Day 12 Portland to Portland - Missoula to Helena, MT

 






Wake, Eat, Ride, Repeat.  When we woke up today, we all knew that our next destination was 116 miles away.  The capital of Montana and Big Sky Country.  Today was day 1 in a big week.  By the end of the week, the Rockies will be behind us and we will be more than 33%  through our journey east.  The ride today was a long one, where we slowly gained elevation, topped off with a 5 mile climb starting at mile 95.





Shortly after leaving Missoula, you easily understand why they call this Big Sky country.  The scenery is amazing and our pace line opts to make a few pit stops for pictures.




We spent a bit of time on I-90 today and a few other highways, but most had wide, clean shoulders to make the ride a bit easier.  Lunch was at mile 66, just over halfway for the day.  After lunch, our group benefitted from one of the Trek Guides doing most of the "pulling".  We knew there was a big climb coming and we all wanted to save our legs.









Mile 95 was upon us before we knew it.  Once we got to the top, the wind was blowing hard.  That meant the descent into Helena was going to be a bit tricky.  Cross winds, skinny shoulders and riding in the lane was to be expected.  while a bit harrowing, the 16 mile "cruise" into town was nice.  As we got into town, we could see a small forest fire up on the hill outside of town, along with the helicopters scooping up water and dropping it on the fire site. 





Today's Craft beer  - Blackfoot River Brewing's Cream Ale




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