18 miles east of Missoula, June 25

A Renegade Campsite along Hwy 200, 18 miles east of Missoula, MT --Friday, June 25

Today I felt as if we Lewis and Clark heading towards a provision post in Missoula, MT after being in the wilderness for many weeks. Our situation pales in comparison to Lewis and Clark; however we have been traveling in areas where towns and services are 60-80 miles apart and where cell phone service is not available.We've been anxiously awaiting Missoula to obtain medical advice forAndrea's nagging seat problem as well as a better bicycle seat for her. In addition, we needed a few other supplies, tire patches, a new Camelbackbladder, and an opportunity for me to receive my work e-mail and providec omment on a legal document that is being filed today. In short we had a lot to accomplish while at the same time make significant progress on our trek across the West. We also wanted to stop by the headquarters of Adventure Cycling, the publisher of the maps that we are using and anorganization that I have been a donating member of since 1978. We accomplished all of the above by spending nearly 6 hours in Missoula while still pedaling nearly 64 miles. On top of this schedule we had our first flat tire. It happened not once, but twice. They both happened onAlex's bike on separate tires. One was caused by a small metal wire, likely from the cord of a large truck tire. The other was caused by a 5"spike. Alex had never successfully changed a flat before. Fortunately, I've changed many and was able to provide some guidance. We also had our first fast food on the trip. This also happened twice. This is not my idea of good bicycling nourishment. For the last 18 miles I continually belched gas from that Wendy's burger. I went with the flow on this one. This ride is Andrea's and Alex's trip too. With that said, we generally have been eating good foods. In fact our last stop in Missoulawas at an Albertsons where we bought peaches, apples, bananas, strawberries, and carrots for our breakfast and lunch tomorrow. We had a great stop at Adventure Cycling. Our picture is now on the wall with others who have passed through the headquarters (about 200 rider todate). We spent about two hours there meeting the staff and other riders who were also passing through on this day, including one of the young female riders that we met yesterday. We also met a rider who had learned of Andrea's accident through the rider chain. I found this movement/exchangeof information fascinating.The route today was nothing remarkable. Pedaling 25 miles down into Lolo this morning was picturesque; however, the remaining miles offer high traffic volumes and nothing remarkable. Lastly, we are camping tonight in an area that says no camping allowed.This is contrary to what information our route sheets provided. Given the lateness in which we arrived (7:45 PM) and the prospects of finding any other campsite within range, we decided to be 'renegades'. Although thesite does have a pit toilet and water which is hand pumped from a well, there is no shower. It should be a quiet night unless the wild critters getwind of our food.