T Rex Territory

Taking a cue from my librarian ride-buddy friend (thanks, Miss C!), I did a little research before heading for Bozeman. Much to my surprise, I learned that there is a computer museum (!) in town—though I didn't manage to squeeze in a visit.

The utility-box-beautification trend is evident throughout town. Near the library, this wrap was so realistic I needed to take a closer look to convince myself it wasn't an actual bookcase.

The downtown area is very walkable, and my hotel was not far from the Gallagator Linear Trail (a rails-to-trails success).

Close to town the trail passes through Bozeman's Sculpture Park, featuring works both abstract and whimsical, before continuing along fields and streams with views of the Bridger Mountains.

Most conveniently, the trail would take me straight to the Museum of the Rockies, featuring artifacts from a distant point on the timescale of Planet Earth.

In the larger scheme of things, humans are barely a blip. Terrestrial dinosaurs roamed the planet for more than 150 million years. Avian dinosaurs ... well, they're still with us.

The exhibits were so fascinating that I spent the better part of the day wandering through the galleries. I was puzzled when I caught a distinct whiff of vinegar, until I rounded a corner to peer through large windows at staff members gently scrubbing some fossilized bones with toothbrushes.

One remarkable display featured a Tenontosaurus that had apparently fallen prey to a pack of Deinonychus, accompanied by a thorough explanation of the scene. Scattered near the skeleton were many of the predators' teeth, lost while feeding—too many teeth to have been shed by just one of them.

As late afternoon approached, I scurried off to pick up the registration materials for the main event—the bike tour that brought me to Montana. I spied a fellow registrant sporting a L'Étape du Tour bag. [Uh-oh.] What have I gotten myself into?

Having shipped my bike, I slid the box into a quiet corner to unpack and re-assemble it.

With that out of the way, I could relax over a nice dinner and a stroll through town. What better theme for the utility box in front of an auto repair shop than this?

There's a lot to like about Bozeman. The locals say “Shhh ... don't tell anyone.” So I guess this will be our little secret.

Music on Main

Two women approached me in the hotel lobby. “We were on the same shuttle to the airport this morning!”

What are the odds? We flew to Portland before connecting to Bozeman. They traveled for a family reunion, though, not for biking.

Not having done my homework, I expected to find a somewhat dusty, possibly dated, western town. [Ha!]

I overheard someone liken it to Aspen, but it's not so chi-chi. It's a university town; there are multiple bookstores, fine places to eat, public art, and bicycles everywhere. Stylish bike racks abound, and there are even a few dedicated corrals (each occupying what would normally be a vehicle parking place—imagine that!)

This being a Thursday evening in the summertime, there was also a free concert: Music on Main. The street was closed downtown for a couple of blocks, with fun for adults and kids alike. Balloons, food trucks, beer. And of course, a band—with live streaming coverage for those missing the party.

The sun felt unusually bright, even with only an hour or two remaining before sunset.

It's the altitude (elevation: 4,820 feet). Hello, Bozeman!