Day 8 and Day 9: Quinn’s Hot Springs - Plains to Missoula, MT

Day 8 was our first official rest day, and we spent it at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. This was a lovely spot tucked in the mountains with seven pools to choose from for soaking away your muscle aches and pains.

In addition to soaking, a number of us also checked out some of the local hiking trails to further explore the area and take in the views of the mountains and wildflowers.

Tolmie Star-Tulip, Lady Slippers, Wasatch Beardtongue

Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for Day 9. Our route to Missoula was set to be on route 200 for about 60 miles (see Day 7 description for our thoughts on that road.)

After serious consideration, we decided that we would not ride to Missoula, since 200 would be far too dangerous in the rain with cars and trucks speeding next to us on wet pavement and blowing up more water at us.

The only other option was a dirt logging road over a mountain where the SAG vehicle can’t travel, and where we would likely be pushing our bikes uphill through the mud. So, not a viable alternative. Kathleen found a shuttle that will come pick us up with our bikes and take us to Missoula, so we thereby aim to avoid any potential disasters on the road. 10 bikes will fit on this van!

This is the drive on 200. Beautiful, but notice the lack of shoulder with cars going 70 around corners.

In Missoula, we stopped in at the Adventure Cycling Association headquarters for maps and some rain gear. We also had our pic put on the wall for this year’s riders!

Rain and thunderstorms are predicted for Day 10 as well. However, we will be on paved trails, so we won’t need to manage impatient drivers in the rain. Just our own impatience to get to Darby and out of the rain and cold!

Don and Pete hanging out at Shady Spruce Hostel.

Highlights:

HOT SPRINGS

Hiking nearby

HOT SPRINGS

Kathleen finding a shuttle for ALL of the bikes and people!

Adventure Cycling Association Headquarters

Lowlights:

Needing to be shuttled.