Paul's Great Divide Photo Gallery 3 (Basin to Hansen Livestock Ranch)

In 2021, cycling buddy Paul Brasby rode the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route with me from Roosville, Montana to Rawlins, Wyoming, where he ran out of vacation time. During those unforgettable 24 days, we rode 1,300 miles of back roads over every kind of surface and condition, repeatedly climbing high mountain passes and crossing endless prairie, skirting rampant forest fires and steaming grizzly scat, dodging thunderstorms and lightening, and meeting a stream of interesting people. 

Throughout this journey, Paul captured hundreds of remarkable images, some of which appear in my blog posts of our ride together. Now, Paul has created a photo gallery of his favorite Great Divide images that he wishes to share. For earlier installments, go to Roosville to Clearwater Lake; Clearwater Lake to Basin. 

Hello All!

After a ten year dream, the first half of the GDMBR finally came true last year!

As Craig's blog posts of the GDMBR draw to an end, Craig was nice enough to let me share a few photo dumps showcasing the beautiful landscape, road conditions, people we met, and our POI along the way. I'll include some narrative with the pictures, as well. This is geared more to the first time touring riders of the GDMBR/Tour Divide adventures in the near future. I'll include distance and elevation gain of each day's ride as a helpful touring guide. For those that have already partaked in this amazing adventure, whether touring or racing, I hope these pictures bring back fond memories of a ride not soon forgotten.

Join along as Craig and I pedaled SOBO following the ACA's GDMBR from the Canadian border to Rawlins, Wyoming, at which point Craig pushed on solo to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Enjoy!

One more footnote. A big shout out to all those planning and prepping for this year's Tour Divide and for all those touring riders giving it a go this year. Whether SOBO or NOBO, I wish you a safe and exciting adventure! Cheers!

Paul Brasby

Basin to South of Butte

Day 10, July 29, 2021 (50.3 miles/3,276 feet of elevation gain)

A more relaxed start of the day,
as we roll down a canyon along I-15.

Columbia Gulch Road.

Rolling through Butte, MT. Rained hard on us
through the old downtown of Butte.
Sorry, no pictures.

For the second time of our trip, we run into Linda.
What an amazing lady!

South of Butte to Wise River

Day 11, July 30, 2021 (45.2 miles/5,352 feet of elevation gain)

The well known railroad trestle on Roosevelt Drive.

Highland Road, west of Highland Trailhead.

CDT Through Hikers SweatPea, Mace & Beardo.
Take the time to stop and talk to them.
They're just as passionate as we are about their adventure!

Highland Road near I-15 crossing in the valley below.
Our first good look at Fleecer Ridge in the upper left hand corner. 

These three NOBO's we knick named "Boyz-2-Men."
Their ages were 16, 21 & 22.

The climb over Fleecer Ridge.
The hardest day of the trip, but the most rewarding!!

After many miles of climbing, we pop out of the forest
and there it is, the summit of Fleecer Ridge.

The profile at the top of Fleecer Ridge.

Time to start walking!

We stayed at the Big Hold Community Church in Wise River.

They have a full kitchen and showers.

The parsonage is to the right of the church.
They welcome Great Divide riders!

Wise River to Elkhorn Springs 

Day 12, July 31, 2021 (34.0 miles/2,659 feet of elevation gain)

Craig spinning easily on Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway.
All pictures today were taken from the Scenic Byway.

Elk Horn Springs located half mile
off Highway 73 on Road 2409.

Elkhorn Springs to Hansen Livestock Ranch

Day 13, August 1, 2021 (47.1 miles/1,851 feet of elevation gain)

Big Montana views abound for the next few days
along with easier pedaling.

A beautiful stretch through the southern part of the state!

Early morning pictures were taken along
Highway 73, Road 278 & Bannack Bench Road.

If you have the time, Bannack State Park is worth the stop!

Water, coffee & snacks available at park office
along with a nice campground nearby.

Through-hiker Speedy G,
running light & fast at 30 miles a day.

Medicine Lodge Road. A muddy stretch when wet.
Keep an eye on the weather.

We met up with John from Portland, OR.

Camped along Medicine Lodge Road at Hansen Livestock Ranch
a few miles south of Hwy 324 past Grant. It's on the ACA maps.
Water, good shade, communal bathroom with shower available.
Thunderstorms in the area made the decision to stay here easy.
The locals tell of stories about rescuing riders on this road when wet.