We said: Had a 32 mile ride into Missoula, for the most part on a very nice bike path. Missoula is at the end of the lower Bitterroot Valley, so once again it is open, but as we approached Missoula the towns are more populated, busy and you see evidence of more new construction. Missoula is also the home of the Adventure Cycling Association headquarters and the University of Montana. It's amazing how many bikes you see being ridden or in bike racks everywhere. There is a good system of bike lanes throughout the city and people take advantage of it. It was a beautiful sunny day and it always feels warmer than the temperature reads when the sun is out.(Once you get in the high 40's) We met at the Cycling Association, Paul logged in, got his picture taken, a free ice cream and we left for downtown and the bike shop. Dropped off the bike and they assured us they could have it done today. 3 phone calls later, it was ready. I took it out for a quick test ride and it didn't feel perfect, they made some adjustments, but we're kind of stuck and they assured me it will break in and be fine. Here's hoping. Before we picked up the bike at 6, we did all sorts of errands. Sharon got her prescriptions filled, got her hair cut and colored, and Paul scheduled the remainder of the ride and looked up flights for our trip home for our niece Liz and her future husband Carl's wedding. Took a ride around Missoula and the University of Montana. There are lots of trees around the city and no tall buildings to block the view of the mountains. It is a nice city as cities go, but we are looking forward to getting back onto the back roads and small town America. People seem to want to talk to you more there. Even though we took the ride into Missoula separately (Paul on the bike, Sharon in the car) we both noticed the same thing-traffic sped up and drivers were less courteous. Not to mention, you have to sit at lights and deal with city streets. Like we said-happy to get back to the less densely populated areas.
Getting out of the cold weather gear in front of Cycling Association...like the door handles?
On the back stretch.
This is at the University of Montana-there is a trail that winds back and forth across the mountain to the top. You can see the "M" at the top, and if you enlarge the photo, you can see kids hiking the whole way up.
'These bright white socks pedaled across America and Chlorox kept them from getting dingy--- even in flip flops!' I guess no advertising executives read your blog or else they'd be beating your door down. I hope the derailer wears in as promised and you have no further problems with it. If you're flying back what are you gonna do with the Mini? I don't think it'll meet carry on standards but, on the other hand, I've never actually seen them turn anything away either at the gate or on the plane even when it took more than 10 minutes to move everybody else's stuff in an effort to make oversized stuff fit.
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome hiking trail. We need something like that here at UNH. Hopefully the new parts break in and don't just break! :) See you guys in a few weeks.
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