Day 9: Missoula, MT to Philipsburg, MT

Hi everyone! Sorry for the delayed blog. We did not have internet access last night. Now that we are entering the more desolate areas of Montana and Wyoming, there may be a night or two without service.

The weatherman promised a sunny day for today and it was! Unfortunately it was also very chilly in the morning - a balmy 45 degrees. We suited up and rode down to the Espresso Bakery for breakfast. I was tempted to order the triple berry pie for breakfast but settled on a hearty slice of ham and cheese quiche pie. It was delicious with a tender flaky crust and cheesy, ham and herb filling.

We were eager to get back on the road since the weather promised to be nice, but we also had lots of errands to run. After breakfast we hit the local Albertson's for a few road supplies. Marc's achilles tendons have been bothering him (probably since he's hauling a 50 lb trailer) so we hit the pharmacy aisle for some ibuprofen and IcyHot cream. As we were discussing our medical needs, a fellow shopper and eavesdropper popped his head around the corner of the aisle and quipped, "You guys must be biking a long way."

We told him that we were off to Deer Lodge and he suggested that we take an alternate route- Highway 1 to Anaconda. He said it was the same mileage but alot more scenic but with a steeper climb. I wasn't to keen on doing another climb but we thanked him and said we'd consider it.

After loading up on groceries, pharmaceuticals and then a quick trip to the bike shop for tires (Marc was jealous of my new Armadillo's and wanted a pair too!) we were finally on our way. (It was 11 am by then.)

We followed I90 down to Drummond. It was a fairly uneventful ride, rather boring actually. The highway is by far the quickest, most direct route but really a boring ride. I find myself just checking out all the billboards and mileage signs counting down the miles until our next stop. One billboard in particular sticks out in my mind - The TESTICAL FESTIVAL! Whoa - don't want to miss that fest. (Mr. Homan I know you appreciate that one.)

At mile 50 we stopped in the Bull Shipping Capital of the US - Drummond, MT. A small dusty town with a few motels and saloons. We stopped a gas station to refill our water bottles and ponder if we would like the shorter, flatter route of the highway or branch off on the scenic route. We opted for the scenic route and are so glad that we did!

We headed up Highway 1 for about 30 miles to the small mountain town of Philipsburg. Its a cute town tucked in the valley overlooking the Pintler Mountains. Philipsburg is known for its "Gem Mountain". Many people come to "pan" for gems such as sapphires and such. Its a neat old historic town with many of the old 1900 era buildings restored to their original lustor.

We arrived in town late and to our dismay, it looked as if all the hotels were closed. After riding back and forth across town we happened upon a cute Bed & Breakfast called the Biker's Sanctuary. ( Aptly named as it used to be a presbyterian church back in the early 1900's.)

After settling into our room, our hostess invited us outside for dinner. We enjoyed an amazing grilled ribeye steak and salad on the beautiful deck overlooking the snow capped mountains of the Pintler range. After meeting the other hotel guests, a newlywed couple from Montana and a couple of guys from Canada, our hosts invited us out for a night on the town at the local watering hole, White Front Bar. It was a riot! We had a great time chatting with Kim, our host and her friend and our cook, De, and the other hotel guests. We were even introduced to the wife of the local Congressman! For a Tuesday night, that place was hoppin'!