was off for Lima.

Christopher B just stopped by High Country lodge for breakfast and a lunch to go.  He was off for Lima. 

Chicken Pot Pie!!!!

I recognize those handsome guys in the first two photos.
I'll be swinging by early July Russ; sorry I missed you last time.

Have had three TD riders pass by already this morning.  Martin R. says that this country is so beautiful-beautiful-beautiful.  Elena M & Marco C are really enjoying the ride.  They mentioned they live in the mountains of Italy, narrow valleys and steep mountains...no wide open spaces like southwest Montana.  They also mentioned Montana was a very large state.

Tom and Nathan did not overnight at our lodge...not sure where they spent the evening.  I saw them in the lower end of the valley and took their picture.  Our lodge is located between the Grasshopper Inn and Polaris, MT.  We are not on the map but are on the addendum.  Next map printing we should be on the map.  We are 6 days away from our next "Bike Event" which is called RATPOD.  This stands for Ride Around The Pioneers in One Day.  It is a benefit ride for Camp-Mak-A-Dream in Montana.  We are the breakfast stop and will feed 700 riders & support people over a 3 hour period as they pass through the Grasshopper valley.  Maybe some of the northbound TD riders will be passing though that day.

You're welcome.  We enjoy meeting as many of the TD riders as we can.  It is very interesting to find out where they are from and how the TD is going for them.  Over the years we have noticed how up beat the TD riders are reguardless of riding conditions...they are doing what they really love and it shows.  I attached a few TD photos from my archieve, know any of these people?  

@Russ Kipp -- thanks for posting pics -- great to see everyone as they come through!

This evening Billy R & Rich W stopped in for dinner.  They refueled and were off for the Medicine Lodge area.  Billy said he was starting to get acclimated and was having a good day.  He was glad to have some "Texas Style" riding in front of him for a few days...I guess no mountains to train on in Texas.  He also mentioned that he lives at 300 feet above sea level.  Rich attached the cookie jar before dinner.  I noticed a message that is appropriate for all TD riders on his fender.

The Long Ranger limped into our lodge in need of some repairs, food and a nap.  He was sleeping when Sahar C stopped in for lunch.  She reported all was going well and the scenery in the Pioneers and Grasshopper Valley was spectacular.  Greg L was a couple hours behind her and the Long Ranger when he stopped in for lunch.  He too need to do some wrenching on his bike before he took off for Lima.  

Thirteen TD riders past our lodge today.  I missed getting photos of Jon C, Chris Z, Prentiss C, Brett S & Josh S as they head south for Lima.  I did stumble on Zohan K the rider from Israel at the end of the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway this morning.  He is still in the race, however is Spot Tracker is not working and has not since his stop near Basin.  It is not a battery problem!  He was very upbeat to be participating in this great event.  At that time he was 5 miles behind Tom T and Nathan M; and about 5 miles in front of Sarah C.

Wow!  What a difference a couple days can make in the Rockies.  After looking at the snow photos I am reluctant to post today's photos from the Pioneer Mountains & Grasshopper Valley.  OK I must...The overcast burnt off by noon, temps rose and a nice tail wind gave the riders a boost through the Grasshopper Valley.  Alberto blew by the lodge sporting a big grin and some serious speed.  John stopped by Elkhorn Hot Springs for an ice cream break and then stopped by our lodge for a sandwich.  John left for Medicine Lodge - Sheep Creek while the pedaling was good.

Slight over cast and temps in the upper 60's today in the Pioneers.  It looks like 10 or 12 TD riders will pass through today.  Georg spent the night and was off for Lima and beyond this morning.  

Several TD riders dropped into the Grasshopper Valley today.  Unfortunately I missed Kevin G, Katherine W & Dylan T but did chat with Josh and Tracey.  They were both loving the nice weather and were feeling great.  Georg made it to our lodge tonight and is planning an early departure.  We had a couple riders miss the lodge yesterday, they are not TD riders this year but they plan to ride next year.  I topped our sign with a bike to call attention, it's a pain to have to back track.

The photo of Jarral riding was prior to breakfast and coffee at our lodge.  He checked his blood sugar, ate occordingly and was off to catch Eszther.  It was clear and cold camping on the byway last night so quality of sleep was probably an issue.

Thanks for the update and posting the pictures. He looks a little tired but it is great to see him in good spirits. I was hopeing to swing into the big hole and watch him come through but didn't make it so this is the next best thing!

Riding conditions look great in Southwest Montana today.  The tandem team and Jarral dropped into the Grasshopper Valley early this morning after spending a chili night up on the Byway.  The tandem team was excited to hit a section they will be able to make good time on.  I have been watching Jarral with interest as I too am a diabetic...what an inspiration.

  http://www.crowdrise.com/RacetheTourdividefordiabetes

A few sprinkles, temperatures in the 60's and light afternoon wind made it a fine day for riding through the Pioneer Mountains of southwest Montana.  Kurt was not to far behind Serge, followed by Adam, Garrett & Eric; all are headed toward the Medicine Lodge - Sheep Creek section.  Eszter stopped to refuel at the Grasshopper Inn this evening.

A few minutes ago Serge was the third TD rider to pass through the Grasshopper Valley and finish the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway portion.  He said he had experienced some head wind today but the weather was an improvement, his bike was working well and he was feeling good. 

Ollie & Craig were the first of the 2012 TD riders to drop into the Grasshopper valley.  They stopped by for breakfast and a quick look at the TD website.  As they departed High Country Lodge they rode through a cattle drive...they seemed to have no problem getting right through.  I think Ollie's experience with domestic livestock back home helped them but that's another story...rolling fat sheep to be sheared...it's true.