Day 11: Montana is a FLATland - 41 miles (seriously)

Distance - 41 miles

Or more specifically, the land of flats. But more on that in a moment. Missoula is a sweet town, and Saturday morning we rode around the various farmers' markets and enjoyed seeing many of the locals out walking or riding on a gorgeous day. We hit the library, bike shop, and grocery store on our way out. Then the fun started.
Our tires mutinied against us, rather violently. Aaron had the first one last night, and feeling pressure from being behind, James decided to step up this morning and get one of his own only six miles out of Missoula. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, I not only blew my rear tube once, but twice for good measure after about forty miles. Of course, bad things can sometimes help you out, as while Aaron and I repaired my second blowout, two mountain bikers pulled up in a truck and offered us help. We had all the supplies we needed, so they offered us beer instead. Given the situation, we decided that would be awesome. However, my wheel was in bad shape (pun intended) and needed more thorough help. Luckily, we were only a mile from a rest area, so I hiked the journey. We decided to stay at the stop since time was ticking, my wheel was throwing a fit, and there was a casino across the road. During our stay, we talked to a crazy pair of older folks (I've decided anyone traveling with a live cockatoo on her shoulder is a tad looney), researched the mysteries of chi flow and milk, and Aaron and I hit the casino. You know you're in Montana when you go into a bar and there is a dog on the counter. Yeehaw!
While today had its fair share of misadventures, it was still pretty great (even though we're out of tubes, tomorrow over the Continental Divide might be interesting). Yay for sleeping fifty feet from "no camping" signs, peace!

- posted by Sam