MOTORCYCLE DIARY: 9

JUNE 25, 2021 – JACKPOT, NV TO GREAT FALLS, MT

RECORDED NORTH OF JEFFERSON CITY, MT

[START OF AUDIO]: Okay, this is it. It’s 11:20 PM on the 25th. Mountain time. I left Butte en route to Great Falls. This is the last stretch of road before arriving at the rally. Over the last hour or so, I began talking to myself on the road. This is like the boss level of the ride so far. It’s night. It’s dark. I’m on the interstate. The road is fairly wiggly through… not mountains, but foothills. It’s on the colder side. inexplicably began talking to myself in a British accent to coach myself through the stress. But, I did the first 50 miles of 150, so I have a hundred left and then I arrive, so that’s it.

I just wanted to note this moment because I was definitely talking to myself and I definitely feel a little bit frazzled, a little bit on edge – not calm at all. So, I stopped at this rest stop north of Jefferson city to take a leak, have a drink of water, and take a mental break. I was feeling pretty tweaked, but then I realized – and then told myself – “Hey, you already did 1/3, so only 2/3 to go.” Slow and steady. I should be at the rally hopefully by 1:00 AM. Okay, cool. Bye. [END OF AUDIO]