Day 5, July 30: bicycle oasis

Arlee - Missoula http://cyclemeter.com/85ef50859d8f1e5c/Cycle-20150730-1012

Distance: 38.0 miles

Riding time: 3:34

Average speed: 10.6

Maximum speed: 25.8

Weather: low 60s in the am, low 90s in the afternoon, bright sun all day, 10 mph headwind from the south in the morning shifting to a west tail wind of 5 - 10 mph in the early afternoon.

Terrain: uphill 1622, downhill 1728. The profile shows a big climb and a long descent.

There was a gap in the motels in this part of Montana so I had a short day of riding. On the way to Missoula I saw an animal bridge over the highway. The short ride gave me some time to appreciate Missoula, a very bike friendly city with a mellow vibe. Missoula is a college town and it has put major bike infrastructure in place. I probably won't see so many bikes until I reach Minneapolis.

The Flathead Nation built an animal bridge over US 93/MT 200.

The picture shows a grizzly statue, the University of Montana's oldest building, and a big white "M" on the hillside above.

The Missoula Bicycle/Pedestrian Office's mission is to reduce single-occupant motorized vehicle use and enhance non-motorized transportation options.