Day 1 Missoula to Darby, Montana

Let me tell you today was an absolutely great biking day!  Supposedly it gets better as we get closer to Yellowstone, and if it gets better we can't wait!

The day started out at the Adventure Cycling Association.  We all had our picture taken together and hope to make the magazine they publish...

We rode about 10 miles through Missoula...unfortunately we had gone about 2 miles beyond our turn but then realized it and turned around to get on the right track...not a good way to start but it didn't matter.

We cycled down to Lolo where we had the first of two flat tires (the same rider but we won't mention who).  We then picked up a great bike path until we arrived in Stevensville.  We were blessed to have Tommy's wife Diane to drive around and deliver food and beverages (along with extra bike tubes) to us and she met us in Stevensville.  It was a well needed break.

We then drove from Stevensville to Corvallis and stopped at a great diner where we stopped and had coffee and ice cream.  Again a well needed break!

It was getting later in the day and the Sun was out it full force...Alot of us have more Sun on our faces than we need.  The temperature got to 83 degrees Fahrenheit which was a little more than expected.

The town was Hamilton before riding about 17 miles into our final destination for the day Darby.  A beautiful little Western Town and arrived at the Chief Joseph Ranch for the night.  I don't think the pictures will do justice the beauty of this place!  The dinner was wonderful and Bob (the owner) gave us a great history of the place and the region.  Bob, Janet, and Ryan really did us well with information for our ride tomorrow and just gave us hospitality that was unbelievable.

Looking forward to a great nights sleep and gearing up for the big hill tomorrow (Chief Joseph Pass)!

 Tommy and Diane before the ride

 Chris, Graeme, and Norman getting ready

 The Scottish folks showed up with these bike jerseys and had them labeled with this

 What a good looking group! (Left to Right, Tommy, Diane, Norman, Patrick, Graeme, Simon, Gavin, Chris, Chuck, Lisa, Phillip)

 I don't know what this is but it looked cool

 2nd flat tire...Tommy calling Diane our savior on the day

 These guys can change a tire!

 These horses were 5 feet from us and I couldn't resist a pic with the mountains behind

 Gavin taking pictures on the bike trail

 Who knows what Chris was telling Diane and Tommy but it was likely funny!

 Lisa and Gavin arriving at the Cafe ready for some ice cream

 Tommy having a blast!

 Chuck goofing around like usual!

 Simon showing off!

 The inside of the incredible Chief Joseph Ranch!

 The outside of Chief Joseph Ranch