The Magnificent Seven at the start of our first day's ride.
However, my arrival on the previous day was greeted with two of the conspirators, Dan and Don,
up to something...
up to something...
I was told to watch for bears and that I would be the distraction so they could save their hide. Even the Holiday Inn had bears.
On that check in day, Don heard a noise from his bike.
A minute later, the possessed members of the Magnificent Seven, Ian, Bill, Dan and Tom performed an exorcism and Don became thankful that he could no longer hear the noise.
Our route: starting in Great Falls and finishing in Missoula
Our route: starting in Great Falls and finishing in Missoula - with details.
Day 1: With bikes running in top form we cruise through Great Falls.
and headed directly for the courthouse...
Soon, we became more concerned about polar bears than grizzly bears.
Ian took a liking to a local fauna...
At the Missouri River in Great Falls and still not out of town.
A welcome rest stop at Fairfield,
supposedly the source of malt for all whiskey in the world... :>)
The Big Sky road takes us to our first night at Choteau
and we took in the local fiddlers contest.
Day 2: Bill makes sure we headed the right way.
Tom grabbed a picture of Dan and I headed down the road.
with a few rollers to keep us entertained.
Our B&B hosts, Joe and Rita, hosted us in Dupuyer. Their front patio was the place of frivolity for the afternoon and evening.
They fed us both dinner in the eve and breakfast the next morn.
Day 3: Steve's first flat of the trip paid 5 to 1 odds.
Tom celebrating the top of the hill before our destination town of Browning.
We gather to express pleasure at the downhill into Browning.
Browning in the distance.
The slots awaited coins but frugality won.
Day 4: The winding road lead us upward toward Rising Sun Village.
Up indeed.
At last, the lodge gift shop was in view.
And we settled in.
The sunset was awesome.
Day 5: Over Logan pass to the McDonald Lodge. Today we think we are ready to climb 3000 feet in 12 miles to the top of Logan pass. Don had to leave us to handle some of life's other issues.
Steve and Dan lead the way on 9 miles of hard pack watered gravel being prepared for paving.
The hard pack did not take away from the views.
As we neared the top, I threatened to do a snow angel but decided to celebrate being near the top of the pass.
We celebrate the top and prepare for a 22 mile downhill to the McDonald Lodge.
The views were incredible and the downhill made re-affirmed my reason to ride. :>)
Fast downhillers Ian and Dan are already servicing their bikes for the next day at McDonald lodge.
McDonald lodge is one of the old wooden lodges of the '30s that really had charm.
View from the easy chair where I was sitting in the lobby.
Day 6: Columbia Falls. The early morning view outside the McDonald lodge threatened to keep me there all day!
At the front of the McDonald Lodge the old style open top touring cars were being prepared for their drives through the park.
We gathered for our class photo in front of the McDonald Lodge.
The way to Columbia Falls was stunning.
As we neared the edge of the park, we discovered a bike trail and again the bears avoided us.
Day 7: Headed to Bigfork. The Montana coffee company had huge healthy breakfasts with lots of coffee. A peddler's dream.
Ian and Dan lead us through beautiful farmland.
An early morning artist concentrating on her view.
Accurate too!
Bill Steve and Tom enjoying the ride.
I toured the Whistling Andy distillery in Bigfork. Whistling Andy was a Navy veteran who started the distillery after he left the Navy.
and got my picture taken at the still
and enjoyed a free shot. Excellent
Day 8: Pedaling to Condon. Dan, the mule whisperer is working his flock.
Crossing the Swan River
Another class picture under a unique ranch gate.
Shenanigans at the edge of Swan Lake
This little girl was wondering why she couldn't reach the fountain to get a drink.
On the road after a break.
and then ...maybe we finally get to see some bears.
Ok. there were a number of bears but in a permanent pose.
Our lodge at Condon
We joined the local fire department for their evening BBQ and live music.
Day 9: Pedaling to Seeley Lake. Ian, the master chef, prepares breakfast.
As we proceeded to Seeley Lake, the higher Rockies got closer.
Ian, the great bear whisperer, found a flock in Seeley Lake.
We are about to enjoy some fine Montana prime rib
Tom got to experience a "first bite"
Day 10: On the road to Missoula. Traffic was not heavy, just big.
Ian enjoying the ride through the valley.
We caught up to Rob about 20 miles from Missoula. He is traveling from New York to Vancouver, Canada. He helped me change a flat...but that is another story.
We got into the mountains as we closed in on Missoula but the road continued downward for remaining miles.
No bears or goats but a lovely downhill.
Arriving at the Adventure Cycling Headquarters in Missoula
Their maps are indestructible loaded with touring information.
Jan, at Adventure Cycling, greeted us as we arrived.
Our requisite picture including Rob at the Adventure Cycling wall.
Our ride ended in the town of Missoula and we celebrated a successful ride.
