Day 6 & 7 - Thompson Falls to Missoula and Missoula to Butte, MT

The last few days the internet connection hasn't been the greatest. But, fear not my faithful fans (ok a little grandiose), I have updated my photos and the garmin link so you are all set. Also, I've noticed that some of my comments are mentioning that all I write about is food - well - why do you think I bike?! So I can EAT!!!

Day 6 Recap
This morning started out chilly with a misty fog that hung in the mountains as we headed out of Thompson Falls along a gorgeous ride with the river beside us most of the way. It was a slight climb up as we rode along. I must say that today on the climbs my legs were tired! I couldn't keep with the guys so I would get dropped then catch up afterward.
We kept our eyes peeled for Big Horn Sheep but unfortunately never saw any - darn it! But, Craig was fortunate as he was gazing out over the river an eagle swooped down and picked up a fish and carried it off to become its next meal! The temps after noon were in the 90s so it was a long hot ride into Missoula -we couldn't drink enough water!
We got in and prepped our bikes for the next day, had massages (thanks Jonathon!) and mosied on over to the Press Box for some food AND to watch some of the Tour de France - so cool that Schleck has the yellow (or did I have no idea were it stands today) I had some yummy mussels in garlic and wine! mmmmm!! It feels good to burn over 7,000 calories in a day!!
Day 7
This morning was much like yesterday with a little chill in the air to start and a beautiful ride along the river - so incredible. Today was to be another toughie - after yesterdays 136 miles we had 134 today with almost 5,000 feet of climbing. We also had time windows we had to reach for our second rest stop and lunch - or else the DREADED sag forward!! After yesterday, I wasn't looking forward to seeing how my legs would feel. But, I was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt - it must have been the massage! We started out just the two of us and then we picked up Greg and Walt and cruised along after the first stop another Greg joined us and we were hauling - a little too fast for me actually. I was kicking to keep up - but with my tongue hanging out I managed. We went through the town of Phillipsburg, MT - where Levi Liephiemer is from or lived - coolio! It was a really cute town (see pic) kinda like an old west one. Then we headed to the lunch stop - where we tried not to eat too much. The climbing started about 4 miles out of lunch and then at about 7 miles out of lunch (mile 86.5 mind you) we started a 8% grade climb for 2.5 miles! What incredible views those switchbacks offered!
Hey in MT - their asphalt has a mauve color to it - it isn't black like ours, it's actually kinda pretty - check it out in the photos!
Once at the top we were treated to a gorgeous view of a lake at the top of all that - there was an awesome waterfall that followed down the valley that we saw on the climb up from the lake.
We rode with Walt most of the day and I gotta say there are some incredible riders on this trip, some we only see once in awhile because they are so freaking fast! (FFG's for sure! Freakin' Fast Guys) Walt has over 20,000 miles in on PAC Tours! These old guys are fast! Check out Ernie as he cruises right by me!! ( I mean that lovingly!) but it just re-enforces my theory that cycling IS the fountain of youth!
Tonight we had massages again - AHHH!! But, ordered carry out so I could catch up on this stuff.
Tomorrow is going to be a "light" day with only 101 miles and 3,200 feet of climbing.