Great Falls to Fargo ( by car )

Up at 05:30 and on the road at 6.

We covered 740 miles today!

This was at Roosevelt visitor Centre.

Seeley Lake to Missoula

This was one of the most amazing and surprising rides I have done.

We were told that it was about 60 miles and mostly downhill, with one stiff climb of 2-3 miles in the middle.

We completed the first fifteen miles in less than an hour, which I found to be rather pleasant and exhilarating.

Here is Bill, ready to roll and a white moth!

An old Chrysler and a motor bike.

We had a huge breakfast at the Chicken Coop.

They are obviously not shy around here as the toilet was of the open variety!!!,

There was no door whatsoever.

I felt completely at home here.

Words fail me.

After the climb we continued our descent, the only thing slowing us down was another of Leo's exploding tyres.

We visited the Adventure Cycling Centre in Missoula, then headed to our hotel for a well earned shower, followed by a visit to Hooters for dinner! Pictures upon request only.

Condon to Seeley Lake.

After a night disturbed by thunder and lightning, we were still up fairly early. I enjoyed my blueberry muffin bought from the store the previous day but the microwaveable breakfast chimichanga was perhaps not the best idea I had ever had.

We were all set for a 9am departure when Dan discovered his front tyre had gone down overnight.

After that was repaired and some photos with the girls who were heading to Logan Pass, we set off about 9:15.

We climbed 900 feet in the first 18 miles. More than enough in my book, on roads which undulated and weren't steep.

We saw some nice views of the Rockies to the West.

Then a house with a train in the garden.

An interesting entrance.

More Rockies.

We had just made a long descent and saw this sign?

Spot the deer.

The roads were narrow but most motorists either slowed down, or gave us plenty of space.

Nearly there

Upon arrival, I made a new best friend.

We got showered, went for a walk and then I went into the Filling Station. Great pub with wi-fi.

Now. What are the odds on a Scottish person going into a bar in a town in Montana with a population of 2500 and finding that the young lady serving the customers is also a Scot!!!

Here is Jane from Machrihanish in the Mull of Kintyre. Jings!

Bigfork to Condon

Today was a beatiful cycling day. 47 planned miles and not too much in the way of climbing.

No ballet planned. Nice metalwork sculpture along the way.

Nice views of Swan Lake

We stopped here for a break.

The way was long and straight

Oh no!

Now I understand.

The eagle has landed. Just slightly to big to get in one of my panniers!

How dare you.

Upon arrival at the tiny hamlet which is Condon, I found the perfect recovery drink in the local store.

I forgot where I was for a moment.

Leo had one too.

And then he joined in.  Suits you sir. Well, he is an Anderson!

We were staying in nicely appointed log cabins.

Leo and I drew the short straw and had to sleep in the loft.

There was nowhere to eat nearby but luckily, we had chosen to stay on the night of the Fireman's Ball.

This was taking place from 5pm with food, auction and music. We made a donation and had a nice meal. Most people went off for an early night. I stayed to take some photos of an old car.

The young boy asked if he was in the photo. I told him he was and that he would be seen by millions of people around the world. He was very impressed.

This Newfoundland pup was gorgeous but feeling the heat.

I finished the evening with one of these. 

Despite this final libation,  I was woken by thunder, lightning and torrential rain in the early hours. I briefly thought of the two young ladies who had cycled 80 miles to get to Condon and pitched their tent opposite us. I then turned over and went back to sleep. I am pleases to say that they survived the night.