After a big breakfast at our host's restaurant, we pedalled south to Billings. The leading edge of a nationwide heat wave was reaching us. The countryside was parched. Endless ranches of sage. We stopped in Broadview on our short ride to get cokes. The bar owners let me try the pickled herring he had made. The ride was fairly short and easy, even if it was hot and dry. Zimmerman Trail, leading down a cliff into Billings offered a picturesque view of the city. The riding in town pretty much sucked. A good deal of traffic, some very unfriendly and no shoulders or sidewalks.

This town had a Marriot that we could stay at. We were eager for the showers and hot tub. After we checked in we determined to act like real people. We got cleaned up, headed out to "The Olive Garden" and then to a a nearbye movie theatre to watch "The XFiles" and "Something About Mary".

It may have been the 100 mile effort the previous day in the rain, or the herring, but during dinner I came down with a sudden fever and stomach bug. I was really happy to be back in civilization right now. Unfortunately our room was right next to the pool. We didn't get a whole lot of sleep this night.