8/20/2006 (Sun) - Norbury Lake, 64.5 miles (approx - bike computer malfunctioned part of the trip).

Today ride was quite pleasant. Though I remained on the same highway as yesterday, for over half my mileage today, the traffic was noticeably less. There was a haze in the air still like yesterday, but the decrease in traffic alone made things much better. Later I'd find out from Alan and Brenda (more about them later) at the campsite that the haze was a result of a series of nearby wildfires.

The main glitch of tody relate to my bike computer, which seem to go on a fritz. At first, it would show 0 mph even as the mileage continues to tick - though sporadically. I moved the magnet on the wheel a little, which did not seem to help. Later I changed the battery at ta rest stop - which seemed to fix the problem, but only for a while. A few miles afterwards, I'd reposition the magnet again. A combination of battery change and magent repositioning finally seemed to do the trick. The cyclometer seems to work now...

Today's terrain, in contrast to the last few days, is for the most part flat. But biking on flat terrain, in the same position, can be tiring as well. I saw lots of open as well as some forested country. Other than that, there isn't much to write today. Today's ride reminded me a little of the Pacific Coast trip, part Oregon part Southern California.

The Norbury Lake area is very nice for today's camp. Lots of space and trees, with water and lake nearby. The only gripe I have is that the public phone here is broken. Bummer.

I met two other cyclists here at camp - Alan and Brenda - that I mentioned earlier. They are a nice couple who has mountain biked the entire Great Divide a few years ago. This time, they are biking up to Banff on road and back to Eureka on mountain. They want to do the Canadian section of the Great Divide.

An idea was planted in my mind after talking to them. I told them about my troubles with traffic and noise, and they suggested why don't I do the Montana Great Divide route, if not the Wyoming, also. In response to my question whether it's safe: they said they've seen other solo bikers do so. Further, there are only a few truly remote sections, and if I want to avoid those sections, the map almost always give alternate road routes. I am seriously considering that but also strongly doubt I can get that by by Mom and Grace...