Coast2coast018: Benton to Denton (I thought that was in Texas)

(Yesterday, July 30)
61 miles
2,185 feet ascent
1,181 feet descent
2,441 calories

Climbing out of the Missouri River valley in Benton was only the beginning of a gruelling day, as the temperature rose into the nineties and the hills never seemed to end.

Scenic Abandoned Ranch

The scenery kept things interesting though, and eventually I made Denton in seven hours, the longest day yet. It certainly was full of events though.

That "Apple Maps" van passed me again for the second time in two days, this time just as I was riding into Geraldine, MT. I'm beginning to wonder if that's just a cover, and if Apple is developing automotive technology like all the rumors say?

The route passed by Square Butte, named appropriately enough, but which I later found out has another more significant characteristic due to it's geological nature. Apparently, it is only one of two places in the world where a certain type of volcanic rock can be seen. I learned this while taking a break at a scenic view point.

Square Butte

I also encountered another interesting piece of nature while taking the photo below at the break.

Break Time

While looking out over the vast wheat field, I heard what sounded like another loud bug, but then I realized it was not a bug but a rattlesnake letting it's presence be known! Fortunately, he was off the concrete pedestal, so I let my presence be gone. Yes, Virginia, they do have rattlesnakes in Montana.

While chatting with Lester and Dick, two locals, at the Longbranch Bar/Restaurant/Casino/local hangout (the only thing in town open after 6:00), they told me the area only gets about 13 inches of rain per year. That explained why I saw cactus, and why some parts of the ride reminded me of west Texas.