Day 11 - Wise River, MT to Grant, MT

Another tough day-- but overall a great ride! (Probably a good thing I waited until after a great dinner and two IPA's ;-)

Started out early in Wise River with a great coffee from the Happy Camper coffee shop :-) With the temperature at roughly 38F, and dark overcast sky's, we needed it! 
Then we headed up Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway to the north, starting with a 25 mile 2200' climb to 7835' 
By the time we reached the summit of the pass into the Grasshopper Valley the temps had risen into the 60's and the sun was brightening everything in the landscape! 
After a beautiful descent into the valley (during which I saw two moose- a cow and her calf!), Mike had forged ahead while I struggled with finding the best clothing strategy.  I think I changed layers at least 4 times today as a couple of rain squalls blew through,catching me once in a quick downpour and a few minutes of hail as well!. 
Eventually, we rejoined near the ghost town of Bannock, MT, as the road turned to dirt, and ground into 20 miles of 15-25mph headwind. Along the way, we also met a really interesting northbound rider- on horseback! Cyril was riding from Austin, TX to Spokane, WA and clearly having a great time!
Still, the landscape was breathtaking, and we arrived spent, but happy in the former stagecoach stop of Grant, MT.  We're staying in the Horse Prairie Stage Stop Saloon and Hotel, which is a classic! Probably good that I'm traveling with Mike, and not Norma, but the dinner was fantastic!
Cheers from the GDMBR -

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