Editor’s note: David Freeze is biking coast to coast. His trek started June 10 in Oregon. He’s sending dispatches from the road to be published in the newspaper, at www.salisburypost.com, and on his blog, “Gotta Run” at blog.salisburypost.com/gottarun

My ride this morning started at Wisdom, Mont., and I was once again in the rain and facing a headwind on the way to Jackson.

Jackson has 38 residents, but they have a decent cafe. This morning, I stopped there for breakfast and so did all the Co-Cycle Co-op girls. We were all cold, and glad to be out of the wind.

I made both anticipated climbs, topping 7,360 feet for the first time. On the Jackson side, it had rained all morning. On the other side, it was sunny all afternoon. A headwind on the Jackson side, and a strong tailwind on the Dillon side. That is where I am spending the night.

Dillon, Mont., is slightly bigger than China Grove. They are cutting hay today for their first cutting of the summer. Huge fields are being laid down all around.

This afternoon, I had my first flat tire of the ride. It was already a trying day, and the flat on a rear tire made it worse. I put a new tube in it, got myself all greasy, but finally got back on the road.

Upon entering Dillon, I stopped to have both tubes and tires checked out, along with the chain and gears. I am ready to go again, with another couple of spare tubes ready.

My traveling today was done on Highway 278. Total mileage was 71.

Of course, there is another huge climb looming. Virginia City is a historic gold mining town, famous for being mentioned often on Bonanza. I was reminded the other day that I have been to Virginia City. This time I will look forward to seeing it again, but it would be better to get a pass on the next mountain.

I am probably going to get to Yellowstone on Friday, meaning there will be few places, motel or campground, to stay. I will probably camp in the national forest.

Wyoming awaits. So does a shower.

Freelance writer David Freeze lives in Rowan County.

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