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Chronicles of a Mountain Biking REALTOR

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with RE/MAX Realty Group
Chronicles of Rider Dave, Part III
By Dave Peck

 

My invitation for the pack trip arrives months in advance. It's a backcountry birthday celebration for one of my kin. There's talk of a long ride into no-man's land, of grizzly bears and sidearms-warnings meant, I can only assume, to humor some and frighten others. While I consider myself a relatively seasoned Montanan-I've survived the requisite three winters to obtain full citizenship-I can't help but wonder where I put my can of pepper spray.

The invited guests are mostly married couples from all points in the U.S. Few in the group have horseback riding experience and many question the wisdom in putting a leg over a 1,200-pound beast. Premonitions of the trip prompted one couple to create a final will and testament. Another pair tossed the invitation aside, thinking, "this sounds great, but we can't possibly fit it in." Then in a moment of clarity, they realized this was something that couldn't be missed, and giddily began making arrangements.

Into the Wilderness
The trip begins at the 320 Ranch in Big Sky, a stone's throw from the Gallatin River. Our outfitter, Wapiti Basin Outfitters, appears well-organized but I wonder how they're going to handle 26 greenhorns. They've had to hire on extra hands and bring in surplus horses for our bulky group.

Our first assignment is to select a horse. Perusing the herd, I soon discover that not all horses are created equal. I size up the burly beasts to see which looks the most sturdy and agreeable. Found one! A beauty. It's one of the few painted horses in the herd. I clamber atop the saddled creature. With one hand on the horn, I proudly look around and notice a pair of bad-tempered Shetland ponies-I wonder who will get stuck with them.

After each of us has a mount, the train finally gets moving up Buffalo Horn trail. A ragtag bunch, we're stretched out for nearly a quarter mile. We pass a "Bear Warning" sign early on, causing a sudden squeal from behind: "I thought they were kidding about the bears!" This caution feeds that old, naive fear of being mauled; I unconsciously feel for the pepper spray attached to my hip.

TO BE CONTINUED

Comments (1)

Brett Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate
Taunya Fagan Bozeman Montana Real Estate - Bozeman, MT
Boutique Luxury @ ESTATE House, Bozeman, Montana

Great again, Bad Boy. I finished reading it backwards. I need more!

Nov 07, 2009 09:50 AM