As much as we loved Missoula, we finally managed to head out and were immediately treated again to wonderful hosts in Corvallis, MT. The next day we pedaled to Hamilton and could not get out of the Bitterroot Valley! We had 3 flats in one day, and finally, with the help of the friendly folks at Valley Bicycles we gave up and camped just south of Hamilton for the night. The next few days we went up some fun passes, including the Lost Trail Pass, where, despite the detailed journals of Lewis and Clark, historians still cannot figure out where the expedition crossed the mountains. We went over the continental divide for the first of several times at Chief Joseph Pass. We rushed through the Big Hole Valley, where mosquitoes chased us at more than 15 mph, clinging to Lindsay's rear panniers even at over 35. At Twin Bridges we saw an amazing thing- a campground dedicated to cyclists! It had an indoor eating space with information about the area, a bike stand, a pump, a sink for dishes, and a shower and bathroom, as well as a grassy area to camp. If only every town had a campground which really understood all of bicyclists needs. Unfortunately, it was only 20 miles into our ride, so we continued on. The next day we entered into Nevada City, a gold rush ghost town next to the tourist town of Virginia City, the classic western cowboy destination. Planning to camp there, we ran into trouble because it was the night before the 4th and everywhere was full. We were rescued by the owners of a wonderful bed and breakfast in Nevada City who hosted us for the next couple of days. We had a truly amazing time- saw a classic 4th of July parade in Ennis, Montana, ate BBQ and set off our own fireworks display in the backyard. The next day we headed up over the pass into Ennis and toward West Yellowstone. Our last moments in Montana were some of the best times of our trip, Montanans always treated us as one of their own.
On the beautiful bike path between Lolo and Corvallis, MT.
beautiful Montana farmland below the mountains
dealing with Elisabeth's first flat on the way to Corvallis
stopping for a quick pb&j
The usual grocery cart- for breakfast: oatmeal, fruit, for lunch: cheese and other sandwich material, for dinner: ramen and vegetables
trying to figure out where we are
beautiful sunset light after coming down a long pass
our host's glass recycling program in a state where glass recycling is virtually nonexistant
Beaverhead Mountain, Montana- used as an important geographical marker by Native Americans
Twin Bridges bike camp! A campground just for bicyclists.
http://www.cyclecamp-twinbridges.com/
Nevada City, Montana- a gold rush ghost town
old Nevada City shack
our bicycles posing in Nevada City
our tarp set-up at 'Just an Experience' B&B- and it was an amazing experience
Fourth of July parade photos- Ennis, Montana
a little piece of Princeton
Ennis, Montana 4th of July
"Hike It Bike It Hoof It" brigade of the fourth of July parade
setting off 4th of July fireworks in the B&B's backyard
after a long climb
our fist big pass and our first out of several continental divide crossings
how amazingly beautiful is Montana?
coming up one more hill
Mexican food in a bus, delicious breakfast burrito
on the road downhill into Ennis, a gorgeous view of the Rockies
In Ennis where 'you can catch it all'
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