Judging by the pace of the guys heading from Bannack to Lima, the trail must be a real mudfest or something - Luke Bodowes covered just 45 miles in 9 hours. I was very glad it was dry last year.

Coming from living at sea level (and having never ridden a bike above 3000ft before) , I was surprised that I really didn't notice the altitude at all. I guess it just varies person to person.

Also, huge thanks to Marshal and his wife who saved me from a long and depressing ride back from the border.