23rd May - Bigfork Montana US

Had a welcome break from sitting on a saddle all day & decide to sit on another saddle. Hired a mountain bike in Banff. Unfortunately for the DRS derriere, my choice of a hard tail wasn't wise. The tracks were rough and rocky. After 20K of spine pounding I was grateful to be back on the motorbike. Still great views (albeit sore arse).

To finish the day, I walked a mile or so up to the local Hoodoos - rock formations caused by erosion. I also followed a lone wolf for a while trying to get a good photo. We eyeballed each other a number of times. Not sure why but I felt there was a mutual respect. 

Only remedy after all that was a soak so the next day I headed for Radium Hot Springs. There are many natural hot springs but this is one of the better known. Natural temperature in the water is 28C.

Today (Friday), I left Canada & entered the US via Idaho. I choose a quieter crossing point (Kingsgate). There was still an hour's wait before I was finger printed & photoed. At customs, there was a certain amount of looking at the passport, looking at me, repeat as the bright red biking head & gingery grey beard told another story.

Temperature today in Montana was 29C.