We wanted to bicycle the scenic drive in the Theodore Roosevelt NP, North Unit. It was closed to motor vehicles due to road construction. The park newspaper indicated that it was still open to walkers and cyclists. When we got to the closed gate, there was a sign saying that the road was closed to all access. We were just about to turn around when a worker pulled up to the gate. Ellen spoke with him and he assured us it was fine to ride up, particularly since there was no heavy equipment running today. So, we decided to continue.
The road goes from the river basin up to the plateau above via a short steep section, then along the edge of plateau for most of its length. The climb began at the closure. Up we went. The road became steeper as we rode up it. I was in the lowest gear and Ellen was walking behind me (going about as fast as I was). I had my head down and peddling away in the steep part. As I looked up there was a lone bison at the side of the road, on my side, less than 20 feet away. If I hadn't looked up I probably would have run into him.
I stopped. The bison started moving—towards me, snorting. I started backing up, he kept on walking in my direction. Hmm, lone male, the rutting season, probably time to retreat. We quickly turned around and quickly went downhill, our scenic ride over.
And no one got a picture!
More tomorrow, when we hope to be writing from Glacier National Park.
Photos from Theodore Rossevelt NP
More photos from Theodore Rossevelt NP
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