Big Timber, MT to Columbus, MT - A fast day.

6/23/26 - 50 miles. 3.3 hours seat time.

Woke up early and mist was on the Yellowstone. Eat your heart out Ansel Adams.

It was actually much prettier and magical than this picture conveys.

The winds had died and stayed more or less calm the entire day. Bunny headed out to Itch Ka Pee campground in Columbus which does not do reservations. It's community supported and only asks for donations. First come first served. She beat feet for the campground right after fixing the fresh water situation with Ellie.

I made fast work of the first half of the day and pulled into Reed Point near 11a. The only groceries are at the local gas station. I bought an ice cream bar and some Gatorade.

On the way to Columbus I had to decide whether to ride through Columbus or not. There was a route that went to Itch Ka Pee and beyond and I considered taking it to add a couple of bonus miles on, but in the end I listened to the bike. The chain was getting noisy. I knew I needed to clean it and the bike overall.

Columbus on the left side of the river.

So I went to Columbus and stopped at the O'Rielly's to pick up some brake cleaner. I called Bunny and offered to pick up lunch at the Hangry Hero, a local burger joint in Columbus. Got their Double Smash and a Hangry Wrap. We split them both and ended up only having a cheese plate later for dinner.

Right after lunch and beer I decided to forgo a shower again and defiled the Yellowstone once again. This time I managed to find a place where I could actually dunk myself completely. Refreshing. Another fishery destroyed.

As the afternoon wore on, it got hot enough that Bunny allowed as she would try the shower out the back of the van. Bunny says the water is too hot at full temp. After getting things adjusted, she allowed as how the outdoor shower is a good thing.

I scrubbed the bike down and got as much grease and grit off the chain, gears, and derailleurs, and then re-lubed everything. Much better.