14th posting on July 1, 2013 ..... Back to the welcome page and listings for other links
Day
21 & 22 - Missoula, MT - REST days
We've
enjoyed 2 days of rest and relaxation in Missoula. What did we do? Well, our hotel
is right along the Clark Fork River and we watched tubers and paddle boarders
float down the river, very popular as the temps were near 100! We checked out
a couple bike shops for minor adjustments and route advice. We rode around town,
Missoula is very bike friendly with bike parking everywhere. We walked downtown
to an arts and crafts fair, had a massage and went to Adventure Cycling Headquarters.
We were greeted at AC, had our picture taken and posted on the wall with the many
touring cyclists that have come thru. We had a tour of the facility, enjoyed diet
coke and ice cream, got more route advice and chatted with other cyclists coming
thru.
We also reflected on the first stage of our adventure. The gal at
AC asked us what was the best part of the trip so far and we both said scenery
and the people. We've shared some of the scenery with our photos. We'll share
a bit more about the people. Our trip started with good friends, Deb & Perrin,
taking us out to the coast and seeing us off. Elizabeth at the Catbird Seat B&B
was so gracious our first night. Many strangers in Eugene stopped asked if they
could assist us in finding a restaurant and a way thru town. We've had encouragement
from people we've met along the way asking about our adventure. A couple folks
stand out, while we were having lunch at a scenic spot at the Oxbow Dam, a pastor
stopped and asked about our ride. After describing the road ahead, he said he
and his congregation would pray for our safe travels & if we had any problems,
give him a call. At the same spot, a young couple drove up and chatted. They had
planned to hike across the US, started from New York and hiked 850 miles! At that
point they realized they need to regroup, their bodies were giving out, so the
chose to drive and hike. Dave, a cyclist at Bates campground made hot tea when
we arrived wet and cold. In New Meadows, ID we met Don, the Pedal Medic, and his
wife Mary who made a "house call" in the evening so we could be on the
road again the next morning. Being able to share this adventure with so many people
is a gift, thanks to Nancy in AZ who created "this blog" for us and
is managing it! The response has been truly overwhelming! We love hearing from
all of you. Thanks!
Our email address is gusrox30@gmail.com
. Feel free to drop a note and say hello anytime!
Hot
day floating the Clark Fork River in Missoula! | Inner
tubes are a hot commodity! Vehicles with tubes & people are everywhere! |
Kids
have a rope swing they are using to dive into the river. | Missoula
is definitely bike friendly! Lots of people commuting, bike paths, |
Our
pic on the wall of fame at Adventure Cycling | Standing
outside Adventure Cycling HQ. This us truly an amazing organization & |
Where
do we go next? Plotting our route. | All
cyclists passing thru Adventure Cycling office get their picture taken & posted
on the wall. |
Any mistakes or corrections, email me at coachellis@cox.net |