While I was re-grouping (dealing with a mean cough from a cold) in Lincoln I got a text from a friend who had left with the Tour. She had fallen on the way down from Fleischer Pass, had been taken to a hospital in Helena, and been discharged to a motel. She needed a little help and support and could I provide it. That made my decision about which point of the compass to steer to. It was a fairly hard ride to Helena because I now am carrying most of my gear on the bike and it isn't yet very well distributed. And the pass was not a trivial challenge, especially with the cold. But I made it and I was able to help my friend get organized. I will be taking some of her gear by bike to UPS to be shipped home this am while she flies to a retreat in California. Also I will get a front rack and some front panniers to balance my load a bit better. The heaviest thing I am carrying is this old laptop. Maybe I'll spring for a little netbook next time I pass a Best Buy.

I am on the verge of committing to a major bicycling trek--heading south as far as my not-so-little legs will take me. For the moment I will head to West Yellowstone where I have some mail waiting (including blood pressure pills) and then probably head on a pleasant route toward Denver.